Solar Eclipse 2024: Texans Brace for Power Outages
As the April 8th total solar eclipse approaches, there’s buzz about potential power outages in Texas during this astronomical event. Our recent survey of 984 Texans uncovers how the Lone Star State is preparing for the eclipse, highlighting concerns about energy supply and spending on emergency supplies. This article examines the balance between statewide excitement for this natural phenomenon and the practical considerations that come with it.
Key Takeaways
- Over half of Texans (55%) are at least moderately concerned about an eclipse-related power outage.
- Nearly 1 in 8 Texans (12%) expect an eclipse-related power outage.
- 7% of Texans are purchasing supplies in preparation for a potential eclipse-related power outage, spending an average of $97.
- 65% of Texans plan to view the eclipse from their home, and another 8% are traveling to view it.
- Dallas residents are the most likely to be at least moderately concerned about an eclipse-related power outage (58%); Fort Worth residents are the least likely (47%).
- Dallas residents are the most likely to expect an eclipse-related power outage (16%).
- Remote employees (58%) are 9% more likely to be at least moderately concerned about an eclipse-related power outage than on-site employees (53%).
- On average, Texans would consider an eclipse-related power outage of 21 minutes acceptable.
- Gen Z is the most forgiving regarding acceptable eclipse-related power outage time (22 minutes); baby boomers are the least forgiving (16 minutes).
- Dallas residents are the least forgiving regarding acceptable eclipse-related power outage time (17 minutes); San Antonio is the most forgiving (22 minutes).
- Remote workers are less forgiving regarding acceptable eclipse-related power outage time (19 minutes) than on-site workers (21 minutes).
- 13% of Texans would consider any length of power outage unacceptable.
- 43% of Texans would only consider an acceptable eclipse-related power outage time of 10 minutes or less.
- Fort Worth and San Antonio residents are the most likely to view the total solar eclipse from their homes (73%).
- Austin residents are the most likely to travel to view the total solar eclipse (11%).
- Houston residents are the most likely to not view the total solar eclipse (15%).
Methodology
For this study, we surveyed 984 Texans about their concerns for an eclipse-related power outage.
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Fair Use Statement
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