ISO New England Expects To Have Adequate Resources This Winter
November 29,2018
ISO New England said in a news release that it expects the region to have the necessary resources this winter to meet consumer demand, which is expected to peak at 20,357 megawatts (MW) under normal weather conditions or 21,057 MW at extreme temperatures.
"However, as seen during last year’s two-week cold snap, power system operations could become challenging if demand is higher than projected, if the region loses a large generator, electricity imports are affected, or during periods of fuel delivery constraints. In those instances, the ISO could be required to implement emergency operating procedures to maintain reliability," ISO-NE said
“Last winter demonstrated just how much the weather can impact power system operations, not just in terms of consumer demand for electricity, but in the ability of generators to access fuel,” said Peter Brandien, ISO New England’s vice president for system operations. “The ISO has learned lessons from this experience, and made near-term improvements to help address these energy security concerns.”
--- At normal winter temperatures of about 7 degrees Fahrenheit (°F): 20,357 megawatts (MW)
--- If extreme winter weather of 2°F occurs: 21,057 MW
• Resources with a Forward Capacity Market (FCM) capacity supply obligation to be available: 32,300 MW
--- Total resources, including both FCM obligations and capability without FCM obligations: 34,415 MW (a generator’s maximum possible output may be greater than its FCM obligation)
• Natural-gas-fired generating capacity at risk of not being able to get fuel when needed: more than 4,500 MW
• Winter 2017/2018 peak demand: 20,631 MW on January 5, 2018, during the hour from 5 to 6 p.m.
• All-time winter peak in New England: 22,818 MW on January 15, 2004
• All-time peak demand: 28,130 MW, on August 2, 2006