PRESS RELEASE | New York Electric Grid Prepared for Forecasted Heatwave
Rensselaer, NY – The high voltage, bulk electric system is prepared to meet expected demand during the forecasted heatwave, according to the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO).
“Based on current conditions, the NYISO expects an adequate supply of electricity will be available to meet demand through the coming period of hot weather,” said Aaron Markham, Vice President of Operations for the New York Independent System Operator. “NYISO operators work closely with power producers, utility companies, and neighboring grid operators in advance of extreme weather events to assess the status of generating and transmission capacity.”
According to NYISO’s latest summer readiness assessment, 40,937 megawatts (MW) of power resources are available to serve load across the state. If necessary, NYISO operators can dispatch up to 3,159 MW through emergency operating procedures to maintain reliability during next week’s heatwave.
In July 2013, New York recorded a record peak of 33,956 MW at the end of a week-long heat wave. Peak demand is a measurement of the average total electric demand by consumers for a one-hour period.
As of Friday, June 20, the forecasted baseline peak demand for next week is as follows:
- Sunday, June 22: 27,280 MW
- Monday, June 23: 30,700 MW
- Tuesday, June 24: 31,170 MW
- Wednesday, June 25: 28,020 MW
NYISO recently enhanced its online System Conditions page which incorporates a new grid alert system to communicate when energy supplies drop below certain thresholds and conservation measures may be necessary. That page can be viewed at www.nyiso.com/system-conditions. NYISO is continuously monitoring conditions and taking actions to meet demand. If conditions are forecasted that could negatively impact reserve margins of supply, additional communications may be issued.
NYISO operates the bulk electric system under the nation’s strictest reliability standards. System reliability requirements are established, maintained, and enforced by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Northeast Power Coordinating Council, and the New York State Reliability Council.
About the New York ISO
The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) is a not-for-profit corporation responsible for operating the bulk electricity grid, administering the competitive wholesale electricity markets, conducting comprehensive long-term planning, and advancing the technological infrastructure of the electric system serving the Empire State.