US regulators propose heat-season grid reliability rules

Federal energy regulators drafted rules requiring utilities in high-temperature zones to pre-position mobile generation and publish hourly reserve margins during heat waves. The move follows outages linked to surging air-conditioning and data-centre loads.

Consumer advocates asked for targeted bill relief when utilities invoke emergency tariffs. Technology firms offered demand-response partnerships to shave afternoon peaks.

Grid operators in Texas and California said coordination with renewable curtailment protocols remains unresolved. WOP360 will track public comment outcomes due next month.