August 26, 2002—The US Department of Energy recently issued an emergency order directing Cross-Sound Cable Company to temporarily allow power to flow between New Haven, Connecticut and Long Island, New York. Activation of this 330-megawatt cable will alleviate the emergency supply situation caused by the area’s recent heat wave.
The order directs that the operation of the cable shall be a last resort after terminating service to interruptible customers, appealing to the public for conservation, reducing thirty-minute reserves to zero, and implementing voltage reductions consistent with good utility practice. The line is capable of sending power in both directions providing emergency power to both states in the event of extended demand increases or equipment failures.
The order expires on October 1, 2002.
