(TLP:CLEAR) NERC 2025 ERO Reliability Risk Properties Report Highlights Larger-Scale Reliability Events, Other Electricity Risks

Summary: The National Energy Reliability Corporation’s (NERC’s) Reliability Issues Steering Committee (RISC) has released its 2025 ERO Reliability Risk Properties Report, which strategically defines and prioritizes risks to the reliable operation of the North American bulk power system and provides recommendations the sector should take to enhance reliability and manage those risks.

The “risk themes” for 2025 are the following:

1. New large loads plus changing resource mix
2. Larger-scale widespread events observed
3. Natural gas interdependence
4. Cyber and Physical Security complexity
5. Persistent supply chain challenges
6. Volatile energy policy

Analyst Note: Members are encouraged to read NERC’s full 2025 ERO Reliability Risk Properties report due to the complex interdependencies between the water and wastewater sector and the electricity sector. Water utilities need to understand the stresses on their regional grid in order to better understand when, where, and how their regional grid is at risk of failure and, therefore, impacting utility operations.

Furthermore, members are encouraged to establish a relationship with their power provider in order to prepare for any grid-related issues ahead of time by engaging in proactive, cooperative discussions and exercises.

Original Source: Access the full report below.

Additional Reading:       

• 6 themes driving grid risk today: NERC
• Power check: Watt’s going on with the grid?
• NERC’s Winter Reliability Assessment Highlights the Risk to Power Reliability from Potential Natural Gas Supply Shortfalls
• Growing Energy Demand Puts Half of North America at Risk of Blackouts, according to NERC’s Long-Term Reliability Assessment

Related WaterISAC PIRs: 16, 17, & 18