Power surges and the risk to homes

Power surges can pose a serious risk to homes, as seen in the case of a house fire in Waltham, Massachusetts. When the power grid experienced a power surge, some houses in the neighborhood had flickering lights, while others had power surges within their homes. This incident highlights the growing problem of dangerous power surges that can happen in various places. Factors contributing to the increased risk include an aging infrastructure, extreme weather, higher electricity usage, and the push towards electrification. To prevent such incidents, utilities are exploring options like underground power lines, but cost remains a significant hurdle.