Dive Summary:
- California's Independent System Operator Corporation (ISO) warns that heat waves, higher than expected power plant outages, or transmission limitations triggered by wildfires may stress Southern California's grid this summer, especially in the areas affected by the 2,200MW SONGS outage such as Southern Orange and San Diego counties.
- During peak demand, ISO operators will push local demand response and conservation programs to decrease impacts of rapidly changing grid conditions.
- The system-wide peak electric demand is expected to reach 47,413 MW during summer 2013, which is 738 MW more than the actual peak of 46,675 MW in 2012. The all-time record peak demand was 50,270 MW in 2006.
From the article:
"There is an estimate of 51,068 MW of power plant capacity available this summer within the ISO grid, which includes new generation. From June 1, 2012 to April 1, 2013, a total of 2,502 MW has come on line and an additional 891 MW is expected to energize by June 1, 2013. Twenty-four percent of the new power plant supply comes from wind and solar power, which will help the state achieve its 33 percent by 2020 green power goal."