This PowerPoint presentation was given by Rob Bradley of the Institute for Energy Research, at the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s policy primer, “Wind Energy: Power for the Future or a Lot of Hot Air?”
Energy & Environment
The sun is stronger than our electric grid — and we are defenseless against it
The Carrington Event literally shocked telegraph operators. A repeat could shock an entire civilization into the pre-industrial age. Imagine being a telegraph operator in September 1859. You’re sitting at your station, using cutting-edge technology to tap out messages hundreds and thousands of miles away. Suddenly, brilliant auroras light up the night sky from the tropics...
February 9, 2026