NERC recently published a press release titled “Criticality of Natural Gas Supply this Winter” that warns the gas and electric industries to be prepared for the potential of gas shortages and their impact on the electric grid this winter. This comes as other organizations are warning of cold winter weather leading to increased energy demand and placing added stress on the power grid.

NERC’s alert notes that “as the electric system increasingly relies on natural gas, more gas infrastructure, including pipelines and storage, is needed to enhance deliverability” and provides the example of the 2022 Winter Storm Elliot, where extreme cold caused major declines in natural gas production and supply. This comes on the heels of the Natural Gas Supply Association’s recent winter outlook predicting higher prices in response to colder winter temperatures, creating additional pressure on the energy sector. Members are encouraged to maintain relationships with their local electricity provider in order to determine their level of preparedness in the face of these pressures and plan utility operations accordingly. Access the NERC press release here or read two related articles at Utility Dive (article 1 and article 2).

Preparedness and Resilience Information:

To help mitigate potential disruptions from power outages, utilities are encouraged to reassess their electricity needs and take steps to enhance their operational resilience.

In addition to the “Power Resilience Guide,” EPA has created an incident action checklist for power outages and a brochure for tips on generator preparedness. Critical infrastructure organizations can also greatly enhance their power resilience and operate during outages by building a microgrid at their facility. According to a recent article in Water Online, “microgrids can be configured to use existing onsite generation such as diesel generators, but you can also reduce the cost and use of fossil-fuel generators by incorporating renewable energy alternatives.”

A few years ago, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory organized a workshop that identified barriers between sectors and created strategies for increasing coordination and integrated planning between water and electric utilities. That study can be accessed here.

Utilities can also utilize the Interruption Cost Estimate (ICE) Calculator, which helps entities estimate the economic impacts of power interruptions. Furthermore, CISA’s “Resilient Power Best Practices for Critical Facilities and Sites,” offers guidance and discusses power resilience in regards to the all-hazards threat landscape. Lastly, utilities can apply for grants, like FEMA’s BRIC program.