Press Release

Electric Utilities, Power Generators, Electricity Grid Managers Brief PUC on Power for Summer

Published on 5/24/2006

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG –The Energy Association of Pennsylvania, the Electric Power Generation Association, PJM Interconnection and Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) today advised the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) that they are expecting normal demands for electricity and have ample power to meet the demand for electricity during the summer months while maintaining enough power for emergencies.

The presenters discussed forecasted load and capacity; an update of heat emergency plans; inspection and maintenance plans; and the effects of environmental issues on the generation supply fleet.

PJM, based in Pennsylvania, is the electricity grid operator for 13 states and the District of Columbia.  PJM predicts that customers this summer will drive the net peak demand for power to 133,500 megawatts, compared to the all-time PJM peak of 133,761 megawatts on July 26, 2005.  PJM expects to have a reserve margin, the extra power on hand to meet unanticipated demand, of 25.5 percent.

The Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP) member companies serve over 8.2 million electric and natural gas customers in the Commonwealth.  EAP said that most Pennsylvania electric distribution companies (EDCs) are meeting or bettering the reliability thresholds established for them by the Commission.  EAP said that the EDCs should be able to continue their maintenance practices because, over time, the EDCs either have been meeting their reliability standards, or the Commission has dealt with the companies individually.  At the request of the Public Utility Commission in 1994, electric utilities developed plans to help protect at-risk customers during heat-wave emergencies.  EAP said Pennsylvania electric utilities have those plans in place, and ready to implement, if needed this summer. 

You can view each of the company’s presentations by selecting the links below:

                        PJM Interconnection Presentation

                        Midwest Independent System Operator Presentation

                        Energy Association of Pennsylvania Presentation

                        Electric Power Generation Association Presentation

The PUC is committed to ensuring that all Pennsylvania ratepayers have access to reliable electric service in all temperatures.  To improve reliability, the PUC has approved regulations to tighten reliability standards and reporting requirements.  In April, the Commission voted to propose expanding inspection and maintenance standards for electric transmission and distribution systems.  The Commission also employs a heat-wave awareness campaign to help consumers know how to cope when temperatures rise. 

                        Heat-Wave Awareness

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as stewards of competition.

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