PJM, Members Ready To Meet Winter Electricity Demand

First winter with new capacity performance standards

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Dec 14, 2016, 01:06 ET

VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Dec. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- PJM Interconnection, which manages the high-voltage power grid for 61 million consumers in 13 states and Washington, D.C., expects to have sufficient resources to meet forecasted demand for electricity this winter.

"PJM and our members have taken steps to prepare for this winter's operations, from participating in drills to examining incidents that could impact reliability," said Michael E. Bryson, vice president – Operations. "With the added strength of resources meeting the stricter Capacity Performance requirements, we are in a better position to handle the cold weather."

Bryson said PJM prepared for the season by studying "worst-case" scenarios such as the impacts of gas pipeline failures. (Natural gas is in higher demand in winter because of both its use for home heating and electricity generation.) PJM also worked with generation owners on cold weather preparedness, a fuel inventory survey, resource testing and a drill for emergency procedures. Communication and coordination between PJM and natural gas pipelines continues regularly throughout the winter.

Capacity Performance resources – generation, demand response and energy efficiency – must produce electricity when called upon regardless of weather or extreme system conditions. If they do not, they face significant non-performance charges. PJM procured Capacity Performance resources to meet more than 60 percent of expected needs. All resources will be required to meet Capacity Performance standards by June 1, 2019.

PJM expects to have 183,665 megawatts of electric resources to meet the forecasted peak demand of 135,548 MW. Last winter, when temperatures were milder than average, the winter peak of 130,680 MW was set on Jan. 19, 2016. PJM's all-time winter peak is 143,295 MW, set on Feb. 20, 2015.

A new, free PJM mobile app allows anyone to see current power demand in the region and other power supply information, including wholesale prices. The PJM Now app is available in the iOS App Store and Google Play.

PJM Interconnection, founded in 1927, ensures the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 61 million people in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. PJM coordinates and directs the operation of the region's transmission grid, which includes over 81,000 miles of transmission lines; administers a competitive wholesale electricity market; and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion. PJM's regional grid and market operations produce annual savings of $2.8 billion to $3.1 billion. For the latest news about PJM, visit PJM Inside Lines at insidelines.pjm.com.