NERC: Blackouts possible due to heat, weather this summer

A U.S. power grid regulator is warning about the possibility of electrical shortages and blackouts this summer amid extreme temperatures and ongoing drought.
The NERC, which oversees the health of the nation's electrical infrastructure, says these conditions could cause the grid to buckle across vast areas of the country.
On Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted nearly the entire contiguous U.S. will see above average temperatures this summer.
High temperatures will create increased demand.
Meanwhile, drought conditions will lower the amount of power available to meet that demand.
When there is not enough power to meet demand, officials initiate forced power outages, also known as rolling blackouts.
The NERC says the upper Midwest and mid-South along the Mississippi River will see the highest risk this summer.