The operator of the nation’s largest electric grid says it has the resources available to meet electricity demand in Delaware and elsewhere for 65 million electric users.
PJM Interconnection’s planners anticipate electricity use to peak at more than 150,000 megawatts during the summer months. The National Weather Service is predicting above-average temperatures for nearly all of the 13 states and District of Columbia served by PJM and its members. The organization is based in Valley Forge, PA.
“PJM continues to ensure that the power supply is secure and reliable while maintaining efficient and transparent markets that save billions of dollars for our customers,” said Andrew L. Ott, PJM, CEO. “We have planned and prepared for summer operations and we have plenty of reserves to meet the demand.”
The demand last summer peaked at 145,331 MW on July 19. PJM’s all-time highest power use was 165,492 MW in summer 2006.
PJM meets electricity needs by gaining enough resources to satisfy peak demand plus required reserves at the lowest reasonable cost through its competitive markets
Delaware has seen slow growth in electricity consumption as industrial custom shut down operations. The state has also ramped up energy conservation efforts while adding alternative energy sources.
PJM also has resources on reserve to cover generation that is unexpectedly unavailable or demand that is higher than forecast. PJM’s required reserve is 16.1 percent of the forecast demand level. This summer PJM’s expected reserve margin is more than 28 percent.
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Concern has been growing about plans to shut down coal-fired and nuclear plants and the effect on the electric supply within the Trump Administration.
PJM plans to launch an initiative to deal with the challenge but warned that solutions should come from a market-based system.
