NERC report on EV's and grid, AESO analyst report and more..
As we jump back into our routines after the long weekend. We at Arcus Power Corp , hope each of you had a delightful Family Day filled with love, laughter, and memorable moments with your loved ones.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming more common, and this brings both challenges and opportunities for the overall power system. North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) recent analysis shows that as EV charging becomes part of the grid, utilities, EV charging companies, and vehicle manufacturers need to work together. The aim is to create standards for EV charging that work well with the grid, to keep the power system stable and reliable.
Main Points from the NERC Report
EV charging systems can hurt voltage recovery if they do not detect grid faults fast enough, and the study found some chargers can be delayed in returning to normal consumption patterns following a grid disruption.
Switching to electric transportation isn't easy, but by working together across sectors, innovating, and using charging solutions that help the grid, we can turn these challenges into chances to improve grid reliability and encourage clean transportation. As we move forward, we'll need more detailed models to show how vehicles interact with the grid, and real-time data analytics will be important for understanding the future of EV charging and grid reliability.
The combination of electric vehicles and the power grid is a key point in our move towards a sustainable, resilient energy future. By encouraging collaboration between vehicle manufacturers, the electric industry, and policymakers, we can learn more, address reliability issues, and take full advantage of electric transportation.
AESO Analyst Report
Recap of Friday, February 16th?through Monday, February 19th
On Friday, we observed low?prices?throughout the day, with an average daily price of 36.28 $/MWh, and 35.49 $/MWh and 37.85 $/MWh for on and off-peak hours respectively. Morning demand was high due to average seasonal temperatures, peaking over 11,200 MW. Wind generation stayed above 1,200 MW in the morning and afternoon, and rose to over 2,000 MW overnight. Solar generation surpassed 1,100 MW between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., but dropped after 5 p.m. due to sunny conditions in southern Alberta and increased solar generation province-wide. Gas generator Cascade # 1 (CAS1) operated with limited capacity between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7:46 p.m. High renewable generation kept prices below 35 $/MWh for most of the day. Exports through the interties rose above 800 MW, but didn't significantly impact prices.
On Saturday, the average daily price was 29.44 $/MWh. Due to above-average temperatures, demand was low, barely surpassing 10,700 MW in the afternoon. Wind generation hovered around 3,000 MW in the morning, fell below 900 MW in the afternoon, and rose over 1,500 MW overnight.?Solar generation peaked over 1,100 MW between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., but dropped after 5 p.m. Gas generators Sundance # 6 (SD6) and Sheerness # 1 (SH1) went offline at 10:17 a.m. and 10:38 p.m., respectively. But, gas generator Cascade # 1 (CAS1) came back online with limited capacity at 4:19 p.m. Despite lower gas availability, high renewable generation and low demand kept prices under 30 $/MWh for several hours.
On Sunday, the daily average price was 58.18 $/MWh. Demand was relatively low, peaking near 10,800 MW in the evening. Wind generation stayed above 1,900 MW for most of the day, but fell under 1,000 MW at night. Solar generation peaked over 1,000 MW between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and dropped after 5 p.m. Gas generator Sundance # 6 (SD6) came back online at 5:32 a.m., while Cascade # 1 (CAS1) went offline by day's end. High renewable generation and low demand kept prices under 35 $/MWh for most of the day.
On Monday, the daily average price was 58.25 $/MWh. Demand peaked near 10,800 MW in the evening. Wind generation stayed above 1,200 MW in the morning but fell under 900 MW in the afternoon and evening. Solar generation peaked over 1,100 MW between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and dropped after 5 p.m. Exports through the interties rose above 500 MW in the morning but fell under 100 MW in the afternoon and at night. Gas generator Cascade # 1 (CAS1) came online at 12:10 p.m., providing over 100 MW to the grid.
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Expectations for Tuesday, February 20th
Today's temperatures are similar to yesterday's. Demand is expected to be slightly higher. Wind generation is predicted to average above 1,400 MW, while solar generation is projected to surpass 1,000 MW between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Gas generators Battle River # 4 (BR4) and Sheerness # 2 (SH2) are offline, representing 400 MW at a low price not available for today. High renewable generation is likely to push exports through the interties over 700 MW in the afternoon. As a result, relatively low?prices?are expected for most of the day. In the coming days, lower demand is expected due to rising temperatures across the province.
Arizona's Energy Policy Shift
Arizona Changes Course
On February 6, 2024, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) voted 4-1 to consider removing energy efficiency and renewable energy rules. These long-standing rules were designed to boost energy efficiency and encourage renewable energy use. This move has sparked a discussion about Arizona's energy policy, its impact on consumers, the environment, and the energy grid.
The Decision's Rationale
The ACC believes the current rules have cost Arizona electricity users billions without significant benefits. ACC Chairman Jim O'Connor argues these mandates interfere with market signals and do not protect consumers. He pointed out nearly $1.1 billion in costs from energy efficiency rules and another $2.3 billion from the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST) rules. The commission believes the savings and targets set under these rules have been achieved, but the surcharges still exist.
The Decision's Impact
Critics, including clean energy supporters and some industry experts, say Arizona's efficiency programs bring substantial benefits, giving more than $3 in benefits for every dollar spent. They fear removing these rules is a step back, potentially hurting Arizona customers and households, particularly given the state's extreme heat. Energy efficiency is seen as key to Arizona’s grid reliability, and there's worry these changes could risk grid reliability and the state's ability to handle extreme weather.
A Retreat or a Fresh Approach?
The ACC's decision to reconsider energy efficiency and renewable energy rules is a bold move, questioning the trade-off between cost and benefit in sustainable energy policies. While it's positioned as a cost-saving measure for consumers, it seems to ignore the wider benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy, such as grid reliability, environmental protection, and long-term consumer savings.
Arizona's intense heat and its effect on energy demand underline the value of energy efficiency in keeping the grid stable and reducing blackout risk. Recent research highlights potential health risks of prolonged blackouts, emphasizing the need for a holistic energy policy approach that considers immediate costs and long-term benefits.
As Arizona deals with this policy change, it's vital for stakeholders to have a productive conversation about the state's energy future. While removing these rules may provide short-term financial relief for some consumers, it also introduces long-term challenges for Arizona's energy landscape. A balanced approach, considering the economic, environmental, and social impacts of energy policy, maybe a more sustainable way forward.
In conclusion, the ACC's decision shows concerns about the costs of energy efficiency and renewable energy mandates. It also emphasizes the need for a detailed discussion about energy policy in Arizona. As the state moves ahead, it's important to think about how to balance cost, reliability, and sustainability in its energy policies.
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