Joint ERO Report on 2026 Winter Storms

While most of Texas is still in summer-like conditions, preparations for the winter season are underway. As part of this seasonal preparation NERC, FERC, and Regional Entity staff presented a report on System Performance Review of the Winter 2026 Arctic Cold Period to FERC’s Commissioners at their open meeting on September 10.

The joint report, launched back in March following Winter Storms Fern and Gianna, reviewed data on system performance from January 22 to February 1, 2026. It notes that cumulative energy consumption of 138.8 TWh over this period was greater than that of similar periods for each winter storm since Winter Storm Uri, however no emergency load shed occurred. It highlights the effectiveness of preparatory programs across the grid, and the application of insights from past events. There is also mention of the Secretary of Energy’s issuance of the first-ever emergency FPA section 202(c) orders for backup generation at data centers and large industrial facilities to operate as a last resort during emergency conditions. The report also details natural gas system performance throughout the extreme weather, with only moderate production declines and some limited, short-duration force majeure events, citing improvements in gas system preparedness, coordination with grid operators and alternative fuels.

Extreme weather event reliability continues to be an area of focus for the ERO Enterprise, and reports like this one indicate that progress is being made to address it.