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Electric Utilities, Grid Managers Highlight Reliability For Summer Months
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The Energy Association of Pennsylvania, the Electric Power Generation Association, PJM Interconnection and Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. this week advised the Public Utility Commission that they are expecting normal demands for electricity during the summer months while maintaining enough power for emergencies.
The presenters discussed forecasted load and capacity; inspection practices; environmental considerations; plant additions and retirements; and the effect of electric line contacts on electric reliability.
PJM, based in Pennsylvania, is the electricity grid operator for 13 states and the District of Columbia. PJM predicts that customers will drive the net peak demand this summer to 135,750 megawatts, compared to the all-time peak of 144,644 megawatts on Aug. 2, 2006. PJM expects to have a total reserve margin, the extra power on hand to meet unanticipated demand of 28.0 percent.
The Energy Association of Pennsylvania member companies serve over 5.6 million retail electric and natural gas customers in the Commonwealth. EAP provided updates on how Pennsylvania electric distribution companies are working to improve reliability by using existing operations more efficiently and by implementing adopted regulations pursuant to the Electricity Competition Act establishing standards for inspection and maintenance of distribution facilities.
Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc. noted how digging damage can affect electric service reliability. Pennsylvania One Call System is a non-profit Pennsylvania corporation created to protect the underground facilities before anyone begins to disturb the earth.
The Electric Power Generation Association said that coal inventories almost 50 million tons less than last year, but are adequate to meet peak demand and accommodate short-term supply disruptions. The EPGA is a regional trade association of major electric generating companies that supply wholesale power in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
The PUC's Bureau of Conservation, Economics, and Energy Planning discussed how smart grid technologies and projects affect reliability.
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5/24/2010 |
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