NYISO Handles Major Heat Wave; Competitive Market Credited For Performance
July 24, 2013
NYISO broke a peak demand record during last week’s heat wave, with average load hitting 33,955 MWs on Friday to beat the previous nark of 33,939 MW set in August 2006. Throughout the week, the grid operator reported, unprecedented levels of generator availability were experienced, and every bulk-power-producing asset in New York State was online and running. “This is truly one of the great success stories of New York’s competitive energy markets,” said NYISO Chief Executive Officer Stephen Whitley. “With the correct market signals, we are seeing much greater levels of asset availability and performance.” The ISO’s demand response programs were deployed to relieve the historically congested areas around New York City every day last week and were activated statewide Thursday and Friday. The state also saw near record power demands running up to Friday’s high, with the peak hitting 32,703 MWs on Monday; 32,223 MWs on Tuesday; 33,254 MWs on Wednesday; and 33,450 MWs on Thursday.