FERC Staff Releases 2025 Summer Energy Market and Electric Reliability Assessment

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On May 15, 2025, the FERC's Office of Energy Policy and Innovation, along with the Office of Electric Reliability, published the 2025 Summer Energy Market and Electric Reliability Assessment. The report anticipates higher-than-average temperatures and increased uncertainty from extreme weather events, projecting a rise in electricity demand and wholesale prices across most regions. While the North American Electric Reliability Corporation expects adequate generating resources to meet normal demand, certain areas may experience tight generation availability during peak demand periods, necessitating operational mitigations to ensure reliability.

The report identifies vulnerable regions, including the Northeast Power Coordinating Council - New England and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which may require measures like demand response and voluntary conservation during high demand. Additionally, the report warns of potential risks from hurricanes and wildfires, particularly in coastal and western states, which could stress the electric grid. It emphasizes the importance of interregional electricity transfers and proactive planning among grid operators, while also addressing concerns over physical and cyber threats that could compromise grid infrastructure during peak demand periods.