FERCs Christie calls for dispatchable resources after grid operators come close to the edge

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Mark Christie, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), emphasized the urgent need for more dispatchable power resources in the U.S. following a recent heatwave that tested the limits of grid operators in the Midcontinent and East Coast regions. He noted that the current pace of power generation construction is insufficient to meet demand, which was evident when the PJM Interconnection experienced a peak load of 161 GW, exceeding its forecast and reaching its highest demand since 2011. Christie highlighted the importance of demand response in managing load during peak times, indicating that the U.S. may need to implement mandatory reserve power supply targets to prevent future blackouts.

During the extreme heat, other grid operators also faced challenges, with ISO New England reporting its highest electricity demand since 2013. Christie pointed out that while renewable energy sources like wind and solar are valuable, they lack the reliability needed for consistent power supply, underscoring the necessity for dispatchable resources. He also discussed his plans to remain at FERC until the next meeting unless his successor is confirmed, and expressed support for new standards requiring inverter-based resources to maintain operation during system disturbances.