Press Release

Electric Utilities and Electric Grid Managers Highlight Reliability for Summer Months

Published on 5/20/2010

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Energy Association of Pennsylvania, the Electric Power Generation Association, PJM Interconnection and Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. 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; 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 135,750 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 28.0 percent.

 The Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP) member companies serve over 5.6 million retail 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 implementing adopted regulations pursuant to the Electricity Competition Act establishing standards for inspection and maintenance of distribution facilities.

 Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc. noted how digging damage can affect electric service reliability.  Pennsylvania One Call System is a non-profit Pennsylvania corporation created to protect the underground facilities before anyone begins to disturb the earth. Pennsylvania One Call receives requests from excavators, contractors, plumbers, builders, designers, and the general public to find out where underground lines are located. Pennsylvania One Call notifies member underground facility owners of the intent to excavate. The member underground facility owner then marks where their lines are located.

 The Electric Power Generation Association (EPGA) said that coal inventories almost 50 million tons less than last year, but are adequate to meet peak demand and accommodate short-term supply disruptions.  The EPGA is a regional trade association of major electric generating companies that supply wholesale power in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

 The PUC’s Bureau of Conservation, Economics, and Energy Planning (CEEP) discussed how smart grid technologies and projects affect reliability. 

 You can view the presentations by selecting the links below:

PUC Bureau of CEEP 

Electric Power Generation Association 

PJM

Energy Association of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania One Call

 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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