Stronger Together: Creating a Community Energy Resilience Plan for Extreme Weather

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A community energy resilience plan is a neighborhood-based strategy that helps residents prepare for power disruptions and respond more effectively to natural disasters. These plans focus on practical solutions that protect vulnerable residents, lower energy costs, and increase access to reliable, clean energy.

Texas weather is getting more extreme. That means more power outages, higher bills, and extra stress for families trying to keep energy affordable and reliable.

By organizing locally and working with stakeholders like nonprofits, local government, and utilities, communities can implement strategies like energy storage, renewable energy systems, and distributed energy resources. These efforts not only make neighborhoods safer during emergencies but also help address long-term risks from climate change and a strained electrical grid.

Why Community Energy Resilience Matters More Than Ever

Energy resilience is the ability of a power system to anticipate, adapt to, and rapidly recover from natural disasters and other major disruptions. With Texas leading the nation in weather-related power outages, the need for resilient energy systems has never been clearer. Understanding the root causes and wide-reaching effects of these disruptions can help communities take meaningful steps toward stability.

From 2000 to 2023, weather caused 80% of major US power outages, and Texas led the nation with 210 of these events. The primary causes of these outages included severe weather such as high winds, rain, and thunderstorms (58%), followed by winter storms like snow, ice, and freezing rain (23%). Tropical cyclones, including hurricanes, accounted for 14%, while extreme heat and wildfires contributed 3% and 2%, respectively.

More recently, Texas was rocked by Hurricane Beryl and a historic heatwave that impacted many residents. Nearly 3 million people lost power during Beryl in July 2025, with over 1.6 million left in the dark for two days after the storm. Several months later, the May 2025 heatwave hit temperatures between 100°F and 111°F. This record-breaking heat sent electricity demand soaring past 78,000 megawatts and strained the state’s power grid.

Storms, extreme heat, and winter weather each stress the grid in unique ways, exposing systemic vulnerabilities in both infrastructure and preparedness. Besides being inconvenient, power loss can jeopardize emergency services, shut down critical facilities, and endanger those dependent on medical devices. Food spoilage, economic losses, and lack of communication further deepen the impact.

What’s often missing in these situations isn’t just stronger infrastructure — it’s local coordination. Community energy resilience starts at the neighborhood level, where people can make a real difference for those who live nearby.

For example, sharing backup power sources helps keep essential medical equipment running. Coordinating check-ins with vulnerable neighbors ensures no one is left behind during a crisis. And by reducing electricity demand through group weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades, communities can ease the burden on the grid and improve safety for everyone.

Community-Led Strategies for Energy Resilience

While top-down solutions can take time, communities don’t have to wait for legislation to become more energy resilient. Local strategies can immediately reduce vulnerabilities and provide reliable energy during crises.

A strong community energy resilience plan involves stakeholders from across the neighborhood, including local government, nonprofits, and community members, working together to implement energy technologies that align with community needs. Here are several strategies to consider.

When state or federal responses fall short, neighborhoods can take matters into their own hands. Forming local resilience groups or “energy pods” helps ensure everyone has support during outages through regular check-ins and shared resources.

Another option is installing shared solar panels paired with battery storage at community centers, schools, or churches. This allows these spaces to operate independently of the grid during emergencies. These self-sustaining power hubs, also called microgrids, offer a vital backup while also reducing emissions from fossil fuels.

Creating a neighborhood generator registry also makes it easier to find backup power close by. Knowing which homes or businesses have a generator within walking distance can be life-saving for some when the lights go out.

Communities can also improve energy efficiency by teaming up to purchase insulation kits, weatherproofing materials, and battery-powered fans in bulk. These affordable upgrades lower energy use and utility bills while promoting long-term sustainability through collaboration and preparedness.

How To Get Involved and Strengthen Your Block

Community resilience starts with simple steps and the power of connection. When neighbors organize, they build trust, a shared purpose, and a stronger foundation for navigating extreme weather events, grid outages, and other emergencies together.

Launch a Local Resilience Initiative

Creating a grassroots initiative builds awareness and action in your own backyard.

• Host a neighborhood meeting. Invite residents to discuss vulnerabilities in the local electricity system and brainstorm solutions together.
• Start a neighborhood communication group. Speak with your neighbors about the importance of community emergency preparedness. Consider using WhatsApp or a phone tree to alert each other about outages, check on vulnerable neighbors, and coordinate emergency help.
• Distribute flyers and toolkits. Share energy-saving tips that encourage small daily actions with a big community-wide impact.

Encourage Community Engagement and Shared Learning

Strengthening local networks can lead to long-term change through education and collaboration.

• Partner for home energy audits. Work with local utilities or nonprofits to measure household energy use and find cost-effective mitigation strategies.
• Offer hands-on energy workshops. Teach neighbors about things like electric vehicles, storage systems, and ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
• Track progress with community metrics. Use simple data points, such as the number of homes weatherized or energy saved, to gauge your resilience project’s impact.

Pursue Funding and Build Resilience Hubs

Tapping into support networks and financial aid can accelerate your community’s path to energy independence.

• Apply for community energy grants. Find a grant program that funds microgrids or retrofits for resilience hubs, such as schools or churches, that can serve as emergency shelters.
• Explore funding for energy upgrades. Many government and nonprofit programs support energy projects in underserved or low-income neighborhoods.

Take the First Step Today

Strengthening your block starts with one small move. Identify a single neighbor with whom you can collaborate, whether it’s to start a phone tree, plan a meeting, or explore a new resilience initiative. Your effort could be the beginning of a safer, more sustainable energy future for your entire community.

Looking for more? Explore these helpful resources to begin your journey:

• FEMA Preparedness Toolkits
• Ready.gov’s Guide to Citizen Preparedness
• FEMA’s Community Resilience Guide

Together, neighbors can turn small steps into lasting change and build a community that’s ready for whatever comes next.

Methodology

We collected and analyzed data from Climate Central to learn about weather-related power outages in the United States from 2000–2023. Sources for community-led strategies for energy resilience included:

• https://rmi.org/community-energy-resilience-initiative/
• https://www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-resilience-network
• https://www.energycodes.gov/energy-resilience
• https://www.eesi.org/topics/communities/description
• https://www.energycodes.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/PNNL_Energy_Resilience%20Guide_PNNL_Final.pdf
• https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/84493.pdf
• https://arxiv.org/abs/2302.11753

About Payless Power

Payless Power is a thought leader in the energy industry, focusing on technology, innovation, and accessibility. The company’s expertise includes the Texas energy grid, infrastructure improvements, weatherization safeguards, and the advancement of clean, renewable resources. Since 2005, Payless Power has provided energy solutions to residences and businesses across the Lone Star state.

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