PJM is prepared to meet the power needs of its 61 million consumers this summer, when demand is expected to peak at 152,131 MW, the RTO said last week.

There is 183,912 MW of installed generating capacity available, plus 8,700 MW of demand response.

“With continued transmission enhancements, reinforced capacity commitments and slowing forecasted load growth, we’re prepared to meet the region’s needs,” said Mike Bryson, vice president of operations.

This will be the first season to include Capacity Performance resources, which were procured in the August 2015 transitional auction. (See PJM 2016/17 Transition Auction Clears at $134/MW-day.)

PJM’s available capacity reflects a reserve margin of 28.3%, well above the required 16.4%.

Last summer’s peak electric demand occurred on July 28 and was for more than 143,500 MW. The highest summer demand was nearly 166,000 MW in 2006.

– Suzanne Herel