Electricity, Reliability, and the Reality Check Facing U.S. Energy Markets скачать в хорошем качестве

Electricity, Reliability, and the Reality Check Facing U.S. Energy Markets

In a recent appearance on Schwab Network, Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of the Propane Education and Research Council and Host of the Path to Zero podcast, offered a grounded assessment of where U.S. energy markets stand heading into winter—and why electricity reliability has become the defining issue of the moment. Perkins noted that while oil, gasoline, and propane inventories are all closely watched this time of year, the bigger story is how calm pricing has remained despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. With crude oil trading in a relatively narrow range and analysts projecting a likely floor near $50 per barrel and a ceiling closer to $70, Perkins said the next six months look stable for U.S. consumers—provided households take steps now to prepare for winter energy needs. The conversation quickly turned to electricity, where Perkins sees far more strain. A recent Department of Energy report projects that grid interruptions from system stress alone could double over the next four years—before factoring in weather-related events. That risk, he explained, is already showing up in regions like the Mid-Atlantic, where concerns about power prices and reliability are growing. While nuclear energy is back in the spotlight as a clean, around-the-clock power source, Perkins cautioned that it is unlikely to materially change the grid mix for at least the next decade due to long development timelines. The same near-term limitations apply to hydropower, coal, and other large-scale alternatives. That reality leaves natural gas as the primary fuel with the scale, infrastructure, affordability, and speed needed to support rising electricity demand—particularly as data centers and electrification accelerate. Perkins pointed out that natural gas and coal have supplied roughly 60% of U.S. electricity for several years, a share expected to remain largely unchanged in the near term. Wind and solar, while growing, currently account for about 14% of total grid demand and are unlikely to see dramatic increases over the next few years. Against that backdrop, Perkins highlighted the growing role of propane-powered generation—once a niche concept, now increasingly part of conversations around backup power, resilience, and grid support.