Abstract: Soaring temperatures and increased frequency of heatwaves have changed the way many people use electricity, often leading to higher consumption during the summer months. This trend is likely to continue as climate change progresses and temperatures increase. In order to ensure our electricity grid is prepared for these changes, it is important to develop accurate predictive models that account for climate-induced shifts in demand. Here, I will present results from two studies that leverage state-of-the-art data analytics to investigate the impact of climate change on electricity demand. The first study focuses on city-wide demand, while the second aims to evaluate changes in household-level air conditioning use. Together, these studies demonstrate the impact climate change is likely to have on the larger electricity grid, as well as the implications for residents. Understanding these shifts is a critical step to improving the resilience of our electricity infrastructure in the face of climate change.
Bio: Dr. Renee Obringer is an assistant professor in the Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering at Penn State, as well as a faculty associate in the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute. Her research interests focus on understanding and evaluating the impact of climate change on urban systems, with an emphasis on water and electricity. More broadly, Renee harnesses methods from data science, climatology, and civil engineering to study the nexus between climate change, people, and urban systems. Prior to starting her role at Penn State, Renee worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center at the University of Maryland. She earned her PhD in environmental and ecological engineering from Purdue University.