Lower Providence >> As the calendar page turns from November to December, thoughts turn to winter weather — will it be snowy or dry; warm or cold?
PJM Interconnection, which manages the high-voltage power grid for 65 million consumers in 13 states and the District of Columbia has announced that it — and its members — are ready for what is to come.
PJM announced this week that sufficient resources are available to meet forecasted demand for electricity this winter.
“Mild or severe weather, no matter what the winter brings, we are prepared and expect to have more than enough power available to meet consumers’ demand for electricity,” said Michael E. Bryson, vice president — operations said in a release. “The key to our confidence is our members’ preparation efforts and track records of reliable performance.”
Every year, PJM takes a look at the expected demand for electricity, weather predictions and other factors in developing its forecast for operations through the winter.
Among the expectations this year, according to the release, is the development of a weak La Niña, which will lead to a colder winter than the last two years.
In addition, southward shifts in the polar vortex this year caused cooler August weather.
“If this trend continues, the risk of periods of arctic cold will be greater,” the release stated.
In terms of precipitation, the Great Lakes region is expected to see above average precipitation, while the southern region is expected to see below average precipitation.
PJM also worked with generation owners on cold weather preparedness, a fuel inventory survey, resource testing and a drill for emergency procedures.
“Communication and coordination between PJM and natural gas pipelines continues regularly throughout the winter. The cold weather exercises allow units to identify and correct start-up, operational and fuel-switching issues prior to cold weather operations,” the release continued.
PJM expects to have 184,926 megawatts of electric resources to meet the forecasted peak demand of 135,526 megawatts (MW). Last winter, with milder-than-average temperatures, the winter peak of 130,689 MW was set on Dec. 15, 2016. PJM’s all-time winter peak is 143,295 MW, set on Feb. 20, 2015.
PJM Interconnection, founded in 1927, coordinates and directs the operation of the region’s transmission grid, which includes more than 82,000 miles of transmission lines; administers a competitive wholesale electricity market; and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion. PJM ensures the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 65 million people in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. For more information about PJM Interconnection http://pjm.com. For the latest news about PJM, visit PJMInside Lines at insidelines.pjm.com.
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