In an attempt to alleviate stresses on the power grid in theMid-Atlantic region this summer, the PJM Interconnection L.L.C. hasinitiated a pilot program under which it will pay electriccustomers to reduce their electric loads during emergencysituations.

Under its customer load-reduction program, PJM will pay marketparticipants that have the ability to self-generate via on-sitefacilities or that can measurably reduce their loads though othermeans (conservation) during PJM emergency events. PJM’s program,which still is awaiting FERC approval, began July 8 and is expectedto remain in effect until Sept. 30.

PJM said it initiated the program in response to FERC’s May 17order announcing a number of interim measures that industry couldtake to increase generation supplies and improve the reliability ofthe nation’s transmission grid this summer.

Eligible candidates must be PJM members that can completelydisconnect from the grid and supply their own power load viaself-generation, or be able to reduce a “measurable and verifiableportion” of its load via conservation/efficiency measures or othermethods, according to PJM.

Specifically, candidates must be able to reduce their load by atleast 100 kW during a minimum of 10 hours between July 8-Sept. 30,be able to achieve full reduction within one hour of PJM’s requestto reduce load, be available between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10p.m. seven days a week, and meet certain metering requirements. Themetering equipment must be capable of providing “integrated hourlykWh values…..with a maximum of two percent error end-to-end,” andbe able to measure actual load before and after a reductionrequest.

PJM said the $5,000 annual membership fee and the $1,500application fee will be waived for participants during the pilot.

PJM noted that it will pay the appropriate zonal locationalmarginal price or $500/MWh, whichever is higher, to pilotparticipants that reduce their electric loads during emergencypower situations.

“We are excited about this program that will provide animportant resource during times of high electricity usage. Theprogram will augment the region’s well-established emergencyprocedures,” said Bruce Balmat, vice president of systemoperations. Further information on PJM’s load-reduction pilot canbe found on its website www.pjm.com.

PJM operates the Mid-Atlantic energy and capacity markets. Itadministers almost 8% of the nation’s electric power supply, with apooled generating capacity of more than 58,000 MW and a membershipof more than 190.

Susan Parker

©Copyright 2000 Intelligence Press, Inc. All rightsreserved. The preceding news report may not be republished orredistributed in whole or in part without prior written consent ofIntelligence Press, Inc.