Intro to Power Quality: The Problem We Can't Ignore Anymore

As the world races toward an electrical and sustainable energy future, there’s a critical piece of the puzzle that most of us have been missing. While solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage tend to dominate the conversation, Power Quality remains unnoticed. But why does it matter?

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The following might happen to you: you’re at home, plugging in your electric vehicle for tomorrow’s commute when, suddenly, the lights flicker, your smart thermostat reboots, and your EV charging slows to a frustrating trickle. These aren’t just minor disruptions – it’s a snapshot of what could happen to entire energy grids if we ignore the role of power quality in the energy transition.

Power quality, also defined as the reliability and stability of our electrical supply, is a fundamental requirement for the success of renewable energy integration. Ignoring it could cost us a lot down the line. Think of damaged infrastructure and electrical equipment, lost renewable energy production, and an unreliable energy system. So why isn’t this issue getting more attention? The truth is, we don’t see many of the problems described above – yet! Additionally, power quality can seem complex, technical, and perhaps, not as captivating as solar panels or wind farms. Yet, at Withthegrid, we recognize its essential role and aim to bring clarity to this topic.