The North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC) has released its 2010 Long-Term Reliability Assessment, which says that the electric industry has prepared adequate plans for the 2010-2019 period to provide reliable electric service across North America.
According to the report, an unprecedented, continuing change in the generation fuel mix is expected during the next 10 years, which includes significant increases in new gas-fired, wind, solar and nuclear generation.
In addition, the economic recession, which began affecting demand projections in 2009, and continued advancement of demand-side management have lead to decreased demand projections and higher overall reserve margins.
In the 2009 Long-Term Reliability Assessment, NERC identified five key findings that could affect long-term reliability unless actions were taken by the electric industry. Significant progress has been made on the 2009 findings – which included economic recession and demand-side management; renewable resources; natural gas replacing coal; and acceleration of transmission siting and construction – although continued action still is needed, according to NERC.
SOURCE: North American Electric Reliability Corp.
