Grid reliability refers to the power system’s ability to consistently deliver electricity to consumers without interruption. It ensures that when you flip a light switch on, power is available - safely, instantly, and at the correct voltage and frequency. Reliability is a priority of the energy industry. When potential grid disruptions occur, such as extreme weather events like heat waves and storms, the energy industry works hard to make sure reliable power is available.
Reliability Component | Definition | Core Issues |
| Resource Adequacy | The ability of the electric system to supply sufficient electricity to meet the energy needs of electricity consumers. |
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| Reliable Operation | The ability of the electric system to withstand sudden disturbances. |
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To maintain operating reliability, grid operators must keep supply and demand balanced in real time. These operators oversee the monitoring of grid conditions by continuously coordinating with one another in large, multi-screened situation rooms where they track conditions across a utility’s footprint. Grid operators also balance conditions in some Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and Independent System Operators (ISOs) across extensive regions.
Why Reliability Matters
Electric reliability is critical to modern society because almost every aspect of daily life and economic activity depends on reliable electricity. This includes:
- Public Safety: Hospitals, emergency responders, water treatment facilities, and transportation systems rely on uninterrupted power.
- Economic Stability: From small retailers to large-load customers, businesses depend on continuous electricity because power disruptions can halt production, damage sensitive equipment, and disrupt supply chains.
- National Security: The electric grid is considered critical infrastructure. Military facilities, communication networks, and defense systems depend on reliable power to protect against physical and cyber threats.
- Grid Evolution: Transportation, heating systems, and industrial processes are becoming more electrified which means that demand for electricity continues to grow. The grid is adapting to higher peak loads, distributed energy resources (such as rooftop solar), battery storage integration, and a changing energy generation mix.
FERC’s Role in Grid Reliability
In the United States, reliable operation is governed by a federal framework established under Section 215 of the Federal Power Act (FPA). This law assigns oversight responsibility to FERC. FERC has taken action to ensure that the electric grid is prepared to reliably operate during extreme events. Standards development and implementation is maintained by an independent, non-profit organization called the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) along with several regional entities who are collectively known as the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) Enterprise.
Technical Conferences and Public Engagement
FERC convenes technical conferences to examine emerging reliability risks and operational challenges affecting the bulk power system. These act as a key mechanism for evidence-based policymaking and transparency by:
- Gathering input from utilities, grid operators, manufacturers, states, federal partners, consumer advocates, and community groups.
- Exploring key topics in reliable operation such as extreme weather preparedness and cybersecurity, resource adequacy such as interconnection and transmission planning and advanced transmission technologies.
- Informing subsequent orders, policy statements, and directives under the FPA.
Coordination Across Jurisdictions
While the FPA grants FERC authority over the bulk power system, reliability outcomes depend on coordinated action across multiple jurisdictions:
- States and Public Utility Commissions regulate distribution systems and retail service.
- Regional Entities and System Operators implement standards and real-time reliability functions within their footprints.
- Federal Partners (such as other energy, homeland security, and emergency management agencies) collaborate on cybersecurity, physical security, and emergency preparedness.
This coordinated structure ensures nationwide reliability standards are applied consistently while enabling regional expertise and state roles to address local conditions.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission plays a central role in safeguarding reliability. Please see OPP’s Reliable Operation Handout for more information on the roles of FERC, NERC, and the ERO Enterprise.