Several U.S. power grids warn of power shortages

China Energy Storage Network: Several U.S. power grid operators have issued warnings that this summer, especially during the peak period of high temperature electricity consumption, some areas of the United States may experience power outages because power generation cannot meet demand.

The Wall Street Journal reported on the 8th that a California power grid operator predicted on the 6th that electricity supply will face a shortage this summer, and extreme high temperatures, forest fires or energy shortages may exacerbate the power shortage problem.

The Mid-Continent Independent System Operator, which runs a vast regional grid covering a vast swath of the U.S. Midwest, said late last month that power shortages could force it to take emergency measures to meet summer demand.

In Texas, several power plants have been shut down for maintenance recently. The local power grid has warned of tight power supply. The hot weather now sweeping Texas is expected to continue until next week.

The Wall Street Journal reported that as traditional power plants in the United States are gradually phased out and renewable energy and battery energy storage technology fail to fill the gap in time, the entire country is facing the risk of power shortages.

“We’re all trying to find ways to maximize the use of renewable resources while ensuring we have enough dispatchable power to maintain stability,” said Brad Jones, interim CEO of the Texas Electric Reliability Council.

In addition to the challenges in electricity supply, the Wall Street Journal reported that the electrification of household cooking and the increase in the number of electric vehicles are likely to increase electricity demand in the coming years, putting further pressure on the power grid.

California regulators said on the 6th that up to 3,800 megawatts of new electricity supply may be delayed before 2025, posing a serious challenge to California, which is stepping up its purchase of large amounts of renewable energy to offset the impact of the closure of several coal-fired power plants and a nuclear power plant.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said recently that he would consider keeping the nuclear power plants operating to reduce the risk of power shortages.