Electric Grids Brace for Solar Eclipse Impact Across the U.S.
Anticipating the Eclipse
ERCOT (TEXAS)
Slowing Down in Texas
MISO (PARTS OF MIDWEST, SOUTH AND WEST)
Managing the Midcontinent
ISO NEW ENGLAND
Navigating New England’s Eclipse
NYISO (NEW YORK)
Challenges in New York
PJM (PARTS OF NORTHEAST, MIDWEST AND SOUTH)
Preparing in PJM’s Territory
CAISO (CALIFORNIA)
California’s Solar Situation
Electric grids throughout the United States are bracing for the impact of the upcoming total solar eclipse. NASA predicts that the path of totality, when the moon fully blocks the sun, will last from 1:30 pm CDT to 2:35 pm CDT. Here’s how the eclipse is expected to affect grid operators across the country:
ERCOT (TEXAS)
In Texas, the eclipse is forecasted to pass from 12:10 pm to 3:10 pm CDT, causing a significant dip in solar power generation. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas estimates that solar generation will drop to around 8% of its maximum output during the peak of the eclipse.
MISO (PARTS OF MIDWEST, SOUTH AND WEST)
The Midcontinent Independent System Operator anticipates a drop in solar capacity by 4,000 MW over 90 minutes, followed by a rebound of 3,000 MW. While challenges in ramping may occur, the grid operator doesn’t foresee any reliability issues.
ISO NEW ENGLAND
In New England, approximately 6,000 MW of solar power may go offline during the eclipse, representing a significant loss. Solar generation will be replaced by alternative resources like batteries and pumped storage to meet demand.
NYISO (NEW YORK)
New York’s Independent System Operator expects a drop from 3,500 MW to 300 MW of solar production during the eclipse, requiring additional resources to make up for the loss. The grid operator is preparing for this significant reduction.
PJM (PARTS OF NORTHEAST, MIDWEST AND SOUTH)
Covering multiple states, PJM is preparing for a temporary reduction of at least 85% to 100% of solar production from its fleet during the eclipse. Plans include deferring maintenance and keeping hydropower resources on standby.
CAISO (CALIFORNIA)
While California is farther from the eclipse’s central path, grid-scale solar generation is expected to drop significantly. The California Independent System Operator is planning to mitigate this by ensuring the availability of natural gas and hydropower resources.
Overall, grid operators across the U.S. are actively strategizing and preparing for the challenges posed by the upcoming solar eclipse.
