PJM says it is prepared to meet summer electricity demand

Valley Forge-based PJM Interconnection, the country’s largest electric grid operator, said it has enough supply to meet summer electricity needs for its customers across the country.

As part of its summer forecast, the company said it is prepared to meet the forecasted summer peak demand for approximately 149,000 MW of electricity. The company also said reliability studies project even higher loads in excess of 157,000 MW. However, the company said it has about 185,000 MW of installed generating capacity available for the 65 million customers in 13 states and the District of Columbia it serves. Additionally, the company said it has sufficient resources available in reserve to cover unanticipated changes in demand.

“PJM understands the critical importance that electricity plays in the daily lives of the 65 million people in our footprint. We prepare for summer operations throughout the year, knowing electricity use is normally highest during this season,” said PJM President and CEO Manu Asthana. “Reliability is a primary focus for us.”

The company said last year’s peak demand was nearly 149,000 MW. Warm ocean waters suggest this year may be slightly warmer than last year, meaning summer demand consistent with the previous year’s demand. So far, the company’s highest one-day power use was in the summer of 2006 at 165,563 MW – enough to power 132 million homes.

“Predicting the demand for electricity helps PJM ensure that consumers have a reliable supply of power today and in the years ahead,” said Mike Bryson, senior vice president of operations. “Load forecasting is something we do routinely, for both short- and long-term periods, to help ensure an adequate supply of power for reliable service at the most reasonable cost.”