17 May 2005 - North America is not expected to experience any power supply problems this summer, despite a predicted 5.9 per cent rise year on year in electricity demand, according to an assessment issued by the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC).

"NERC expects generating resources to be adequate to meet projected demand for electricity in North America this summer," said Michehl Gent, president and CEO. "If all operating entities comply with NERC reliability standards, even under extreme conditions, the system can be operated reliably," he added.

According to NERC's 2005 Summer Assessment, along with the power supply, fuel supplies, inventories and deliveries are also expected to be adequate. However, in some areas the reliability council does expect transmission congestion to occur.

The Assessment also suggested that system operators may need to implement controlled demand reductions to maintain the constant balance between supply and demand needed to ensure overall bulk electric system reliability.

Compared to the summer peak in 2004, the peak demand for electricity in 2005 is projected to increase by 5.9 per cent.