NERC’s Summer Grid Outlook Shows Progress, But Elevated Risks Persist as Load Growth Outpaces Flexibility

Sonal Patel | Source: Power | Posted 05/16/2025

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All regions across the North American bulk power system (BPS) are generally positioned to meet peak demand under normal summer conditions, though elevated risks of electricity supply shortfalls could persist under extreme heat, surging demand, and resource variability, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC) warns.

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The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has released its 2025 Summer Reliability Assessment, indicating that while the bulk power system is generally prepared to meet peak demand this summer, there are significant risks of electricity supply shortfalls due to extreme heat and rising demand. The report highlights the challenges posed by accelerating load growth, diminishing dispatchable capacity, and a growing reliance on variable renewable resources, which complicate grid dynamics and elevate the risks of supply shortages during extreme conditions.

NERC identifies six regions—MISO, ERCOT, SPP, NPCC-New England, MRO-SaskPower, and WECC-Mexico—as facing heightened risks of insufficient operating reserves this summer. The assessment emphasizes the need for grid operators to adopt proactive measures, including conservative outage coordination and demand-side management, to mitigate these risks. Additionally, ongoing challenges related to inverter-based resources (IBRs), an aging generation fleet, and fuel supply coordination are underscored as critical factors influencing grid reliability.

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NERC’s Summer Grid Outlook Shows Progress, But Elevated Risks Persist as Load Growth Outpaces Flexibility

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