Eversource monitoring electric system amid CT heat wave, will add ‘resources’
Eversource said Tuesday that is is “monitoring the system” closely and will have additional resources on tonight to address any issues or outages that may arise as a heat wave grips Connecticut.
Eversource has 1,312,610 power customers in Connecticut and had 349 without power at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday,
Tricia Taskey Modifica, Eversource Media Relations Manager for Connecticut, said Tuesday that, “although high electric usage during a heat wave can put a strain on the electric system, we’re constantly working to ensure safe, reliable service for our customers.
“As part of those efforts, our remote system operators are closely monitoring the electric system for potential stress and use distribution automation technology to regularly reroute power and make other adjustments as needed to meet demand in specific spots and at specific times,” she said.
“It’s been a normal day today – no issues on the system. We are monitoring the system closely and will have additional resources on tonight to address any issues or outages that may arise,” Modifica said.
The entire state will be under an excessive heat watch that started at noon on Tuesday, through noon on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
“Hot and humid conditions will combine to produce maximum heat index values approaching 100 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday,” and up to 102 on Wednesday, the weather service’s New York office said.
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ISO New England the region’s power supplier, said in a statement when ask about power issues that it “anticipates normal system operations this week, despite forecasts calling for hot temperatures across the region Tuesday through Sunday.” ISO New England coordinates electricity over the region’s system.
The power supplier said that, “in New England, consumer demand for electricity is highest during the summer because of air conditioning use.”
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“One of the biggest drivers for our demand is what the temperature is,” Mike Fontaine, ISO‑NE operations forecasting supervisor, said in a recent ISO Minute and company statement. “A one degree change in temperature can impact the load, or demand, in New England significantly.”
The ISO expects peak demand “to reach 23,750 megawatts (MW) on Thursday, June 20. Though this would represent the highest demand this year, it is within the expected range forecasted for the summer season. New England’s all-time record for electricity demand was set on Aug. 2, 2006, when demand reached 28,130 MW after a prolonged heat wave.”
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The power supplier said it projects “adequate supplies of electricity in the coming days, system operators and forecasters are continuously monitoring conditions. If needed, the ISO’s highly-trained operators will follow well-established operating procedures to balance supply and demand on the regional power system.”
ISO, while not anticipating a call for public conservation, said anyone who wants to reduce their use can:
- Install window coverings to prevent heat gain through your windows during the day
- Limit using your washer, dryer, and dishwasher.
- Unplug unused electronics.
- Turn off unnecessary lights.
- Clean air intake vents and replace the filter for air conditioners for maximum energy affordability.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s website for more information and tips.
The heat wave, accompanied by high humidity, will make it feel like 95 to 105 degrees or even hotter most of this week. This prolonged period of intense heat is expected to start Monday and could persist until Saturday, with the most intense heat hitting between Wednesday and Friday.