Among the many advantages of smart grid implementation, the ability to reduce power outages is often underplayed in countries where reliable power is perceived to be a constant fact of life. However, given the critical nature of power in high demand countries like the United States, power outages can be much more disruptive and costly. Over the past five years, the U.S. has averaged 171 major electrical disturbances that affect an average of 19.3 million customers. In this report Zpryme examines U.S. utility power outages by analyzing outage data from the 2008 – 2010 to identify relevant changes in the number of outages, the number of outage hours, and the causes of outages during this time period.

The report concludes that smart grid technologies such as sensors, IEDs, smart meters, and advanced communications can help mitigate the number of outages, and identify and restore power faster when outages occur.

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