July 3, 2006—Electricity supplies are failing to keep pace with growing demand in many parts of the US, causing shrinking reserves of generating capacity needed to meet unexpected power needs, according to the North American Electric Reliability Council’s (NERC) Summer Assessment for 2006. The report provides an assessment of the reliability and adequacy of the bulk electric system in North America for June-September 2006.
The report cites Southern California as having lower capacity margins than most other areas, which could lead to supply shortages in a worst-case scenario. In the Northeast, transmission constraints continue to hinder delivery of electricity into and within southwestern Connecticut, which has the potential to cause reliability problems.
Reliability is expected to improve in Boston this summer as a result of two new projects that have increased electricity delivery capability into this area by 24 percent, the report explains. In Ontario, where capacity margins continue to be tight, the ability to import emergency power from neighboring areas has increased with the addition of several new facilities as well as a new day-ahead commitment process, says NERC.
To download the 2006 Summer Assessment, visit NERC.
