McKinley: Coal is Saving Electric Grid During Extreme ColdToday, Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E., (WV-1), Chairman of the Congressional Coal Caucus, issued the following statement about coal’s role in heating the East Coast during the cold weather snap. “The recent cold weather shows how vital it is to have reliable, uninterruptable energy sources to keep America powered. According to PJM, during the past two days coal provided nearly 40% of the electrical generation for thirteen states. During normal weather, coal generally provides 32% of generating capacity. So it’s apparent that coal has once again stepped up to the plate to provide the resources our country needs during this cold weather storm that we’ve been experiencing,” said McKinley. “Secretary Rick Perry was correct when he proposed valuing secure and reliable fuel such as coal and nuclear. Imagine the dangerous situation we’d be facing during this recent cold snap if we did not have reliable coal and nuclear power generation, which combined have provided nearly 70% of our power generation. The dependability of our electric grid would be challenged,” McKinley added. Background In October, the Department of Energy (DOE) requested the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) develop a rule that will address threats to our nation’s electrical grid reliability. Namely, the proposed rule allows for the recovery of costs of fuel-secure (such as coal, nuclear, and hydropower) generation units frequently relied upon to make our grid reliable and resilient. Such resources provide: · Reliable capacity; · Resilient generation; · Frequency and voltage support; and · On-site fuel inventory. To read the DOE’s letter to FERC, click here. For the proposed rule, click here. In December, McKinley wrote an op-ed explaining the necessity for having this insurance policy to protect America’s electric grid. Click hereto read it. |
