A recent report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) highlights a troubling reality: our region could face power shortages during peak summer and winter conditions. This concern arises from the retirement of older generation facilities outpacing the addition of new resources, creating gaps in our power supply during critical times.

The 2024 NERC Long-Term Reliability Assessment highlights significant challenges for North America’s grid over the next decade. As electricity demand rises due to economic growth, electrification, and increased use of technologies like electric vehicles, the energy system is transitioning toward more weather-dependent sources, such as solar and wind. While these resources are key to a cleaner energy future, their variability makes them less reliable during periods of extreme weather or peak demand. Regions like the Midwest, including Minnesota, face some of the highest risks, with power shortages expected to begin as early as 2025. These gaps in resource adequacy could lead to outages, especially during hot summers or freezing winters.

To address these risks, NERC recommends a mix of strategic actions. Policymakers must balance the pace of retiring older power plants with the development of new infrastructure to ensure there are enough dependable energy sources to meet demand. 04-18-212 Streamlining permitting processes for new generation and transmission projects is critical to avoid delays. Strengthening interregional connections and improving coordination among energy providers can also help reduce shortfalls. Finally, investment in advanced technologies and planning tools is necessary to prepare for extreme weather events and long-term reliability.

At Meeker Cooperative, we take these challenges seriously. While much of the responsibility for ensuring regional generation and transmission capacity lies in the hands of our wholesale power providers, we are actively engaged in advocating for solutions and preparing for the potential impacts. The findings of the NERC report highlight the importance of careful planning and collaboration to address the evolving energy landscape.

The risks to reliability are not purely operational—they are also tied to policy decisions. For example, Minnesota’s moratorium on nuclear energy significantly limits options for achieving the state’s 100% carbon-free by 2040 mandate. By restricting one of the most reliable and carbon-free sources of power, this policy forces us to seek less efficient solutions and could impact energy affordability and availability in the future.

On a national level, the recent executive order issued by President Trump marks a significant shift in federal energy policy focused on reducing regulatory barriers and promoting energy independence. While the potential benefits include lower costs and increased development of domestic energy resources, this approach also creates uncertainty for long-term planning. Abrupt shifts in policy can make it challenging for generation and transmission providers to commit to large-scale projects, knowing future administrations could reverse course.

Without consistent federal regulation, state-level decision-making becomes even more critical. States like Minnesota must balance the benefits of these regulatory changes with the long-term need for resource adequacy and grid resilience. Reliability needs to be at the forefront of every energy policy decision, ensuring that our grid can meet demand during extreme weather, peak usage times, and unforeseen challenges.

As policies evolve, our focus remains clear: advocating for solutions that protect the resilience of the grid, supporting thoughtful investments in generation and transmission infrastructure, and working collaboratively with policymakers to ensure that reliability is never compromised.

So, what can you do as a Meeker Cooperative member? One way to help is by prioritizing energy efficiency in your home or business. Upgrading outdated heating, cooling, and lighting systems to energy-efficient options reduces demand, saves money over time, and eases grid strain. Participating in programs like off-peak heating or load control can also lower energy use during high-demand periods. While these changes may involve upfront costs, they often lead to long-term savings—and we’re here to help with rebates and resources.

Another way to contribute is by engaging in advocacy. Platforms like Coop Votes (https://vote.coop/) allow you to stay informed about key legislative issues and participate in collective action when it matters most. The challenges in the NERC report are real, but so is our commitment to overcoming them. Meeker Cooperative is dedicated to collaborating with policymakers, industry leaders, and our members to ensure reliable power and a thriving community.

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