As North America’s electric grid evolves with rapid load growth and increasing reliance on weather-dependent and just-in-time energy sources, traditional methods for ensuring system adequacy are no longer enough. NERC’s latest “Reliability Insights” report calls for a shift from capacity-based planning to a more modern, energy-focused approach. It highlights the limitations of relying solely on reserve margins, especially during winter when natural gas and renewable output can be unreliable. Instead, NERC advocates for probabilistic risk assessments, energy-aware market procurement, and valuing all reliability attributes—including fuel assurance and grid flexibility. To maintain reliability amid this transformation, the industry must embrace new planning methods and define a common design basis for the future grid that reflects today’s complex operational realities.
Click here to dive into the full PDF and get the complete picture on powering a reliable future!
For questions or to discuss further, reach out to the GDS Energy Reliability & Security Team and let us know how we can help.