According to the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), New York State has sufficient resources to serve the electricity needs of the 2008-2009 winter season.

The NYISO forecasts New York’s winter peak usage will reach 25,293 MW. The forecast is 272 MW higher than the winter 2007-2008 peak of 25,021 MW that occurred on Jan. 3, 2008.

With a total available supply of 40,375 MW, New York has a capacity margin of 15,082 MW, or 37 percent. The New York State Reliability Council (NYSRC) mandates a minimum margin of 15 percent. The NYSRC develops the reliability rules that must be complied with by the NYISO and its Market Participants.

While the upcoming winter peak is expected to be higher than last winter’s peak, this winter’s forecast is 248 MW less than the record winter peak of 25,541 MW set on December 20, 2004.

The forecasted peak for New York City is 7,860 MW. The total available supply from generators in New York City is expected to be 10,085 MW, providing a capacity margin of 2,225 MW or 22 percent. New York City also has an import capability in excess of 5,500 MW and a potential demand response of over 500 MW.

The Long Island forecasted peak is 3,768 MW. The total available Long Island supply is expected to be 6,025 MW, providing a capacity margin of 2,257 MW or 37 percent. Long Island also has an import capability in excess of 2,250 MW and over 150 MW of potential demand response.

New York’s electricity system experiences its greatest demand during summer months due in large part to the power demands of air conditioning and cooling systems. According to the United States Energy Information Administration, fewer than 7 percent of New York households rely on electricity as the main source of home heating, while nearly 70 percent use air-conditioning.

The summer 2008 peak was 32,432 MW, set on June 9. New York’s all-time record peak was 33,939 MW, set on August 2, 2006.