Press Release

Electric Utilities and Electric Grid Managers Highlight Reliability for Summer Months

Published on 6/7/2012

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Energy Association of Pennsylvania, PJM Interconnection, PPL Electric Utilities Corp., West Penn Power, Metropolitan-Edison Co. and PECO 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 Commission is charged with ensuring safe and reliable utility service for consumers,” said Chairman Robert F. Powelson.  “It is important to stay up to date and educated on the reliability expectations of the electric grid managers and electric utilities.”

The presenters discussed forecasted load and capacity; inspection practices; environmental considerations; key distribution system improvements; and lessons learned from the 2011 storms. 

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, which are expected to be slightly higher this summer versus last summer’s weather-normalized loads.

The Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP) member companies serve over 5.6 million retail electric and natural gas customers in the Commonwealth.  EAP noted it and its electric utility members have increased efforts to engage in collaborative discussions and best practices sharing with industry peers, local and state government leaders, emergency personnel and out-of-state utilities to enhance event preparedness.

The PUC’s Bureau of Technic al Utility Services gave an overview of the North American Electric Reliability Corp.'s (NERC) 2012 Summer Reliability Assessment and storm response. 

 You can view the presentations by selecting the links below:

• PUC Bureau of Technical Utility Services – NERC Assessment
• PUC Bureau of Technical Utility Services – Storm Response Overview
• Energy Association of Pennsylvania
• PJM Energy Resource Adequacy Planning Department
• PPL Electric Utilities Corp.
• West Penn Power
• Met-Ed
• PECO
  
  

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:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722