Heat Wave Pushed Grid Operators to the ‘Edge,’ FERC Chair Says

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Mark Christie praised grid operators for “keeping the lights on” during recent high temperatures, but warned more resources are needed.

“Our grid operators, both RTO and non-RTO, did a pretty amazing job managing through this very challenging event,” Christie said Thursday during FERC’s June meeting. Regional transmission organizations are independent nonprofit operators of bulk electric power systems to ensure reliable electric energy.

Christie made a point to emphasize that all the operators were “tight,” meaning “they were at the edge of their resource adequacy.”

Christie’s ...