NYISO marks new wind power record

New York, New York -- - Electricity generated by wind power in New York reached new records at the start of March 2015, according to the New York Independent System Operator NYISO. The new record of 1,524 megawatts MW was set on Monday, March 2, 2015.

At the time when wind output reached 1,524 MW, it provided 7 of the 20,894 MW of New York's total system demand. One megawatt is approximately the amount of electricity required to supply 800 to 1,000 homes.

"Wind power continues to grow as a power resource and the NYISO continues to optimize our electric system's use of renewable power," said NYISO President and CEO Stephen G. Whitley.

NYISO market design and grid operations have contributed to New York State's leadership in wind development. Because a wind resource's ability to generate electricity depends on the force and duration of wind, its output may not always match the system's demand for electricity. The NYISO integrates wind resources through its forecasting techniques and power dispatch procedures.

The NYISO developed procedures and deployed software to collect forecasts and real time meteorological data from generating sites to predict the output of each facility. Wind power data is fed directly into the NYISO operational systems that determine the balance of electricity supply and demand. The NYISO dispatches resources to meet electrical demand using a least-cost, bid-based system that recognizes transmission constraints and reliability requirements.

The NYISO was the first grid operator in the nation to enhance its wind management system by enabling wind plant operators to submit offer prices reflecting their cost of operation. That competitive bid process allows the NYISO to evaluate wind power alongside all other generating resources.

New York's total wind capacity is currently 1,744 MW, with another 2,000 MW of wind power proposals being studied by the NYISO for interconnection to the grid. New York's wind capacity has grown 3,500 from its 2005 level of 48 MW.

"Sustained growth of economical, emission-free, renewable power resources is essential to meeting New York's energy challenges. The NYISO is proud to be playing a vital role in that effort," Whitley noted.