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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.
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Total News Sources48
Leaning Left2Leaning Right8Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Center
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
55% Center
C 55%
R 36%
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