NERC warns of summer grid strain amid load growth and heat risks

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The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has issued a warning regarding potential strain on the power grid this summer due to increased load growth and higher temperatures. The 2025 Summer Reliability Assessment indicates that while the North American Bulk Power System is expected to have sufficient resources under normal conditions, challenges may arise during peak demand periods. This summer, 15 out of 23 regions are projected to experience higher peak demand, driven by factors such as new data centers, electrification, and industrial activity. Additionally, the report highlights that over 7.4 GW of generation capacity has been retired, which could further complicate resource adequacy.

NERC also raised concerns about the reliability of aging generation facilities and the performance of inverter-based resources (IBRs) like solar and battery storage. While the addition of new solar and battery resources is expected to enhance capacity, there are risks associated with IBRs unexpectedly tripping offline during disturbances. To mitigate these risks, NERC recommends that grid operators review their seasonal operating plans, prepare for potential generator outages, and engage with regulators to implement demand-side management strategies. The organization emphasizes the need for improved system modeling and interconnection standards to ensure reliability as renewable resources continue to grow.