June 8, 2025 • 8 mins
A global Cyberwar? Several factors have ramped up the chances of it. Some preppers fear an EMP—an electromagnetic pulse—might knock out our grid. A large-scale attack could potentially affect hospital systems, food production, and logistics. The big question is—can our grid handle such an attack? Listen to find out.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) A global cyber war.
Several factors have ramped up the chances of
it.
Some preppers fear an EMP, an Electromagnetic Pulse,
might knock out our grid.
A large-scale attack could potentially affect hospital
systems, food production, and logistics.
The big question is, can our grid handle
such an attack?
Listen to find out.
(00:22):
Hi, it's the Urban Lady Prepper.
I help single moms and solo women with
practical emergency preparedness.
But of course, all are welcome to be
better prepared for whatever happens next.
Cyber attacks are on the upswing and a
recent report from the World Economic Forum suggests
that several factors have ramped up the chances
of a global cyber war.
(00:43):
The power grid is the backbone of our
modern lives, powering everything from our daily comforts
to crucial services.
It's a complex network that's been around for
decades and is starting to show its age.
Though it's generally seen as reliable, it's not
as sturdy as most people think.
With skyrocketing energy demands, severe weather, and both
(01:03):
domestic and foreign threats becoming more common, the
grid's weak spots are becoming more obvious.
Some preppers are worried that an EMP, an
Electromagnetic Pulse, might knock out our grid, and
that seems more feasible now than ever.
A large-scale attack could potentially affect hospital
systems, food production, and logistics.
(01:23):
So, can our grid handle such an attack?
The grid is a sophisticated web of power
plants, transformers, and transmission lines that work together
to keep the lights on in cities and
rural areas.
While it currently operates with around 99%
reliability, as energy needs rise, this old infrastructure
will struggle to keep up, leading to more
(01:45):
blackouts and inefficiencies.
It was initially built to handle predictable and
stable loads, but now it's facing big challenges
with increased consumption and a mix of evolving
energy sources.
A lot of the grid's components are outdated,
and old technology only makes it harder for
it to meet today's demands, especially with increasing
digitalization and tech advances.
(02:08):
Extreme weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, long heat
waves, and rising cybersecurity threats really show where
the grid is vulnerable, putting extra stress on
it and making it more fragile.
These problems mess with daily life and affect
everything from household routines to business operations, putting
stable power access at risk, key for economic
(02:28):
stability and public safety.
Threats from domestic and foreign terrorist attacks highlight
and increase vulnerabilities, showing the need for stronger
protection and solid emergency response plans.
So, it's essential to take proactive steps to
systematically upgrade and modernize the grid to prevent
catastrophic failures and ensure a sustainable and steady
(02:49):
energy supply now and in the future.
You might not think about it much, but
are power grids feeling the pressure from all
sides?
Think of it as an old car that
keeps needing more repairs.
Many parts have been around longer than they
should have, leading to more frequent breakdowns.
Our never-ending appetite for energy is cranking
up the pressure.
With so many new gadgets and tech gobbling
(03:11):
up power, the grid struggles to keep up
during peak times, causing blackouts and possibly hurting
the economy.
Then there's the weather.
Storms that knock out power lines and heat
waves that push the grid to its limits
can lead to long outages, brownouts, costly fixes,
and major disruptions in our lives.
As we use more digital tech, the risk
(03:32):
of cyber attacks grows.
These sneaky threats can disrupt service, corrupt data,
and even threaten national security.
Plus, while moving towards renewable energy is great
for the planet, it's tricky for a grid
designed for old-style fuels.
Adjustments are required to integrate these new energy
sources smoothly.
Also, as AI and crypto mining grow rapidly,
(03:54):
the energy needed to power them doubles about
every 100 days.
A U.S. Department of Energy report highlights
that U.S. data centers now use 4
.4 percent of the nation's electricity, with predictions
that it could double or triple by 2028,
hitting between 7 percent and 12 percent.
Training a large language model like GPT-3
(04:15):
gobbles up about as much power as 130
U.S. homes use annually.
So, not only will our grid become less
reliable, there are also worries that the cost
to subsidize these energy hogs will trickle down
to us, the consumer.
Community leaders may take corporate money to supply
them with more energy, while taking away from
the constituents they serve.
(04:37):
All these challenges highlight an urgent need to
make our grid tougher and more adaptable to
handle the increasingly complex energy game we're playing.
When the population grows, so does the electricity
demand, which means our grid's under the gun
to keep up.
This calls for a more flexible and strong
grid, plus smart planning and investment, ensuring we
can efficiently handle our ever-growing energy needs.
(05:00):
If you're wondering where the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act from 2021 fits in, well, that
was a big move to tackle our grid's
challenges.
This act wasn't just a pointer for grid
improvements, it also created over 1.5 million
jobs.
It's set to expire in 2026, and local
governments are calling their reps to keep it
(05:20):
alive.
The current president issued an executive order this
past January that created confusion over its funding,
especially regarding projects linked to electric vehicles and
climate initiatives, and it paused the overall financial
support.
But switching up our energy choices is key
to a solid, sustainable future.
By blending in renewables like solar and wind,
(05:43):
we cut our grid reliance and carbon footprint
while boosting sustainability.
Individually, cutting down on energy use is not
just good for your wallet, it helps ease
the load on our power grid, reduces your
environmental footprint, and supports a more sustainable world.
Here are some straightforward ways you can trim
your energy use.
(06:03):
Start with a home energy audit to pinpoint
where you're using the most power.
This lets you make specific improvements to cut
down on waste.
Swipe out those old incandescent bulbs for energy
efficient LEDs.
They use way less power, last a lot
longer, and they're just plain better for your
energy bill.
Think about upgrading your outdated appliances to energy
(06:24):
star rated ones.
These models use much less power without sacrificing
performance, boosting your energy savings considerably.
Installing smart thermostats can make a big difference.
They adjust your heating and cooling for you,
saving energy and money when you're out.
Don't forget about those electronics.
Unplug them when you're not using them or
(06:45):
use power strips to cut off groups of
devices to stop phantom energy drain.
Boost your home's insulation to keep heating and
cooling in check.
This will keep you comfy and save energy
through all kinds of weather.
Simple habits can add up to a lot
of savings too.
Shorten your showers, do laundry in warm or
cold water, and use natural light as much
(07:05):
as possible so you can bring down your
energy use and up your sustainability.
By taking these steps, you're doing your part
to strengthen the power grid and make life
more sustainable, all while enjoying lower bills and
a smaller carbon footprint.
It's a win-win that helps both you
and the community thrive, and if you haven't
thought about adding renewable energy sources to your
(07:27):
home or alternate power sources, you may want
to start looking into them as a tactic
to bolster your energy security for when, not
if, the grid goes down.
Thanks for listening.
Until next time, this is the Urban Lady
Prepper signing off.
(07:48):
I'm sure I've given you some things to
think about as you go through the upcoming
week.
Has this episode resonated with you?
Let me know in the comments.
Don't forget to click the link in the
podcast description to get your free Essential Prepper
checklist.
While there, get one of my cool designs
on a shirt, hat, mug, and more at
my Redbubble store, or you can always buy
(08:08):
me a coffee or get a Jace case
for your emergency medical needs.
It helps support what I do and I
really appreciate it.
Join me on the socials, especially on YouTube,
where I'll be uploading videos for my blogs
from UrbanLadyPrepper.com.
I appreciate your time with me.
Stay safe, stay sharp, and be ready.
(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) A global cyber war.
Several factors have ramped up the chances of
it.
Some preppers fear an EMP, an Electromagnetic Pulse,
might knock out our grid.
A large-scale attack could potentially affect hospital
systems, food production, and logistics.
The big question is, can our grid handle
such an attack?
Listen to find out.
(00:22):
Hi, it's the Urban Lady Prepper.
I help single moms and solo women with
practical emergency preparedness.
But of course, all are welcome to be
better prepared for whatever happens next.
Cyber attacks are on the upswing and a
recent report from the World Economic Forum suggests
that several factors have ramped up the chances
of a global cyber war.
(00:43):
The power grid is the backbone of our
modern lives, powering everything from our daily comforts
to crucial services.
It's a complex network that's been around for
decades and is starting to show its age.
Though it's generally seen as reliable, it's not
as sturdy as most people think.
With skyrocketing energy demands, severe weather, and both
(01:03):
domestic and foreign threats becoming more common, the
grid's weak spots are becoming more obvious.
Some preppers are worried that an EMP, an
Electromagnetic Pulse, might knock out our grid, and
that seems more feasible now than ever.
A large-scale attack could potentially affect hospital
systems, food production, and logistics.
(01:23):
So, can our grid handle such an attack?
The grid is a sophisticated web of power
plants, transformers, and transmission lines that work together
to keep the lights on in cities and
rural areas.
While it currently operates with around 99%
reliability, as energy needs rise, this old infrastructure
will struggle to keep up, leading to more
(01:45):
blackouts and inefficiencies.
It was initially built to handle predictable and
stable loads, but now it's facing big challenges
with increased consumption and a mix of evolving
energy sources.
A lot of the grid's components are outdated,
and old technology only makes it harder for
it to meet today's demands, especially with increasing
digitalization and tech advances.
(02:08):
Extreme weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, long heat
waves, and rising cybersecurity threats really show where
the grid is vulnerable, putting extra stress on
it and making it more fragile.
These problems mess with daily life and affect
everything from household routines to business operations, putting
stable power access at risk, key for economic
(02:28):
stability and public safety.
Threats from domestic and foreign terrorist attacks highlight
and increase vulnerabilities, showing the need for stronger
protection and solid emergency response plans.
So, it's essential to take proactive steps to
systematically upgrade and modernize the grid to prevent
catastrophic failures and ensure a sustainable and steady
(02:49):
energy supply now and in the future.
You might not think about it much, but
are power grids feeling the pressure from all
sides?
Think of it as an old car that
keeps needing more repairs.
Many parts have been around longer than they
should have, leading to more frequent breakdowns.
Our never-ending appetite for energy is cranking
up the pressure.
With so many new gadgets and tech gobbling
(03:11):
up power, the grid struggles to keep up
during peak times, causing blackouts and possibly hurting
the economy.
Then there's the weather.
Storms that knock out power lines and heat
waves that push the grid to its limits
can lead to long outages, brownouts, costly fixes,
and major disruptions in our lives.
As we use more digital tech, the risk
(03:32):
of cyber attacks grows.
These sneaky threats can disrupt service, corrupt data,
and even threaten national security.
Plus, while moving towards renewable energy is great
for the planet, it's tricky for a grid
designed for old-style fuels.
Adjustments are required to integrate these new energy
sources smoothly.
Also, as AI and crypto mining grow rapidly,
(03:54):
the energy needed to power them doubles about
every 100 days.
A U.S. Department of Energy report highlights
that U.S. data centers now use 4
.4 percent of the nation's electricity, with predictions
that it could double or triple by 2028,
hitting between 7 percent and 12 percent.
Training a large language model like GPT-3
(04:15):
gobbles up about as much power as 130
U.S. homes use annually.
So, not only will our grid become less
reliable, there are also worries that the cost
to subsidize these energy hogs will trickle down
to us, the consumer.
Community leaders may take corporate money to supply
them with more energy, while taking away from
the constituents they serve.
(04:37):
All these challenges highlight an urgent need to
make our grid tougher and more adaptable to
handle the increasingly complex energy game we're playing.
When the population grows, so does the electricity
demand, which means our grid's under the gun
to keep up.
This calls for a more flexible and strong
grid, plus smart planning and investment, ensuring we
can efficiently handle our ever-growing energy needs.
(05:00):
If you're wondering where the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act from 2021 fits in, well, that
was a big move to tackle our grid's
challenges.
This act wasn't just a pointer for grid
improvements, it also created over 1.5 million
jobs.
It's set to expire in 2026, and local
governments are calling their reps to keep it
(05:20):
alive.
The current president issued an executive order this
past January that created confusion over its funding,
especially regarding projects linked to electric vehicles and
climate initiatives, and it paused the overall financial
support.
But switching up our energy choices is key
to a solid, sustainable future.
By blending in renewables like solar and wind,
(05:43):
we cut our grid reliance and carbon footprint
while boosting sustainability.
Individually, cutting down on energy use is not
just good for your wallet, it helps ease
the load on our power grid, reduces your
environmental footprint, and supports a more sustainable world.
Here are some straightforward ways you can trim
your energy use.
(06:03):
Start with a home energy audit to pinpoint
where you're using the most power.
This lets you make specific improvements to cut
down on waste.
Swipe out those old incandescent bulbs for energy
efficient LEDs.
They use way less power, last a lot
longer, and they're just plain better for your
energy bill.
Think about upgrading your outdated appliances to energy
(06:24):
star rated ones.
These models use much less power without sacrificing
performance, boosting your energy savings considerably.
Installing smart thermostats can make a big difference.
They adjust your heating and cooling for you,
saving energy and money when you're out.
Don't forget about those electronics.
Unplug them when you're not using them or
(06:45):
use power strips to cut off groups of
devices to stop phantom energy drain.
Boost your home's insulation to keep heating and
cooling in check.
This will keep you comfy and save energy
through all kinds of weather.
Simple habits can add up to a lot
of savings too.
Shorten your showers, do laundry in warm or
cold water, and use natural light as much
(07:05):
as possible so you can bring down your
energy use and up your sustainability.
By taking these steps, you're doing your part
to strengthen the power grid and make life
more sustainable, all while enjoying lower bills and
a smaller carbon footprint.
It's a win-win that helps both you
and the community thrive, and if you haven't
thought about adding renewable energy sources to your
(07:27):
home or alternate power sources, you may want
to start looking into them as a tactic
to bolster your energy security for when, not
if, the grid goes down.
Thanks for listening.
Until next time, this is the Urban Lady
Prepper signing off.
(07:48):
I'm sure I've given you some things to
think about as you go through the upcoming
week.
Has this episode resonated with you?
Let me know in the comments.
Don't forget to click the link in the
podcast description to get your free Essential Prepper
checklist.
While there, get one of my cool designs
on a shirt, hat, mug, and more at
my Redbubble store, or you can always buy
(08:08):
me a coffee or get a Jace case
for your emergency medical needs.
It helps support what I do and I
really appreciate it.
Join me on the socials, especially on YouTube,
where I'll be uploading videos for my blogs
from UrbanLadyPrepper.com.
I appreciate your time with me.
Stay safe, stay sharp, and be ready.
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