Region likely to handle summer power demand

ALBANY, N.Y. – New York, New England and Ontario should be able to handle this summer’s electricity demands, according to a report on regional power systems released Monday.

But insufficient electricity supplies in southwest Connecticut may not sustain peak demands, according to the New York City-based Northeast Power Coordinating Council, which assesses the power systems for the region and eastern Canada.

Even in event of hot streaks, the power supplies in the rest of the region should meet electricity demands, the council said.

The New York Independent System Operator forecasts a peak of 31,430 megawatts for this summer, 786 MW higher than last year’s peak on July 29.

In New England, the summer peak is forecast at 25,120 MW, down 228 MW from last year’s all-time summer peak on Aug. 14, according to the Independent System Operators of New England.

Ontario’s peak is estimated at 23,684 MW, 1,730 MW lower than last summer’s peak on Aug. 13, according to the Independent Market Operator. In Quebec, the estimate is 20,740 MW, up 215 MW from the Aug. 13 peak.

Heat waves in recent summers have taxed the limits of New York’s power supply and set demand records. State officials have tried to make it easier to get new power plants online, particularly ones to serve New York City and Long Island.