Tag Archives: PJM
FirstEnergy and the August 2003 Blackout
The biggest power outage in North America occurred on August 14, 2003. Why should Marylanders take another look at FirstEnergy’s role in that event? In the first place, the blackout cascade originated from FirstEnergy’s Ohio territory and spread to neighboring … Continue reading
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Electric Cars, Carbon-dioxide Emissions and Air Conditioning
Nissan has released pricing details on its forthcoming electric vehicle, the Leaf: Contrary to some of the recent rumors, at a base price of $32,780 it is relatively affordable… so affordable, in fact, that, after the $7,500 federal tax credit, Nissan … Continue reading
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Maryland Needs Electric Cars to Use Offshore Wind
The looming electrification of the auto fleet raises a host of important questions, ranging from restructuring manufacturing to the impact on oil imports. Lost in all this mayhem are the benefits to Maryland’s electricity sector. (Maryland has announced a $1 … Continue reading
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Peak Demand Falls — PJM Cancels Capacity Auction
PJM Interconnection, the private corporation that manages the regional transmission system including Maryland, has cancelled one of their regular capacity auctions. These auctions are based on forecast of peak demand during the hottest summer months. Local utilities must purchase contracts … Continue reading
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A Maryland Strategy for Summer Peak Demand?
Peak summer demand drives the electricity system in important ways. It determines the minimum amount of generating and transmission capacity that must be on hand. It drives costs as generation capacity must be kept on standby for peak periods. Peak … Continue reading
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Coal-by-Wire PATH Transmission Project Opposed in Three States
Power corporations American Electric Power (AEP) and Allegheny Energy (AYE), backers of the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH), would like investors and rate-payers to think that this “coal by wire” plan is a “done deal.” Nothing could be further from the … Continue reading
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Economist Challenges PJM’s Distorted Planning Process
Tomorrow, I’ll be in Annapolis, Maryland, for the Maryland Comprehensive Energy Outlook Advisory Committee Meeting. My prepared remarks challenge PJM‘s “hair of the dog” approach to climate change adaptation: If heat waves are getting worse because of carbon emissions, heck, … Continue reading
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PJM’s CEO Tainted by TVA Coal Ash Scandal?
An independent consultant’s report has slammed TVA’s management of the coal ash from its 11 coal-fired power plants. The consultants reported that “TVA did not have any standard procedures regarding operation and maintenance of wet-ash ponds” and didn’t put a … Continue reading
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PJM Interconnection — America’s Top Carbon Polluter?
Responsible companies concerned about climate change have disclosed their carbon footprints and pledged to make them smaller. Many have joined organized efforts like the Chicago Climate Exchange, the Carbon Disclosure Project and EPA’s Climate Leaders. The list of corporations joining … Continue reading
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PJM’s Carbon Bigfoot
If you read PJM Interconnection’s latest Annual Report, there’s a lot about all the wind generation that is “planned” (“imagined”) for PJM and very little about coal or carbon emissions. Indeed, PJM had the temerity to title their report: Re-New (as … Continue reading
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