Illinois commission hosts industry leaders for summer preparedness policy session
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently hosted representatives from Illinois utility companies and the state’s two regional transmission organizations (RTOs) for a policy session on preparing for high demand in the summer months.
Illinois electricity operator PJM Interconnection predicts high temperatures this summer, which will result
in increased demand for electricity compared to 2016.
Panelists at the event how transmission upgrades and more efficient technology increase reliability, the resiliency of electric service during peak demand and preparedness for inclement weather and extreme system conditions.
“This was more than just an opportunity to review our preparations to meet distribution and weather related challenges,” ICC Commissioner John R. Rosales said. “This was an opportunity to examine our recent grid infrastructure improvements, our ability to respond to threats and our communications strategies to swiftly convey vital information during disruptions.”
Ameren Illinois Company, which serves 1.2 million customers in central and southern Illinois, expects a 2.1 percent increase in peak demand this summer but is preparing for an 8.2 percent increase.
Representatives from Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd), the largest electricity supplier in Illinois, discussed preparations for attaining and maintaining a 99.98 percent reliability rate both before and after the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act.
