http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

The Department of Energy approved a request from the California Independent System Operator for additional power generation, which “may be necessary for the CAISO to meet demand in the face of extremely challenging conditions including extreme heat waves, multiple fires, high winds, and various grid issues.” CAISO’s chief operating officer noted that drought was greatly affecting the availability of hydroelectric power. For September, CAISO was expecting “a significant supply deficiency to meet planning reserve requirements during evening hours,” officials stated. The additional gas-fired capacity is essential to CAISO maintaining reliability and meeting its load obligations. The emergency order approved by DOE will remain in effect until Nov. 9. Natural Gas Intelligence (Washington, D.C.), Sept 13, 2021 California is getting five 30-MW gas-fired emergency generators to temporarily provide additional electricity as heat, wildfires and drought strain the electric grid this summer. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared an energy state of emergency previously. The Golden State has dealt with electric supply shortages of up to 3.5 GW during various peak demand times this summer. Just two years ago, hydropower made up 19% of California’s net electricity generation. Power Engineering Magazine (Tulsa, Okla.), Aug 23, 2021