Grid Operators Say Generators Can Handle Extreme Cold
NERC's annual cold weather report finds nearly all U.S. power generators can operate at extreme low temperatures.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Current Conditions
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The North American Electric Reliability Corporation reported that almost all U.S. power generators can operate in extreme cold, based on its Cold Weather Data Annual Report filed with FERC. The findings come after a winter with no significant system disruptions.
Why it matters
Cold weather grid reliability has been a priority for federal regulators since Winter Storm Uri in 2021, when about 4.5 million Texans lost power because plants could not run. The report shows how much of the nation's generating fleet is now prepared for similar conditions.
NERC data shows about 94% of bulk power capacity may need to operate below 32 degrees, and 7.4% of capacity declared a constraint preventing corrective action. Wind accounts for 71% of units reporting a cold weather constraint, and the full extent of remaining reliability gaps has not been resolved.
The players
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)
NERC is the nonprofit regulator that sets and enforces reliability standards for the North American bulk power system.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
FERC is the independent federal agency that regulates interstate electricity transmission and wholesale power markets.
PJM Interconnection
PJM is a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity across 13 states and the District of Columbia.
The details
NERC tallied industry progress in implementing new winter weatherization requirements, which require units that may operate below 32 degrees to implement protective measures. The report also found that units making up 4.3% of capacity are implementing corrective action plans to address reliability issues.
Timeline
Winter Storm Uri in 2021 left about 4.5 million Texans without power as plants could not run.
NERC filed its Cold Weather Data Annual Report with FERC in October 2026.
NERC announced its findings and PJM announced winter capacity expectations on November 10, 2026.
Sixty percent of corrective action plans are slated for completion before the upcoming winter.
Current Conditions
The report measures whether generators have implemented the cold-weather changes adopted after Winter Storm Uri, when about 4.5 million Texans lost power as plants could not run. It shows nearly all capacity can now operate at extreme cold temperatures, though some units still lack completed fixes.
Households and businesses in regions served by PJM and other grid operators can expect the bulk power system to be better prepared for cold snaps this winter. Residents should still keep emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries and a charged phone on hand in case of local outages.
The takeaway
The nationwide cold weather readiness of the grid is improving, but the remaining corrective action plans will determine how well the system holds up in the next severe cold event.
What happens next
Sixty percent of the corrective action plans are expected to be completed before the upcoming winter.
Further reading
For the latest context on grid and weather readiness, see Current Conditions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Utility Dive.
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