In anticipation of an upcoming winter storm expected to bring some of the coldest January temperatures in over a decade, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC) is taking proactive measures to ensure grid reliability across the eastern half of the United States. Spanning from the northern Plains and Upper Midwest to the Tennessee Valley, this storm is forecasted to endure deep into January and potentially cause subzero temperatures. Jim Robb, NERC President and CEO, has emphasized the necessity for the entire electricity supply chain—including natural gas producers, pipeline operators, system operators, power generators, and utilities—to take all necessary actions to prevent interruptions in electricity supply to customers.
NERC’s comprehensive approach to managing extreme weather events comprises several strategic initiatives designed to enhance preparedness and resilience. Among these measures are mandatory cold weather reliability standards that require utilities to follow strict guidelines for cold weather preparations. Additionally, NERC conducts ongoing follow-ups on recommendations from previous storms like Winter Storm Elliott in 2022. These follow-ups ensure that the lessons learned from past experiences are effectively implemented to avoid similar issues. Alerts and industry webinars are also regularly conducted to keep all stakeholders informed and ready for impending conditions, while seasonal assessments provide a broader understanding of potential challenges throughout the winter months.
Cold Weather Preparations and Natural Gas Supply Concerns
A particular concern for NERC and associated stakeholders lies in the natural gas supply in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, where significant production is concentrated. NERC’s guidelines focus heavily on ensuring that natural gas producers and pipeline operators winterize their systems to maintain a steady supply of this critical resource. Despite the robust measures in place, the Natural Gas Supply Association has noted that its members have already winterized their systems in preparation for the colder weather. They expect slight upward pressure on gas prices due to the increased demand and colder temperatures, though higher-than-average gas storage levels and record production and supply this winter offer a degree of reassurance.
These measures are crucial in preventing scenarios where natural gas shortages could lead to power generation issues. The coordinated efforts between NERC and the natural gas sector aim to avoid past disruptions that have previously resulted in widespread outages and customer suffering. Proactive communication and coordination between all parties involved in the electricity supply chain ensure that comprehensive plans are in place and that any arising issues can be promptly addressed. This collaborative approach is pivotal in maintaining a reliable supply of electricity during extreme cold weather conditions.
State-Level Preparedness and Utility Oversight
With an upcoming winter storm poised to bring some of the coldest January temperatures in over a decade, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC) is taking proactive steps to maintain grid reliability across the eastern United States. This storm will affect areas from the northern Plains and Upper Midwest to the Tennessee Valley, causing potentially subzero temperatures throughout January. Jim Robb, NERC President and CEO, emphasized the need for the entire electricity supply chain—including natural gas producers, pipeline operators, system operators, power generators, and utilities—to take all necessary actions to prevent power supply interruptions.
NERC’s comprehensive strategy for managing extreme weather encompasses various initiatives aimed at bolstering preparedness and resilience. This includes mandatory cold weather reliability standards that utilities must follow to ensure proper cold weather preparations. NERC also reviews recommendations from previous storms, like Winter Storm Elliott in 2022, to ensure these lessons are applied to prevent similar issues. Regular alerts, industry webinars, and seasonal assessments help keep stakeholders informed and prepared for the upcoming winter challenges.