![Gas Pipelines](https://www.solarstorms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/AlaskanPipeline.jpg)
We use electricity. Lots of it!
On March 13, 1989, an electrical power blackout caused by a severe solar storm struck Quebec. It lasted 12 hours and affected 5 million people at an eventual cost of over $2 billion. Although electrical outages are very common, and we have all experience them, the ones caused by solar storms are very different. They can potentially cover entire continents because they are a global phenomenon.
The estimated cost for a storm like the one that happened on May 15, 1921 is about $26 billion per day, affecting about 150 million people.
![Gas Pipelines](https://www.solarstorms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/AlaskanPipeline.jpg)
![Water](https://www.solarstorms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/water-tower.jpg)
Water
Space weather affects the availability of fresh water![Geomagnetic Storms – Reducing the Threat to Critical Infrastructure in Canada](https://www.solarstorms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/cosmic-radiation.jpg)
Geomagnetic Storms – Reducing the Threat to Critical Infrastructure in Canada
Geomagnetic Storms - Reducing the Threat to Critical Infrastructure in Canada![Power Grid](https://www.solarstorms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GridMap.gif)
Power Grid
Power Grid![Electric Power Risk Assessment](https://www.solarstorms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/USAnight.jpeg)
Electric Power Risk Assessment
Electric Power Risk Assessment![The Changing Structure of the Electrical Power Power Grid](https://www.solarstorms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GridMap.gif)
The Changing Structure of the Electrical Power Power Grid
The Changing Structure of the Electrical Power Power Grid![Blackouts](https://www.solarstorms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/USAnight.jpeg)