Newsline

Spring, 2008

Summer Forecast

Our six-state region's power supplies should be sufficient to meet demand this summer despite the potential for increased electricity use, according to ISO New England. The operator of the region's bulk power system and wholesale electricity markets estimates the region will have about 31,100 MW of generating capacity available with a margin of reserves to cover for unplanned contingencies such as the loss of a major transmission line or generation station. Under normal weather conditions, the ISO claims the region's summer peak demand could reach 28,000 MW. However, with extreme weather conditions (high heat and high humidity) peak electricity use could approach a record-setting 30,000 MW. "Power supplies from New England's fleet of generating plants coupled with robust demand-response programs should be sufficient to meet consumer demand for electricity this summer," stated Stephen Whitley, the ISO's COO. "If electricity use reaches record levels, recently added transmission facilities, demand-side resources, and conservation efforts will play a key role in helping to keep the lights on." The ISO maintains the region will have about 1,700 MW of demand resources this summer, nearly double the 900 MW of resources available last year. "If electricity use spikes during several days of extremely hot and humid weather, or if unexpected…outages occur, system operators can immediately take a series of steps to help maintain reliability and keep electricity supply and demand in balance," Whitely said. On August 2, 2006, the region's electric demand peaked at its highest level ever: 28,130 MW. Demand resources were considered vital to the power system's reliability that day, reducing demand on the system by some 625 MW.