Dive Brief:
- ISO New England reports that power demand is expected to grow by a modest 1.1% annually over the next decade, but will essentially end up flat due to energy efficiency programs.
- A working group has been convened to address the effects on grid reliability of an anticipated eight-fold increase in the amount of distributed resources by 2021, especially solar PV.
- Wind energy, which currently provides 7% of power demand, will soon rely on sophisticated forecasting models that will allow it greater integration into the power system.
Dive Insight:
The “dash to gas” remains unabated as that fuel provided 52% of the power consumed in 2012. This over-reliance on a single fuel, especially one used for home heating, could stress the distribution system.