California Summer Power Supply Expected To Meet Demand Despite Drought

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Andrew Nixon

The California Independent System Operator, or CAL-ISO, manages the state's power grid. Steven Greenlee with CAL-ISO says the forecast is for a hotter than normal summer.

"Our reserves are still going to be about 10 percent. So, we expect to be able to make all of the forecast, plus a 10 percent cushion. So, for this summer, we're actually looking pretty good." 

Greenlee says the biggest concern for CAL-ISO this summer is wildfires.

"There is nothing that can take out a transmission line quicker than a wildfire. And it's not just the fire actually touching the line, it can be hot smoke."

He says electricity from solar resources and hydroelectricity from the Pacific Northwest can make up for a decline in California hydropower due to the drought.

Greenlee says CAL-ISO will provide more details when it releases its Summer Assessment Thursday. 

This story was produced by Capital Public Radio

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