May 7, 2004—ISO New England Inc., the operator of the regions bulk electric power grid, recently issued its summer 2004 capacity outlook. This summer, the regions electricity supplies should be adequate to meet expected electricity use. However, transmission constraints in Southwest Connecticut could require that ISO New England implement operating procedures to help maintain reliability in that area this summer.
“Since New Englands wholesale power markets were launched five years ago, generation has increased by one-third. As a result, we expect to have enough power to meet New Englands electricity use this summer,” said Stephen G. Whitley, ISO New England Inc.s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Summer electricity use for New England is forecast to reach 25,735 megawatts (MW) on at least one day during summer 2004 under normal weather conditions of around 91 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme weather conditions, such as an extended heat wave of approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit, could drive peak use to 27,305 MW. New Englands summer electricity use typically ranges between 19,000 MW and 24,000 MW with temperatures in the 80s. The current record is 25,348 MW, set on August 14, 2002.
Although New England as a whole is expected to have adequate power this summer, Southwest Connecticut and Northeast Massachusetts/Greater Boston have transmission constraints that could create electricity reliability concerns. Both areas have the highest electricity use in New England, with Northeast Massachusetts/Greater Boston making up approximately one-fifth of New Englands total electricity use.
