1、CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress INSIGHTINSIGHTi i COVID-19: Potential Impacts on the Electric Power Sector Updated June 12, 2020 The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is impacting the electric power sector directly (e.g., illness and fatalities among workers) a
2、nd indirectly (e.g., reduced electricity sales). Most indirect impacts to date have been caused by the economic effects of the pandemic. Long-term impacts are highly uncertain and likely depend on the pandemics ultimate toll on U.S. public health and the economy. Potential impacts over the coming mo
3、nths include continued reduced electricity sales, increased electric reliability risks, reduced utility bill payments, and delayed or reduced industry investment activity. Reduced Electricity Demand Electricity demand is determined mainly by weather patterns and economic activity. Economic activity
4、in recent months declined across the country, as governments took actions to slow the spread of COVID-19. These actions forced many businesses to close or curtail operations. Many U.S. states saw electricity demand drop between 9% and 13% in March and April 2020 relative to previous years, although
