Half of U.S. at risk for blackouts during extreme cold this winter, grid watchdog warns

A new report by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), which assesses the United States and Canada’s grid reliability, finds that much of the central and eastern U.S. could experience blackouts should a significant and lasting cold snap descend on the nation.

“Electricity supplies are at risk from freezing temperatures that threaten reliable operation of BPS [bulk power systems] generators, fuel supply issues for natural-gas-fired generation, and wind and solar resource energy limitations,” the report warned.

NERC has been warning for years that increased reliance on unreliable wind and solar threaten grid reliability, but the “2024-2025 Winter Reliability Assessment" explains that as coal resources diminish and the U.S. becomes more reliant on natural gas, pipeline infrastructure may not be adequate to ensure a secure supply to homes and generators.

With the U.S. Energy Information Administration anticipating a colder winter this year, the problem is compounded, according to the report released Thursday.

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Half of U.S. at risk for blackouts during extreme cold this winter, grid watchdog warns

“Electricity supplies are at risk from freezing temperatures that threaten reliable operation of BPS [bulk power systems] generators, fuel supply issues for natural-gas-fired generation, and wind and solar resource energy limitations,” the report states.

justthenews.com

 

[mattfivefour]

NERC has been warning for years that increased reliance on unreliable wind and solar threaten grid reliability, but the “2024-2025 Winter Reliability Assessment" explains that as coal resources diminish and the U.S. becomes more reliant on natural gas, pipeline infrastructure may not be adequate to ensure a secure supply to homes and generators.

And the people of America are about to pay the price due to the left-wing push for increased wind and solar energy at the expense of fossil fuels and equally due to the politicians who reaped significant personal and campaign rewards for buying in to the climate alarmists' snake oil racket regardless of the risks.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Since this summer, everything local here for long-range forecast said winter similar to last year (way warmer than usual), except maybe more snow, until the .gov (NWS and NOAA) said colder. Reading the .gov details, it's clear they don't know and they're guessing.

I wonder how much of this .gov and national media scare-tactic is to force "conservation" (i.e., freeze our butts off)

I hope the local guys are right, just for my sibling on the street.

 

[Tall Timbers]

is .gov and national media scare-tactic is to force "conservation

We already keep our house at 60 deg f in the winter months. I'd hate to have to go colder than that.