Charlottesville, Virginia --2Aug2007 New England's heavy dependence on gas-fired plants is likely to continue,
with fossil fuel costs driving electricity prices and emissions levels,
according to a report released Thursday by ISO New England.
The final New England Electricity Scenario Analysis is an eight-month
study of how future resource choices made by state policymakers will impact
reliability, prices and the environment.
"New England electricity consumers want reliable, clean power and they
want it at reasonable and competitive prices," said Gordon van Welie, ISO CEO.
"This analysis is intended to provide valuable information for regional
policymakers and other stakeholders to use as they pursue these goals."
The report also found that New England is likely to face significant
challenges in meeting its allocation of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
allowances. Demand-side resources appear to provide clean capacity and energy
to the system at relatively low capital costs, it added.
The region may be able to lower system-wide wholesale electric energy
prices and reduce air emissions if it either curbs demand or uses large
amounts of power from low-cost, clean fuel sources, it said.
In addition, the region will likely need continued grid improvements,
especially if it adds more renewable resources, according to the analysis.
with fossil fuel costs driving electricity prices and emissions levels,
according to a report released Thursday by ISO New England.
The final New England Electricity Scenario Analysis is an eight-month
study of how future resource choices made by state policymakers will impact
reliability, prices and the environment.
"New England electricity consumers want reliable, clean power and they
want it at reasonable and competitive prices," said Gordon van Welie, ISO CEO.
"This analysis is intended to provide valuable information for regional
policymakers and other stakeholders to use as they pursue these goals."
The report also found that New England is likely to face significant
challenges in meeting its allocation of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
allowances. Demand-side resources appear to provide clean capacity and energy
to the system at relatively low capital costs, it added.
The region may be able to lower system-wide wholesale electric energy
prices and reduce air emissions if it either curbs demand or uses large
amounts of power from low-cost, clean fuel sources, it said.
In addition, the region will likely need continued grid improvements,
especially if it adds more renewable resources, according to the analysis.
