Large sections of the U.S. are susceptible to electricity supply shortages this summer, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) summer reliability report.
It’s typical for electricity demand to increase during the summer months but the warmer temperatures can also impact power plant operations, with prolonged heat waves potentially leading to reduced output or even outages. In addition, widespread heat can limit electricity transfers between regions because the electricity is needed to meet local demand.
The combination of higher electricity demand and reduced supply can cause energy shortfalls. All 20 NERC assessment areas have adequate power resources to meet normal peak summer demand this year, but certain areas (shaded areas in map below) are at elevated risk of supply shortages if confronted with more extreme summer conditions, such as the heat wave that has encompassed Texas and parts of the South over the past two weeks. The report also notes that outages will continue to be an issue in areas where “near-peak” demand conditions stretch into the fall months.
