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In Zimbabwe, rolling blackouts hobble mining goals

Apr 5, 2023
The country has an ambitious goal to reach $12 billion in mining exports in 2023, but industry leaders say they can't get ahead without reliable electricity.
Zimbabwe has the largest African lithium deposits, a mineral crucial to electric vehicle batteries. Above, workers inspect an open-pit lithium mine in Goromonzi, Zimbabwe.
Tafadzwa Ufumeli/Getty Images

Should utilities rethink the power transmission model?

May 9, 2022
Some say lawmakers are trying to solve 21st century problems with 20th century solutions.
Electricity providers in some parts of the country with hot weather are warning consumers that demand may outpace supply.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Texas' efforts to fix electrical grid may not be enough to prevent future blackouts

Sep 13, 2021
The state's decision nearly a century ago to go it alone when it comes to electricity still has ramifications today.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The legacy of Enron in California's power challenges today

Aug 4, 2021
California faces more potential rolling blackouts this year due to a historic drought. But the state's deregulated power system also plays a role, and dates back to the Enron scandal.
A man sits under his umbrella under high tension power lines in California in August 2020, two days after the state ordered rolling power outages.
Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images

A California fix for rolling blackouts irks neighbors

Jul 22, 2021
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently approved a California proposal that prioritizes its own power needs in a crunch.
Power lines running through Paradise, California on May 22, 2021.
Lily Jamali

California blackouts reflect a complicated supply-and-demand problem

Aug 17, 2020
The load can overwhelm the electric grid during heat waves, but this summer's outages have raised new questions.
A sign in Calistoga, California, calls on PG&E to turn the electricity back on during a statewide blackout in October 2019.
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images

Massive power shut-off would cost businesses in California

Oct 8, 2019
As the risk of wildfire and natural disasters increase with climate change, power disruptions could become more common.
Towers carrying electrical lines in south San Francisco.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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