Over Half of North America at Risk of Power Blackouts: NERC

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

Surging demand poses a risk to the electrical grid over the next decade.

More than 50 percent of North America is facing a serious risk of an energy shortfall in the coming years amid the retirement of thermal plants and the addition of renewable energy sources, according to new data released by the non-profit North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC).

Most of the American bulk power systems (BPS) face “mounting resource adequacy challenges over the next 10 years as surging demand growth continues and thermal generators announce plans for retirement,” states the Dec. 17 report from the organization. New solar and hybrid energy resources are being added to the supply mix, but they are not being completed at a fast enough pace to meet the ever-increasing demand.

“The performance of these replacement resources is more variable and weather-dependent than the generators they are replacing,” the report reads.

“As a result, less overall capacity (dispatchable capacity in particular) is being added to the system than what was projected and needed to meet future demand.”

NERC is a regulatory authority that seeks to ensure the security and reliability of North America’s bulk power system.

The organization called natural gas-fired generators vital for the network. They are a flexible supply source that offers dispatchable electricity supply during the winter season and during times when solar and wind generation are incapable of meeting demand.

However, over the past seven years, natural gas pipeline capacity additions have trended downward.

“Some areas could experience insufficient pipeline capacity for electric generation during peak periods,” NERC stated.

The demand growth for electricity is higher now than at any time over the past couple decades, according to the report.

The rapid addition of data centers, including those for crypto and artificial intelligence, to the electrical grids presents a great challenge for planners, and the ongoing adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps is substantially increasing demand on the grids.

NERC projected peak demand in assessed areas to rise by 15 percent over the 10-year period, with winter demand estimated to jump by 18 percent.

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) region, which covers multiple states, including Arkansas, Mississippi, North Dakota, and Louisiana, was deemed to be the most vulnerable to electricity disruptions, per the new NERC assessment.

By Naveen Athrappully

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Obama Floats ‘New Forms of [State-Controlled] Journalism’

Notorious nemesis of civil liberties one and all, Barack Obama, ]apparently endorses a heavy state hand in the “regulation” of information.

Privilege Is Financial, Not Racial

If we stay divided by race, we’ll keep fighting each other while the true elites of all races thrive unseen, counting their wealth in comfort.

California Repeats Illinois’ History, PROSECUTE Newsom!

California may have improperly licensed 62,000 illegal aliens as Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) truck drivers.

The Stage Is Set For A US-Instigated Security Dilemma Between The Eurasian Rimland & Heartland

The US sends mixed signals on the Sino-Russo alliance after Trump downplayed concerns while Hegseth said he was ordered to “re-establish deterrence.”

Chambers of Horror

Using a shutdown to legislate is like using a flame thrower to light a candle, it provides light momentarily but destroys everything in its path.

FBI Foils Alleged Halloween Terror Plot, Arrests Multiple Suspects in Michigan

The FBI prevented a potential terrorist attack over Halloween weekend and arrested multiple suspects in Michigan, FBI Director Kash Patel said on Oct. 31.

Vance Warns Holiday Travel Could Be ‘Disaster’ If Government Does Not Reopen

Vice President JD Vance warned on Thursday that holiday travel will be a “disaster” if the government shutdown does not end.

Trump Admin Cuts Quota for Refugees, Prioritizes Afrikaners

Trump admin slashed quota for refugees and prioritized Afrikaners “and other victims of illegal or unjust discrimination in their respective homelands.”

DHS: 8,000 Percent Jump in Death Threats Against ICE Officers

DHS reports an 8,000% surge in death threats against U.S. immigration officers, raising alarm over safety concerns for federal personnel.

US, South Korea Finalize Trade Deal Reducing Tariffs, Boosting American Investment

The U.S. and South Korea finalized a major trade deal on Oct. 29 as President Trump wrapped up the final hours of his Asian tour on the Korean Peninsula.

Trump, Japanese PM Sign Critical Minerals, Rare Earths Deal

The U.S. president visited Tokyo on the second leg...

Trump Hikes Canada’s Tariffs by 10 Percent for Not Pulling Anti-Tariff Ad Immediately

Trump announced he will increase tariffs on Canada by 10% after ad by provincial government of Ontario misrepresented President Reagan’s speech on tariffs.

Trump Rolls Back Emissions Rules on Copper Smelters

President Trump issued a proclamation aimed at reversing a Biden-era environmental rule that enforced stricter air emission standards on copper smelters.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central