RENSSELAER – New York’s
electric system has the capacity to meet demand for electricity and the
necessary operating reserves during extreme cold weather conditions through
the 2016-17 winter season, according to the New York Independent System
Operator (NYISO).
The NYISO anticipates a peak demand of 24,445 megawatts for this winter.
Last winter peak demand reached 23,317 MW as the 2015-16 season experienced
temperatures milder than the 10-year and 30-year averages. New York’s
record winter peak was set in 2014 during polar vortex conditions that
pushed demand to 25,738 MW.
Peak demand is a measurement of the average total electric demand by consumers
for one-hour period. One megawatt of electricity can serve some 800 to
1,000 homes.
Total capacity resources, which include generation, import and demand
response, are expected to total 42,968 MW this winter. Installed generation
capacity amounts to 40,092 MW.
