Thermal generation continues to play a critical role in maintaining grid reliability, even as the power sector undergoes significant change. Utilities are balancing aging infrastructure, evolving reliability requirements, supply chain constraints, and workforce transitions while adapting to a rapidly changing energy landscape.
These challenges were at the forefront of discussions during CEATI's Spring 2026 Thermal Generation Program Virtual General Meeting, where 20 members representing seven utilities, along with nine industry guests, shared experiences and explored practical solutions. A technical presentation from NERC further highlighted the evolving risk landscape facing the North American bulk power system.
Five key priorities emerged.
1. Extending the life of aging assets
Many thermal assets are reaching or exceeding their original design life. Utilities are increasingly relying on condition assessments, non-destructive examination (NDE), and risk-based asset management to prioritize investments, optimize maintenance, and safely extend asset life.
2. Strengthening supply chain and contractor resilience
Longer lead times, rising costs, contractor shortages, limited OEM support for legacy equipment, and critical spare parts availability continue to challenge plant operations. Members emphasized the importance of proactive procurement strategies and stronger supplier relationships to improve operational resilience.
3. Supporting reliability during grid transformation
As electricity demand grows and generation portfolios evolve, thermal generation remains essential for resource adequacy and system reliability. Discussions focused on winter peak demand, large load integration, natural gas dependency, inverter-based resources, and operational flexibility needed to support an increasingly dynamic grid.
4. Improving operational resilience
Extreme weather and fuel supply uncertainty are driving greater attention to fuel security, winterization, and emergency preparedness. Members discussed practical approaches to improving operational readiness and maintaining reliable generation during seasonal and extreme weather events.
5. Investing in the future workforce
Maintaining aging generating assets requires experienced personnel, yet retirements and staffing challenges continue across the industry. Utilities highlighted the need for technical training, knowledge retention, and workforce development to preserve institutional expertise and support long-term reliability.
What does this mean for utilities?
While the challenges facing thermal generation continue to evolve, collaboration remains one of the industry's greatest strengths. By sharing experiences and best practices through projects, benchmarking, technical training, and technical exchanges, utilities can improve asset performance, strengthen operational resilience, and prepare for the future.
CEATI continues to support members with practical resources addressing these priorities—from asset life extension and supply chain management to reliability planning, workforce development, and operational resilience.
Interested in learning more? Explore CEATI's Thermal Generation Program. To access technical reports, benchmarking initiatives, training resources, and collaborative projects supporting today's thermal generation challenges, connect with us.
