ReliabilityFirst Regional Risk Assessment identifies top seven reliability challenges across the region

ReliabilityFirst (RF) published its 2026 Regional Risk Assessment (RRA) on Monday, a comprehensive analysis of the most significant risks affecting the reliability, security and resilience of the bulk power system (BPS) across the RF footprint.

Developed through data-driven analysis and extensive stakeholder input, the assessment identifies and prioritizes risks that could impact the reliable operation of the electric grid in the coming years. The report complements reliability risk identification efforts across the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) Enterprise and helps inform RF’s compliance monitoring, outreach, technical engagement and strategic planning activities.

The RRA aligns with the ERO Enterprise’s Reliability Risk Priorities Report as well as the conclusions presented in NERC’s 2026 State of Reliability Report, which similarly highlights the increasing complexity of operating and planning the grid amid resource transitions, growing demand and changing system conditions.

The 2026 Regional Risk Assessment identifies seven primary risks affecting the RF region:

• Environmental Factors
• Grid Transformation
• Security
• Supply Chain
• Misoperations
• Modeling
• Situational Awareness

Among the report’s key conclusions, RF found that Environmental Factors remain a constant threat to BES reliability in the RF region. While standards revisions have addressed winterization, reliability margins are shrinking and catastrophic weather events are pushing the region to the edges of reliability.

The report also identifies Grid Transformation as one of the most significant and complex challenges facing the industry. While the region experiences rapid load growth primarily driven by data centers, the RF region has struggled to keep pace in adding new generation resources. This is due to a multitude of factors, including supply chain, financing, permitting, and siting issues.

Additionally, Security risks continue to evolve as utilities modernize their systems through cloud computing, virtualization and expanded digital operations. RF’s compliance monitoring activities continue to identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities that require mitigation, while geopolitical tensions and domestic security concerns reinforce the need for ongoing vigilance in protecting critical infrastructure.

Shrinking reliability margins, increasing reliance on emergency operating measures and continued growth in demand create new operational challenges for industry stakeholders. RF will continue supporting stakeholders through risk-informed compliance monitoring and enforcement, technical guidance, outreach activities, industry collaboration and ongoing reliability assessments. The organization remains committed to identifying emerging risks and helping stakeholders strengthen their ability to maintain reliable and secure grid operations.

Read the full report here: 2026 Regional Risk Assessment

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About ReliabilityFirst

ReliabilityFirst is one of six regional organizations which, in conjunction with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), are known as the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) Enterprise, responsible for ensuring the reliability and security of the North American Bulk Electric System. Under the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), we audit utility companies on mandated standards related to cybersecurity, vegetation management near vital power lines, preparation for extreme weather and more. We also promote the reliability and security of the electric grid through outreach, training and analysis, that includes partnership with communities and experts. We are based out of Cleveland, Ohio, and our footprint includes the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic areas of the United States.

Contact: [email protected]