ISO Load Response Program Plays Key Role in Keeping The Lights on During the Heat Wave

7/27/2001

Over 100 megawatt hours of energy saved during peak demand period on system
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 27, 2001 — ISO New England’s innovative load response program based on RETX’s Load Management Dispatcher and used by Northeast Generation Services Company (NGS) was put to good use last week as the result of high forecasted hourly prices due to the hot and humid weather and the ensuing high demand for electricity on the region’s bulk electric power system. Because of the voluntary program available to large volume energy users, the region was able to save well over 100 megawatt hours of energy over the course of one day. The full energy savings for the two days where the program was activated is now being determined.

Last month ISO New England initiated the load response program, first of its kind in the nation. The program allows participating power companies and their customers to monitor and react to real-time energy prices and voluntarily curtail power use. When prices are forecast to reach $100, a Class II alert is issued by ISO New England to participants to begin conservation efforts. In some cases, curtailment results in the participants being able to sell back the amount of energy they did not use to ISO New England.

Starting at 9 AM on Tuesday, July 24, and at 10AM on Wednesday, July 25th, energy price forecasts exceeded $100 per megawatt hour for certain hours on both days. In fact, actual energy prices reached the price cap ceiling of $1,000 per megawatt hour for several hours during the two days.

New England broke records for electricity usage on both Tuesday, July 24, and then again on Wednesday, July 25, 2001. Tuesday’s peak demand reached 23,709 megawatts (MW) at 3:00 p.m. for the six-state New England region. This record was eclipsed on Wednesday, July 25, when peak demand hit 24, 153 MW at 4:00 p.m. The former demand record was July 6, 1999 when 22, 544 MW was consumed.

NGS, a NEPOOL member participating in the program, was able to take full advantage of the program during the event. NGS provides its customers with consulting services on the best strategies to reduce power during peak demand periods.

"This is a prime example of a team effort," said William J. Nadeau, vice-president and chief operating officer, Northeast Generation Services. "The ISO created an effective program ideally suited for the situation that occurred this week. RETX proved that its Internet applications work, and our customers were able to take full advantage of the program," added Nadeau.

Says Ross Malme, CEO and President of RETX, "This is clearly a win-win-win situation. ISO New England proved itself forward-thinking when it installed the RETX Load Management Dispatcher system, NGS and its customers gained the advantages, and the people of New England kept the power on. Just think what this type of program could do for our nation’s energy issues if it was used in other regions, the savings and conservation would be astronomical."

Headquartered in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, Northeast Generation Services provides a range of power plant and industrial services in the 11-state Northeast region. NGS is a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities (NYSE: NU), New England’s largest energy company. More information can be found on the Internet at www.ngs-nu.com.

RETX works throughout North America with electric and gas distribution utilities, load serving entities, ISOs, and retail energy service providers. The company provides fully integrated, customized and secure Web-based services, including load management, customer enrollment, meter information management, retail settlements, curtailment management, performing compliance responses, assisting with audit capability, and more. ...

For information on the Load Response Program, ISO New England, and NEPOOL, go to www.iso-ne.com.

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ISO Load Response Program Plays Key Role in Keeping The Lights on During the Heat Wave
7/27/2001
Over 100 megawatt hours of energy saved during peak demand period on system ATLANTA, Georgia, July 27, 2001 — ISO New England’s innovative load response program based on RETX’s Load Management Dispatcher and used by Northeast Generation Services Company (NGS) was put to good use last week as the result of high forecasted hourly prices due to the hot and humid weather and the ensuing high demand for electricity on the region’s bulk electric power system. Because of the voluntary program available to large volume energy users, the region was able to save well over 100 megawatt hours of energy over the course of one day. The full energy savings for the two days where the program was activated is now being determined. Last month ISO New England initiated the load response program, first of its kind in the nation. The program allows participating power companies and their customers to monitor and react to real-time energy prices and voluntarily curtail power use. When prices are forecast to reach $100, a Class II alert is issued by ISO New England to participants to begin conservation efforts. In some cases, curtailment results in the participants being able to sell back the amount of energy they did not use to ISO New England. Starting at 9 AM on Tuesday, July 24, and at 10AM on Wednesday, July 25th, energy price forecasts exceeded $100 per megawatt hour for certain hours on both days. In fact, actual energy prices reached the price cap ceiling of $1,000 per megawatt hour for several hours during the two days. New England broke records for electricity usage on both Tuesday, July 24, and then again on Wednesday, July 25, 2001. Tuesday’s peak demand reached 23,709 megawatts (MW) at 3:00 p.m. for the six-state New England region. This record was eclipsed on Wednesday, July 25, when peak demand hit 24, 153 MW at 4:00 p.m. The former demand record was July 6, 1999 when 22, 544 MW was consumed. NGS, a NEPOOL member participating in the program, was able to take full advantage of the program during the event. NGS provides its customers with consulting services on the best strategies to reduce power during peak demand periods. "This is a prime example of a team effort," said William J. Nadeau, vice-president and chief operating officer, Northeast Generation Services. "The ISO created an effective program ideally suited for the situation that occurred this week. RETX proved that its Internet applications work, and our customers were able to take full advantage of the program," added Nadeau. Says Ross Malme, CEO and President of RETX, "This is clearly a win-win-win situation. ISO New England proved itself forward-thinking when it installed the RETX Load Management Dispatcher system, NGS and its customers gained the advantages, and the people of New England kept the power on. Just think what this type of program could do for our nation’s energy issues if it was used in other regions, the savings and conservation would be astronomical." Headquartered in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, Northeast Generation Services provides a range of power plant and industrial services in the 11-state Northeast region. NGS is a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities (NYSE: NU), New England’s largest energy company. More information can be found on the Internet at www.ngs-nu.com. RETX works throughout North America with electric and gas distribution utilities, load serving entities, ISOs, and retail energy service providers. The company provides fully integrated, customized and secure Web-based services, including load management, customer enrollment, meter information management, retail settlements, curtailment management, performing compliance responses, assisting with audit capability, and more. ... For information on the Load Response Program, ISO New England, and NEPOOL, go to www.iso-ne.com. ###