Grid operator Cal-ISO says generation shortfall might prompt more blackouts

摘要

As the California ISO informed on Aug. 17 that power blackouts could impact millions of customers during an extended heat wave across the western US, Cal-ISO CEO Steve Berberich said the grid operator had warned utility regulators repeatedly that the state would experience growing generation capacity shortfalls. "We told the California Public Utilities Commission of a 4,700-MW need through 2022 and that gap started in 2020. Despite all that, only 3,300 MW was authorized for procurement and none starting until 2021," Berberich said during a special telephone conference the Cal- ISO Board of Governors held Aug. 17, following a weekend during which the grid operator twice conducted rotating blackouts because of high demand and tightening reserves.