PJM seeks sources to restart electric system
Restoring the system would require generators that can start up without an outside source of power and deliver electricity to the grid. ItÂ’s known in the utility industry as black start service. These resources provide the initial power to the transmission system to restart other generators.
Recently, PJM issued a request for proposals as part of its first five-year selection process for black start service. The 90-day market window for proposals will be open until September 2013.
“The purpose of the RFP is to investigate other black start options beyond what we currently have in order to have the most effective balance of black start resources,” said Michael J. Kormos, PJM executive vice president – Operations.
“We re-examined black start service and system restoration approaches in light of several developments such as new state and federal environmental regulations, which are causing the retirement of a significant number of existing black start generators. This RFP results from the new strategy developed by stakeholders, PJM and the independent market monitor working together for more than a year.”
PJM will examine the proposals it receives and make selections based on needs, capability of units, location of units and cost. Existing black start generators are expected to continue providing black start service under their current commitment terms.
Related News

Indian government takes steps to get nuclear back on track
DELHI - A lack of available domestically produced nuclear fuel and delays in constructing and commissioning nuclear power plants, including first-of-a-kind plants and the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), meant that India failed to meet its nuclear generation targets under the governmental plans over the decade to 2017.
India's nuclear generation target under its 11th five-year plan, covering the period 2007-2012, was 163,395 million units (MUs) and the 12th five-year Plan (2012-17) was 241,748 MUs, Minister of state for the Department of Atomic Energy and the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh told parliament on 6 February. Actual nuclear generation in those…