NERC's summer forecast shows fewer risk areas, but reliability stays fragile

E&E News, part of POLITICO, reports on NERC's June-September summer forecast for the grid.

What happened

NERC's forecast showed fewer areas at elevated risk than in 2025, and lower data center demand helped ease the pressure. New England and the Pacific Northwest could still face shortages during extreme heat. The report says risks are rising in spring, fall and winter.

What it means for your home

NERC's John Moura said the findings should not be read as overall reliability risk declining. A calmer summer forecast does not mean the grid is out of trouble. The report points to the spring, fall and winter months as the ones to watch.

What to do this week

• Check the batteries in your flashlights and lanterns.
• Charge power banks and keep them near your phone chargers.
• Store at least three days of drinking water for each person.
• Plan a warm room and extra blankets for a cold snap.
• Save your utility's outage number in your phone.

Start with the 72-hour blackout plan to build a simple checklist.