The vulnerability of the U.S. power grid during cold snaps was highlighted by a recent incident in New York, where high demand for heat and electricity strained the system. The reliance on natural gas for power generation, coupled with difficulties in gas supply and distribution during extreme cold, poses a significant risk to grid stability. Recommendations include winterizing the natural gas system, establishing tough reliability standards, and improving cooperation between gas companies and utilities to ensure a reliable energy supply during extreme weather events.
The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved changes that will increase power outage credits for eligible customers to $35 plus $35 more each additional day the power is out, and make the credits automatic. The credit kicks in after 96 hours during catastrophic conditions, 48 hours during gray sky conditions, and 16 hours during normal conditions. The outage credits will also be indexed to the rate of inflation. The order also shortens the required times for utilities to restore long-duration outages, reduces the amount of time first responders must guard downed wires, updates reliability standards, and establishes annual reporting requirements for rural electric cooperatives and all investor-owned utilities.
