MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY SITUATIONAL AWARENESS STATEMENT
July 18, 2013
Earlier today, ISO New England issued the following request for electricity consumers to implement voluntary conservation measures due to the spike in demand for electricity resulting from the high temperatures and humidity.
From ISO New England:
| ISO New England Continues Request for Voluntary Electricity Conservation Precautionary step due to high temperatures and electricity demand |
Holyoke, MA—July 18, 2013—As the heat wave persists in New England, ISO New England, operator of the bulk electric power system, is extending its request for consumers to voluntarily conserve electricity through the end of the week. This request continues to be a precautionary measure to help keep supply and demand in balance as consumer demand is forecasted to increase.
Taking simple, practical steps to reduce electricity use, particularly between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., will help the ISO manage system conditions. The public's response to past conservation requests have been effective, and ISO New England suggests several ways to reduce electricity consumption and advises that these measures be taken consistent with one's health and safety:
• Raise air conditioning thermostats by a few degrees if health permits. A suggested temperature range is between 74°F–78°F
• Turn off unneeded lights and appliances
• Turn off unnecessary office equipment
• Shut off air conditioners when leaving home for extended periods of time
• Defer laundry and other chores requiring electricity until the early morning or late evening hours
Peak demand and forecasts
Preliminary data indicate that electricity demand peaked yesterday, July 17, at 26,655 megawatts (MW), which is the tenth highest demand day on record in New England. Today, ISO New England is forecasting a peak demand of 27,900 MWand similar conditions are forecasted for tomorrow, Friday, July 19. New England's current all-time record for electricity usage is 28,130 MW, which was set on August 2, 2006. In New England, one megawatt of electricity can power approximately 1,000 homes.
Operating procedures to maintain reliability ISO New England continues to monitor the power system closely. If demand for electricity were to outstrip supply, the ISO has a series of well-established steps it can take to bring the system back into balance, including calling on demand-response resources to curtail their electric energy use and seeking additional power from neighboring regions.
Kurt N. Schwartz
Undersecretary, Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Director, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
Lee Ann Delp, RPL
978-308-9166 Cell
http://www.wnema.org/
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