Press Release

Electric Utilities and Electric Grid Managers Highlight Reliability for Summer Months

Published on 6/9/2009

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – As several regions of the state experience hot and humid temperatures today, the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, the Electric Power Generation Association, and PJM Interconnection today advised the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) 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; generation and transmission for summer 2009; environmental considerations; plant additions and retirements; Marcellus Shale drilling’s potential impact on electric utility service; and the perspectives of electric distribution companies.

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 136,310 megawatts, compared to the all-time peak of 144,644 megawatts on Aug. 2, 2006.  PJM expects to have a total reserve margin of 30 percent, which is the extra power on hand to meet unanticipated demand.

Electric Power Generation Association (EPGA) members own and operate more than 145,000 megawatts of generating capacity.  The EPGA reported that coal inventories, nuclear units and natural gas storage levels are sufficient to meet peak demand and also discussed reliability risks, including environmental challenges.

The Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP) member companies serve over 8 million electric and natural gas customers in the Commonwealth.  EAP reported that Pennsylvania electric distribution companies are working to enhance reliability by promoting Smart Grid collaboration; investing in infrastructure; and working to address an aging workforce and attract new employees.

Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. (PA One Call), a nonprofit corporation that promotes safety by providing a communications network among designers, excavators and facility owners also presented.  PA One Call discussed the damage impact on utility reliability for 2009 and the potential impact of the Marcellus Shale drilling on electric utility service.

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

PUC's Bureau of Conservation, Economics and Energy Planning

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov