Extreme weather and aging power generation systems pose significant reliability issues for New York’s electric grid this summer.
The New York Independent System Operator says the reliability margin is the lowest in recent history. That means there might not be enough power during heat waves at or above 95 degrees for three days or more.
“This assessment reflects the challenges of the grid in transition – declining reliability margins, performance issues with aging generators, and an absence of new dispatchable resources,” said Aaron Markham, Vice President of Operations for the New York Independent System Operator. “Coordination with generation owners, utility companies, neighboring grid operators, and government officials will be essential as we work to maintain grid reliability this summer.”
The ISO says rising demand and transmission constraints also reduce the supply of available energy. Under those conditions, operators would issue conservation alerts and borrow emergency energy.
