Without a reliable supply of electricity to run computers and electronic devices, the Y2K problems of the financial sector and other sectors become secondary. Electricity cannot be stockpiled in large quantities, so additional demands for electricity must be met instantaneously by additional generation. NERC's membership accounts for virtually all the volume of foreign supply of electricity to the U.S., and foreign suppliers have been responding to NERC's monthly Y2K readiness surveys. In its September 1998 report to the Department of Energy, NERC found that the potential impacts of Y2K on electric systems appear to be less than first anticipated. At this point, the identified operating risks are manageable and it is unlikely that widespread electrical outages will occur.
Electrical systems consist mainly of wires and metal devices.
Most equipment is electromagnetic, not digital. Even where the equipment is digital, tests of these devices indicate that there are very few date interpretation problems that would affect the operation of electric systems. The 188 reporting organizations, on average, plan to be Y2K ready by July 8, 1999. Most of the 188 survey respondents are still in the early stages of formulating contingency plans and preparations. According to NERC, nuclear plants are expected to be fully Y2K ready.