The GRID - August 2024

The Opportunities for Growth in Utility-Scale Storage

As various technologies advance, they pose not only some challenges for electric utilities, but also some opportunities. One such technology is battery energy storage, which typically involves lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries combined usually with solar, but also with other sources of generation.

Commercial Energy Consumption Varies by State

According to a new report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), consumption of electricity in the U.S. commercial sector has recovered from pandemic levels, with annual U.S. sales of electricity to commercial customers in 2023 totaling 14 billion kilowatthours (BkWh), or one percent, more than in 2019.

NERC Begins New Four-Part Study on Transmission

According to a new report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), a strong, flexible transmission system that is capable of coping with a wide variety of conditions is key for the reliable supply and delivery of electricity.

Wind Generation Decreasing in Midwest

According to a new report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), grid operators in the areas overseen by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) curtailed an hourly average of 800 megawatts (MW) of wind generation in the Midwest in 2023, compared with less than 200 MW in 2019.

Strong Grid Reliability and Resilience Seen in 2023

Released in late June, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC’s) “2024 State of Reliability” report found that the bulk power system (BPS) remained reliable and resilient in 2023, with no firm load shedding during energy emergencies, and quick recovery following severe storms in the United States and wildfires in Canada.