Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Guest Post from Glenn Schleede Peak-to-average electricity demand ratio rising in New England and many other U.S. regions


Dear Today in Energy:
Very interesting data.
I do wonder if any New England ISO, PUC or other officials or political leaders have noticed the fact that their favored source of electricity -- wind turbines -- tends NOT to be available during periods of peak electricity demand.
Also, the availability of the high true cost (but low variable cost) electricity from wind during off peak periods means that reliable units are being run even less -- which almost certainly will result in even higher capacity cost markets and even higher electric bills for ordinary customers as wind energy is increased.
(Meanwhile, the owners of reliable generating units seem to be standing by watching their lunch being eaten by others.)
Please be sure to let me know when it's time to give thanks for all the wise central planners in the US Department of Energy, FERC, Congress, State governments, PUCs, ISOs, RTOs, etc. who are being so successful in substituting their wisdom (along with tax breaks and subsidies for high cost, low value sources of electricity) for market forces -- while driving up our taxes and our electric bills.
Glenn Schleede 

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