The North American Electric Reliability Corporation issued a rare alert, urging operators to address new risks posed by data centers connecting to the grid. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

NERC oversees grid reliability in the US, Canada, and parts of Mexico.

The agency issued a Level 3 alert this week regarding risks posed by data centers.

AI training can cause wild power swings, threatening grid stability.

Data centers are increasing the risk of power outages and blackouts — and electric grid operators aren't prepared to handle it.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation — the top grid oversight agency for the US, Canada, and parts of Mexico — issued a rare alert on Monday, urging operators to address new risks posed by the deluge of data centers connecting to the grid.

NERC issued the Level 3 alert for "essential action" — the agency's highest level — after issuing two previous warnings about data centers in the last nine months.

The agency sends alerts to the entities that make the electric…