Electric Utilities, Electric Grid Managers Highlight Reliability For Summer Months

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 137,950 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 23.8 percent.

The Energy Association of Pennsylvania member companies serve over 8 million 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 continuing efforts to enhance overall load management through the Smart Grid.

You can view the presentations by selecting the links below:

· Energy Association of Pennsylvania;

· PA One Call System Inc.;

· PJM Interconnection;

· Electric Power Generation Association; and

· PUC's Bureau of Conservation, Economics and Energy Planning.


6/13/2008

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