PNUCC forecast highlights need to address Resource Adequacy

April 28, 2022, midnight | Last modified Oct. 4, 2022, 8:43 p.m.





WRAP cited as an example of working together to meet resource needs

Resource Adequacy is a key theme in the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee (PNUCC) 2022 Northwest Regional Forecast, which was released April 27.

With the transition to clean energy and growing customer demand for electricity, utilities anticipate peak capacity shortfalls and the need to acquire additional resources, according to the report.

Importantly, the report notes, “There is universal recognition that the power industry must work together to ensure an adequate, reliable power supply as the industry’s transition to a carbon-free future unfolds.”

The report specifically cites the Western Resource Adequacy Program (WRAP) as an example of the industry coming together to address the issue. “Under the umbrella of the recently renamed Western Power Pool, utilities are working together to design and implement the Western Resource Adequacy Program (WRAP) which is in its first stage of program implementation and testing. This program is intended to address near-term needs of utilities and expected to be fully functional by 2024.”

The WRAP will work to address resource adequacy and ensure reliability amid the transition occurring in the WECC including the shift to clean energy by taking advantage of the operating efficiencies, diversity, and pooled resources of a mutual coordination program. Currently, 26 participants across the west are taking part in the non-binding preliminary phase.

“The Forecast does a great job illustrating the challenge we will have to meet the region’s electricity needs,” said Sarah Edmonds, new Western Power Pool President. “It also shows how a program like the WRAP is critical to successfully meeting those needs.”

Read the Executive Summary and Full Report.