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California’s Drought is Also an Energy Issue

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How the Drought of the '70s Compare to Today's Mega-Drought

As a life-long Californian, I’ve lived through the great drought of the ‘70s and many record-breaking hot-summer days, which resulted in energy usage restrictions. During our last drought—only a few years ago—we had numerous brownouts and blackouts.  It appears that this ongoing drought may cause more of those same issues, as a headline in the Guardian recently read: “Less water means more gas: how drought will test California’s stressed power grid.”

For the most part, Californians are typically requested to conserve energy during our hot summers when usage peaks due to ever-running air conditioners anyway.  However, if this continues, we may not have enough of our natural gas supply and our wind and solar doesn’t produce enough yet either.  

Additionally, according to the website, California Department of Water Resources, 11 out of the 12 largest reservoirs are well below historical levels, which limits their ability to provide hydroelectric power.  Granted, in a typical year, hydroelectric power only contributes to roughly 15 percent of California’s available power.  However, with this severe drought, we're down to 7 percent hydro and it is doubtful that we will have that 7 percent of energy to rely on going forward. 

With our natural gas supplies becoming scarcer each year, combined with a drought-induced hydroelectric shortage, Californians may not be able to escape from our 100-plus degree weather this summer—no electricity equals no air conditioner.

All of this happened with the ‘70s drought and we struggled through it.  Nevertheless, it wasn’t easy and it didn’t last this long.   Besides conserving water, we didn’t use our air conditioning even when we had ample power.  People compensated by sitting outside more and talking with their neighbors instead of running the air conditioner.  It became somewhat of a contest between friends and family of who could use the least amount of water and electricity.  I still remember the uncomfortable cold and extremely short showers. 

Since our population has nearly doubled since the ‘70s and we are experiencing a mega-drought, our drought-related energy issues might be more difficult than in the past.    Of course, as mentioned above, we are using more solar and wind power, which seems like a no-brainer in this sunny, windy state.  Nevertheless, power plants for this form of energy are not sprouting up all over the state yet. 

For now, others may benefit by doing what worked for me in the ‘70s.  This summer the television and thermostat will grow dusty.  I’ll read more, enjoy our patio at night until it gets too dark, and my barbecue will be my most used cooking method. 

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