NERC releases Winter Reliability Assessment

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) recently released its annual Winter Reliability Assessment (WRA) which identifies, assesses and reports on areas of concern regarding the reliability of North American electrical grids for the upcoming winter season. “In addition, the WRA presents peak electricity demand and supply changes and highlights any unique regional challenges or expected conditions that might affect the reliability of the [bulk power system],” the report states.

It is important to note that NERC did not find any elevated risks should conditions stay relatively normal. However, in extreme conditions, many parts of North America face an elevated risk of energy shortfalls, largely driven constraints related to natural gas production and by delivery and transportation roadblocks. The areas that face an elevated risk are PJM interconnection, which coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states on the east coast, and the District of Columbia, as well as the New England ISO and ERCOT, which serves Texas.

Although the report stated that “regulatory and industry initiatives” have improved readiness in the winter, NERC is concerned about freezing temperatures effecting natural gas delivery to power plants. One grid that has improved its producers, gatherers and processors is Texas, but there is “little to no information to indicate” other areas have improved their “winterization” operations, according to the report.

In light of the potential consequences of energy shortfalls should a disaster scenario unfold this winter, the U.S., its respective grids, and federal energy agencies should prioritize efficient energy infrastructure projects, like pipelines, all year to strengthen operations. By committing additional support and resources to these types of initiatives now, hopefully grids across the U.S. will not face any potential elevated risks in the coming years.