Press Release

Electric Utilities and Electric Grid Managers Highlight Reliability for Summer Months

Published on 6/9/2011

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Energy Association of Pennsylvania, the Electric Power Generation Association, PJM Interconnection and Duquesne Light Co. 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.

“We are confident that our generation supply is adequate due in large part to our base load generation,” said Chairman Robert F. Powelson during opening remarks. “Pennsylvania also is in a very unique position as we focus on implementing Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards and integrating renewable energy into the mix.”

“We continue to take reliability very seriously when working with legislators and while making our decisions as a Commission,” said Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner in his remarks.  “We’ve taken action to make it clear that this a priority.”

The presenters discussed forecasted load and capacity; inspection practices; environmental considerations; plant additions and retirements; and utility mutual assistance during storms.

Duquesne Light Co. provided an overview of the Mid-Atlantic Mutual Assistance Group and how they work together during storms. Duquesne provides electric service to more than half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.

PJM, based in Pennsylvania, is the electricity grid operator for 13 states and the District of Columbia.  PJM expects to be able to reliably serve expected peak loads, as peak loads are expected to be slightly higher this summer compared to last summer.

The Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP) member companies serve over 5.6 million retail electric and natural gas customers in the Commonwealth.  EAP noted EDCs take a broad array of actions to ensure safe and reliable electric service including encouraging customers to conserve electricity on peak usage days during the summer.

The Electric Power Generation Association (EPGA) noted that they have more than adequate generating capacity to serve its load this summer.  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:

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