EIA: “In a highly populated area that requires significant backup power in reserve, it may be more cost-effective to upgrade the transmission system”

Dominion Virginia Power won the rights to develop 2,000 MW of offshore wind in federal waters. But due to high costs and state policies, the utility is making no promises.

The PJM MRC approved agenda items 2, 4 and 5 unanimously Thursday, August 29, 2013. See story for issue, reason for changes, and impact.

Constraints that can be quickly and cheaply resolved would be included in the Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP) under a proposal the MRC endorsed Thursday after a lengthy discussion. The proposal was approved over the objections of five members, who said it could result in wasteful spending.

Panda Power Funds, a Texas-based private equity fund, last week announced two big investments in PJM, proposing a plant in MD and purchasing rights to a planned generator in PA.

FirstEnergy began sending layoff notices to workers at two PA coal-fired plants even as PJM notified the company it won’t complete upgrades in time for the planned shutdowns.

Below is a summary of the issues scheduled to be brought to a vote at the PJM MRC (Markets and Reliability Committee) Thursday, August 29, 2013.

PJM officials gave the TEAC a status report Thursday on their analysis of the 26 proposals for correcting stability problems at Artificial Island in NJ.

How much is too much? PJM officials are examining May’s base capacity auction to consider limiting capacity imports in order to ensure reliability.

PJM yesterday began inviting competitive proposals for transmission projects to provide relief at its 25 most congested locations.