What could cause America’s power grid to fail—and why is protecting it so difficult?

Bill Walton joins Tommy Waller of the Center for Security Policy and Jonathan Hollerman of Grid Down Consulting to examine threats to America’s electrical infrastructure, the potential consequences of a major blackout, and the debate over who is responsible for protecting the grid.

From electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks and high-altitude nuclear testing to solar storms, coronal mass ejections, and the historic 1859 Carrington Event, the conversation explores how different threats could disrupt the electricity that powers everyday life. The guests also discuss cyberattacks, including the Ukraine power grid attack, and the vulnerabilities surrounding high-voltage transformers.

Beyond the threats themselves lies a question of accountability. Are utility oversight, regulatory standards, and political incentives keeping pace with the risks? Waller and Hollerman offer their perspectives on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), utility accountability, and the influence of lobbying on grid protection.

The discussion also considers how artificial intelligence and expanding data centers are increasing electricity demand—and whether technology companies could become a driving force for stronger grid security.

Topics include:

• Electromagnetic pulse attacks and EMP testing
• Solar storms, coronal mass ejections, and the Carrington Event
• Cybersecurity threats and lessons from the Ukraine grid attack
• High-voltage transformers and electrical infrastructure vulnerability
• AI data centers and rising electricity demand
• FERC, NERC, and utility oversight
• Grid security advocacy, lobbying, and political incentives

Listen or watch as The Bill Walton Show examines the intersection of energy security, critical infrastructure, and national security.

Which concern deserves the most attention: cyberattacks, EMPs, solar storms, or infrastructure security? Share your thoughts, share this conversation, and subscribe to The Bill Walton Show for more.

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CONNECT WITH THE GUESTS

Tommy Waller | Center for Security Policy
Website: https://centerforsecuritypolicy.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/securefreedom/
X: https://x.com/securefreedom
Secure the Grid: https://securethegrid.com/

Jonathan Hollerman | Grid Down Consulting
Website and bio: https://griddownconsulting.com/bio/

Chapters

(00:00:12) - Introduction to Grid Threats and EMP Basics
(00:01:20) - High Altitude Nuclear Tests and EMP Discovery
(00:02:44) - Soviet Kazakhstan Test and Geomagnetic Effects
(00:03:41) - Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and EMP Secrecy
(00:04:37) - Solar Flares and the Carrington Event
(00:07:27) - Modern Grid Vulnerability to Solar Storms
(00:09:14) - Cyber Attacks and Grid Malware Threats
(00:10:19) - Rising Electricity Demand from AI and Data Centers
(00:12:17) - NERC and FERC Regulatory Dysfunction
(00:14:52) - Industry Irresponsibility and the 2003 Blackout Example
(00:16:26) - FERC Oversight, Lawsuits, and Regulatory Capture
(00:19:22) - Lobbying Power and Political Cover-up
(00:21:03) - Lobbyist Influence on Grid Security Legislation
(00:22:32) - Enlisting Silicon Valley and Big Tech in Grid Security

Could America Go Dark? EMPs, Solar Storms & Power Grid Failure | Jonathan Hollerman & Tommy Waller

The Bill Walton Show

Could America Go Dark? EMPs, Solar Storms & Power Grid Failure | Jonathan Hollerman & Tommy Waller