A number of U.S. grid operators have warned that this summer, especially during the peak period of high temperature power consumption, some areas in the United States may experience power outages due to insufficient power generation to meet demand.
A power grid operator in California expected on the 6th that power supply will face a shortage this summer, and extreme heat, forest fires or lack of energy may exacerbate power shortages.
The grid, called the "Central Continental Independent System Operator," operates a large regional grid that covers a vast area of the US Midwest. The operator said late last month that power shortages could force it to take emergency measures to meet summer demand.
In Texas, several power plants were recently out of service for maintenance. The local grid has warned of tight power supplies. The hot weather now sweeping Texas is expected to continue into next week.
The nation is at risk of power shortages as traditional power plants in the U.S. are phased out and renewable energy and battery storage technologies fail to fill the gap in time.
In addition to electricity supply challenges, the electrification of home cooking and an increase in the number of electric vehicles are likely to increase demand for electricity in the coming years, putting further strain on the grid.
California regulators say as much as 3,800 megawatts of new power supply could face delays by 2025, posing a serious challenge to the state. California is stepping up purchases of large amounts of renewable energy to offset the shutdowns of several coal-fired power plants and a nuclear power plant.
