What are some potential effects of extreme weather on the power grid?

The selection of infrastructure damage and disruptions in electricity supply as the correct response highlights the significant impact that extreme weather can have on the power grid. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, ice storms, and heatwaves, can lead to various forms of physical damage to the power infrastructure. This includes downed power lines, damaged substations, and destroyed generation facilities. When such damage occurs, it can result in widespread power outages and interruptions in electricity service, affecting both residential and commercial users.

Beyond immediate physical damage, extreme weather can complicate the repair and recovery efforts, lengthening the time it takes to restore power. These disruptions can also result in cascading failures throughout the grid, where one issue leads to another, compounding the problems faced by utility companies and the overall energy supply chain.

The other options reflect aspects that may not align with the realities of extreme weather impacts. For example, increased demand for renewable energy might not directly link to immediate physical damage or disruptions caused by extreme weather; rather, it’s a long-term trend often driven by policy and technological advancements. Similarly, more stable energy supply and lower overall energy prices are typically not outcomes associated with extreme weather conditions, which tend to create volatility and uncertainty in both supply and pricing.