Winter Power Reliability Outlook Shows Strong Preparedness for Ohio

By Andi Anderson

As winter approaches, many people wonder whether electricity will remain reliable during long stretches of cold weather. While storms and fallen trees can occasionally cause temporary outages, Ohio’s electric cooperatives work year-round to restore power quickly and maintain dependable service for the communities they serve. Their primary concern is keeping electricity available, especially when temperatures fall.

A key question every winter is whether overall power demand will exceed supply. Ohio co-ops are in a strong position because they own their power plants, which ensures dependable generation for their members. However, the larger electric grid shared across many states also influences winter reliability.

Power in Ohio is part of a regional grid managed by PJM, a transmission organization responsible for balancing electricity supply and demand across 13 states.

The job has become more challenging as many coal-fired plants have closed. New natural gas plants help fill the gap, but extreme cold can freeze gas lines. Wind and solar energy, while helpful, are not always reliable during winter’s shorter days and icy conditions.

Each year, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation releases a Winter Reliability Assessment for December through February. The latest report shows that the PJM region, including Ohio, is in a strong position heading into winter.

Electric cooperative plant operators have spent the fall preparing equipment for severe weather, and meteorologists are predicting a colder season with higher precipitation.

The NERC assessment highlights several key points. PJM has double the reserve power required to meet industry standards, resulting in a low risk of shortages. Last year’s record winter peak demand was met successfully thanks to careful preparation.

Although reserves are slightly lower this year due to increased electricity use and fewer coal plants, flexible non-solar resources remain important.

Electricity demand is rising faster than in previous years, driven by growth in data centers and increasing electrification. While new battery resources are being added, dependable fuel for thermal generation remains essential during extreme cold.

Past winter storms have shown how natural gas disruptions can affect multiple states, and operators are strengthening their winter plans accordingly.

Overall, the outlook for Ohio is positive. Strong reserves and careful planning mean homes and farms should have the electricity they need. Ohio’s electric cooperatives remain committed to providing reliable power every day of the year.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-alexeyrumyantsev