Lower water levels on the Hoover dam
US grid to face transition pressure
Regional grids will struggle with twin challenges of decarbonisation and extreme weather events
The US power grid is under increasing strain from more frequent temperature extremes, just as the country aims to significantly boost electric vehicle (EV) adoption and greater demand for electricity. Regular droughts are placing extra pressure on Californian hydropower. The state’s 14GW of installed capacity produced 21.5 net TWh of power in 2020, down from 38.5 net TWh in 2019 and well below the 28.8 TWh average for the 2010-2020 period. More than 4.5mn homes and businesses were left without power in Texas in February following winter storms, and the state has experienced further problems recently. Texas has its own grid to, with only a small 600MW interconnected with the grid that serves
Also in this section
28 November 2025
The launch of the bloc’s emissions trading system in 2005 was a pioneering step, but as the scheme hits 21 its impact as a driver of decarbonisation is still open to debate
18 November 2025
Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dewhurst Award, the highest honour bestowed by WPC Energy. The Dewhurst Award celebrates exceptional leadership, groundbreaking innovation and a lifetime of significant achievements in sup-port of the development and advancement of the energy industry.
11 November 2025
Transition policies must recognise that significant industrial demand for carbon will continue even as economies hit net zero
6 November 2025
After years of pursuing ideologically driven climate leadership, Western powers are now stepping back under mounting political pressure and rising populist opposition—prompting concern essential climate action could be sidelined
