(Liberal Voice Network) – As a scorching heatwave sweeps across the United States, the resilience of the power grid is being pushed to its limits. With soaring temperatures, the demand for electricity spikes as individuals and businesses rely heavily on air conditioning to combat the heat. However, this surge in demand coincides with potential constraints on power supply caused by the very same sweltering conditions.
Grid officials have issued warnings that large portions of the country could face blackouts if this summer proves to be exceptionally hot. The North American Energy Reliability Corporation (NERC) concluded in its summer outlook that about two-thirds of North America are at risk of energy shortages during periods of extreme demand. According to NERC, regions west of the Mississippi River, including the Western United States, the Central region, and most of Texas, could experience energy deficits during such extreme conditions. New England and Ontario also face an “elevated” risk of blackouts.
NERC attributes this elevated risk to a combination of retiring conventional power generation, a substantial increase in peak demand forecasts, and the growing threat to reliability posed by widespread heat events. However, officials believe that the entire power grid should be able to meet normal peak summer demand this year under regular circumstances. The risk of blackouts arises only in the face of extreme heat.
Unfortunately, many Americans in the Southern and Central regions are already grappling with extreme heat. Nearly 40 million people, spanning from Arizona to Alabama, are currently under excessive heat warnings and advisories. In desert areas and West Texas, temperatures above 110˚F are expected, with some locations possibly reaching or feeling like 120˚F. Meteorologists anticipate that the heatwave may persist into the beginning of the following week.
The situation could worsen as a significant portion of the United States faces the possibility of above-average temperatures over the next three months. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s latest forecast suggests that the Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Texas, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions have the highest likelihood of experiencing hotter-than-average temperatures during this period.
Several factors come into play when considering whether the power grid can withstand the strain. One critical issue is the increasing reliance on cleaner energy sources, such as wind and solar, as coal power plants retire. However, the intermittent nature of wind power presents operational challenges, as generation depends on wind availability. Insufficient wind and high demand periods could lead to energy emergencies.Wind power plays a vital role in fulfilling energy demands in Texas and the two power grid regions that encompass the central area of the United States. Additionally, drought conditions and low reservoir levels may impact hydroelectric power generation.
NERC has also raised concerns about new environmental regulations that limit emissions from power plants. The regulations in question limit the functioning of coal-fired power plants in 23 states, including Nevada, Utah, as well as states along the Gulf Coast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest. This summer marks the first since the implementation of the EPA’s Good Neighbor Plan, aimed at reducing cross-state smog from power plants and industrial sites.
The power grid further faces challenges stemming from supply chain disruptions and worker shortages. These issues have led to delays or cancellations in maintenance efforts to prepare the system for the summer. NERC specifically highlighted low inventories of replacement transformers, which could hinder power facilities’ ability to recover from hurricanes and severe storms.