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Expert: Midwest At Risk Of Brownouts & Blackouts This Winter

December 02, 2024 Steve Schwaller

(Washington D.C.)– Much of the Midwest is at elevated risk of electric brownouts and blackouts this winter, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. Senior Engineer Robert Tallman says that includes Iowa and neighboring states…

“A significant portion of North America is at risk of having insufficient energy supplies to meet demand in severe winter conditions. Areas identified as being at risk include over two-thirds of the U.S. east of the Rockies.”

The new Winter Reliability Assessment Report by NERC says the demand for electricity is increasing, while traditional power plants are being phased out. Tallman says traditional power plants are being replaced with wind and solar which don’t operate as reliably in extreme weather conditions.

NERC is working with utility companies to coordinate resources in power emergencies.

Tallman says several factors are behind the increased demand, including the move to electric heat, electric cars and trucks, and large data centers.