Published • loading... • Updated
Power grid regulator says PNW in 'crosshairs' for potential winter blackouts
Winter peak demand in the Pacific Northwest is projected to rise 9.3% due to electrification and data centers while renewables underperform in cold weather, NERC said.
- The North American Electric Reliability Corporation said the Pacific Northwest has joined U.S. areas at elevated risk of a power shortfall in the coming months, defining the region as Oregon, Washington, Montana, and parts of Northern California and northern Idaho.
- Rising winter peak demand is being driven by new data centers and broad electrification as grid operator reserves shrink in winter due to variable resources, NERC said.
- On the positive side, the Northwest retains significant hydropower capacity, while wind and solar resources and energy storage tied to them often underperform during prolonged cold, NERC said.
- After the January 12, 2024 cold snap, utilities in Washington and Oregon asked customers to limit usage, and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation urged pre-winter preparations and protocol rehearsals.
- Across North America, continental demand increase exceeds 20 gigawatts, and officials warned residents of the Pacific Northwest to follow state agencies and utilities because winter outages can be life-or-death.
Insights by Ground AI
48 Articles
48 Articles
Power grid regulator says PNW in 'crosshairs' for potential winter blackouts
(The Center Square) - The Pacific Northwest could be facing a challenging winter ahead when it comes to the demand for power and potential blackouts. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which develops and enforces mandatory reliability standards for the North American bulk power system to prevent and reduce the risk of blackouts, said this week the region has joined the ranks of U.S. areas at "elevated risk" of a power shortfall…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources48
Leaning Left2Leaning Right8Center20Last UpdatedBias Distribution66% Center
Bias Distribution
- 66% of the sources are Center
66% Center
C 66%
R 27%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
