FERC Says US Electric Grid May Not Make It Through Summer Unscathed

Julianne Geiger, a seasoned editor, writer, and researcher for Oilprice.com, and a participant in the Creative Professionals Networking Group, reported on May 15, 2025, at 4:30 PM CDT that the U.S. power grid is expected to face significant challenges in the upcoming summer. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a summer outlook highlighting a potential strain on the grid due to intense heat, increased electricity demand driven by AI technology, and the retirement of aging power plants.
The FERC has identified several regions, including Texas, the Midwest, the Mid-Atlantic, New England, and the Southwest, as vulnerable areas where the grid may struggle to meet demand, especially in the event of extreme weather conditions or power source disruptions. FERC has cautioned that operational measures may be necessary to prevent reliability issues, which could result in rolling blackouts and higher electricity costs for consumers.
The forecast predicts a 40-60% chance of above-normal temperatures in Western and Southeastern states, with other parts of the country also at risk. Factors such as increased air conditioning usage during heatwaves, wildfires damaging transmission lines, and reduced hydropower output due to droughts, coupled with the growing energy consumption of AI data centers, are expected to strain the grid further.
On the supply side, the rapid retirement of coal and gas plants without equivalent clean energy replacements, along with rising natural gas prices, could lead to a precarious situation where the grid is stretched thin, potentially leading to increased electricity costs for consumers. While FERC believes the grid can manage, it may require additional measures to ensure stability during the summer months.
Julianne Geiger’s analysis was published on Oilprice.com, where readers can find more insights and discussions on energy-related topics.