“AI Reveals Hidden Vulnerabilities: Identifying Homes at Risk of Blackouts Without Visiting”

Stevens researchers have developed a groundbreaking new method to identify homes most vulnerable to blackouts without physically visiting them, as reported in a recent study published in the Journal of Smart Cities and Society. With a quarter of U.S. homes fully electric and solar installations on the rise, understanding vulnerabilities in the power grid has become crucial for emergency planning and public safety.

Led by Stevens professor Philip Odonkor, the research team, including recent graduates Andrew Majowicz and Chetan Popli, utilized AI technology to analyze Department of Energy building-stock data from 129,000 single-family homes across eight states. By examining energy patterns, the team was able to distinguish fully electrified homes from those using a mix of energy sources and identify specific appliances that have shifted to electric power.

The study revealed that fully electrified homes were nearly three times more vulnerable to winter outages compared to mixed-energy homes. While solar-powered homes showed resilience during summer heat waves, they struggled during winter storms due to the intense heating demands. This highlights the need for preparedness as more homes transition to electric power.

The team’s innovative machine-learning models achieved over 95% accuracy in identifying vulnerable homes based on energy-consumption patterns, eliminating the need for invasive surveys. This new approach allows utilities and emergency responders to target at-risk households efficiently, enhancing response times during extreme weather events.

The implications of this research extend beyond individual homeowners, offering valuable insights for community emergency services and urban planners. As cities strive to build climate resilience, these tools can aid in prioritizing responses during outages and developing more resilient housing stock.

With aging power grids facing increased stress from severe weather events, the findings underscore the importance of implementing strategies to protect vulnerable solar and electric households during emergencies. As we transition to sustainable cities, understanding vulnerabilities is essential for ensuring the safety and resilience of communities.

Professor Odonkor emphasizes that the future of urban housing must prioritize resilience alongside sustainability to safeguard communities in the face of climate challenges. The research serves as a critical warning that proactive measures are needed to protect vulnerable homes and ensure the reliability of the power grid in the years to come.