NYISO says it is prepared to meet demand during an extreme kind of heat wave called a heat dome that is already spiking temperatures to near 100 degrees Fahrenheit in western New York and is expected to spread this week throughout the state, northern New England and New Jersey.
“Based on current conditions, … NYISO forecasts that there will be adequate supply of electricity to meet demand through the coming period of hot weather,” Aaron Markham, vice president of operations, said in a press release June 18.
A heat dome is a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere that traps warm air in place. Heat domes are more likely to arise in dry summer conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and the Plattsburgh area will likely experience “extreme heat” with little to no overnight relief beginning June 19. The heat is expected to move east and south, hitting New York City on June 20. Dangerous heat levels could persist until June 23.
NYISO forecasts peak demand to reach as high as 28.9 GW by June 20. That is well below its forecast peak load for the season of about 31.5 GW, according to its Summer Assessment. The ISO will have about 40.7 GW of capacity available before derates, and operators could dispatch up to 3,275 MW through emergency procedures. (See NYISO Reports Adequate Capacity for Summer, but Heat Waves a Concern.)
Kevin Lanahan, vice president of external affairs and corporate communications, told RTO Insider that based on historical load data, weather conditions and modeling software, operations and planning personnel anticipate being able to meet demand.
“It’s a technical process, and we’ve gotten pretty good at it,” Lanahan said. “We have a lot of confidence in our planners and forecasters. We do believe we have enough power to meet demand.”
Last year’s peak demand of 30,206 MW was during the Labor Day heat wave. The all-time record peak of 33,956 MW occurred in July 2013.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she had activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center. “New Yorkers should take every precaution to stay cool this week,” she said. “Stay hydrated, avoid excessive outdoor activity and, if needed, visit a cooling center near you.”