Wind Power Output Hits 1,000 MW In New York

Wind Power Output Hits 1,000 MW In New York

Date: 27-Feb-09
Country: US
Author: Scott DiSavino

NEW YORK - Wind power in New York for the first time reached 1,000 megawatts last week, the New York Independent System Operator said on Thursday.

On February 19, the wind output reached 1,000 MW, providing close to 5 percent of the 21,000 MW of total system demand at about 6 p.m. EST, the grid operator said in a release.

One megawatt powers about 1,000 New York homes.

At the start of 2008, the total installed wind capacity was just 424 MW in January and the top combined total output reached was 375 MW.

New York now has 1,274 MW of wind capacity and that number is expected to explode in the future.

The NYISO is studying proposals for another 8,000 MW of wind power.

Even though all of the proposed 8,000 MW of wind projects will not be built, the NYISO expects to start an enhanced wind management system to integrate wind resources in May to meet the expected increase in wind power over the next several years.

The new system will allow wind operators to submit bid prices reflecting their cost of operation alongside all other generating resources.

The NYISO dispatches generating resources to meet demand using a least-cost, bid-based system that recognizes transmission constraints and reliability requirements.

NYISO operates the grid serving New York State and administers the wholesale electricity market with a generating capacity of more than 39,000 MW.

(Editing by Marguerita Choy)