FERC Chair Warns of Growing Energy Reliability Threat

Mark Christie, outgoing chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), issued a stark warning about the nation’s energy reliability during his final meeting. Christie emphasized that the threat to grid stability is no longer a future concern but a present reality.
The warning came after PJM Interconnection, the largest grid operator in the U.S., conducted a capacity auction that fell short of meeting reliability requirements. This marks the first time the auction has failed to meet demand, according to PJM’s independent market monitor. Christie highlighted the urgent need to bring more power online to address the growing demand for electricity.
The energy sector is facing increasing pressure as utilities and grid operators struggle to meet the rising energy demands of data centers and artificial intelligence. Transmission planners project an 8.2% increase in U.S. electricity demand over the next five years, a sharp rise following two decades of minimal growth.
Christie’s comments underscore the critical need for action to ensure grid resilience and meet future energy needs. His remarks serve as a call to address the challenges posed by the rapid transformation of the energy landscape.

Published: 7/25/2025