Wintry Blast to Unleash Snow and Test Grids From Midwest to NYC

As winter storm season intensifies, utilities across the United States brace for a significant test of their power grids. Winter Storm Blair and Winter Storm Cora are set to bring heavy snow and ice from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic and New York City, challenging the resilience of the nation's power infrastructure. This article explores the potential impacts of these storms on grid reliability and the measures utilities have taken to prepare for and mitigate the effects of extreme weather events.



The upcoming winter storms are expected to bring substantial snowfall and ice accumulation, which can lead to power outages and infrastructure damage. According to a joint report by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) on Winter Storm Elliott, extreme cold weather conditions can cause mechanical and thermal stress, leading to equipment failures and outages. The report highlights that freezing issues, fuel issues, and mechanical/electrical issues were responsible for 96% of outages, derates, and failures to start during Winter Storm Elliott.

Utilities have taken several measures to prepare for and mitigate the potential impacts of these storms. Investment in grid resilience has been a key focus, with companies like Edison International (NYSE: EIX) investing heavily in undergrounding facilities, installing covered conductor wire, and deploying advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to enhance their grids' resilience against wildfires. Additionally, utilities have developed and refined their emergency response plans to quickly restore power and minimize disruptions during extreme weather events.

However, the report from FERC and NERC on Winter Storm Elliott also warns that the next few winters may be sources of concern due to timelines for implementation of new cold weather standards and pending generation retirements. This underscores the importance of continued investment in grid resilience and preparedness for extreme weather events.

In conclusion, the upcoming winter storms present a significant challenge to the reliability of power grids across the United States. Utilities have taken steps to prepare for and mitigate the potential impacts of these storms, but the ongoing threat of extreme weather events highlights the need for continued investment in grid resilience and preparedness. As the climate continues to change, the importance of a reliable and resilient power grid will only grow, ensuring that Americans have access to affordable and always available electricity.