NERC report is missed opportunity to improve grid reliability
WASHINGTON, November 15, 2017 – API released the following statement after the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) released its report on the reliability of natural gas for power generation throughout North America.
“This report is a missed opportunity to properly examine ways to improve the reliability and resilience of North America’s electric grid,” said API Market Development Group Director Todd Snitchler. “Natural gas has not only provided affordable electricity, it continues to provide the reliability characteristics needed to ensure that our power grid can meet the changing electricity demands of North America like ramping, fast start, and cycling capabilities.
“While all forms of power generation will continue to be a part of America's energy mix moving forward, natural gas has earned its place in the competitive energy market and driven the development of the reliable, resilient and diverse electric grid that we have today. Improving the reliability of North America’s power system is a conversation that should be had and we look forward to working with NERC and all affected stakeholders on putting in place policies that appropriately address this important issue.”
NERC’s report notes that natural gas supply disruptions are extremely rare events and acknowledges that industry is taking steps to prevent such disruptions. In July, the Natural Gas Council released a joint report entitled “Natural Gas: Reliable and Resilient.” The report highlights how clean natural gas provides a reliable source of energy for electricity generation that has powered countless communities across the nation.
API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 40 million Americans.
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