Overview
- Peak demand is forecast to rise by about 20 gigawatts compared with last winter, a 2.5% increase concentrated in regions with heavy data‑center buildouts such as PJM, the Southeast and parts of the West.
- Net new supply added since last winter totals under 10 gigawatts, much of it solar and batteries that provide limited help during winter peak hours or extended storms.
- NERC says most areas have adequate resources for expected conditions, but prolonged, widespread extreme cold could lead to supply shortfalls.
- Elevated‑risk areas include New England, the U.S. West, Texas, the Southeast and PJM, with the Canadian Maritimes the only region in Canada flagged for elevated risk.
- Natural‑gas generation remains vulnerable to freeze‑offs during severe cold, constraining a key resource for meeting winter peaks.