Peak demand for electricity is expected to grow faster in the Dominion transmission system than in any other region of the PJM Interconnection over the next 10 years.

That information is contained in a news release issued Tuesday by PJM about its annual 10-year forecast in peak electricity demand. The forecast is done to help PJM members plan additions to the electricity supply system.

"This report brings into sharp focus the need for Dominion to continue to improve and expand its electric transmission system," said John D. Smatlak, Dominion vice president-Electric Transmission. "It is essential that we be able to move forward with the projects that have been proposed so we can assure all customers uninterrupted access to reliable and low-cost energy."

Regarding its Southern Region, which consists of Dominion’s electric transmission system, PJM notes that:

• In just five years, peak demand in the Dominion territory is expected to grow by 1,756 megawatts, "like adding more than a million houses to the system."
• Over 10 years, Dominion’s peak demand is expected to increase by 4,000 megawatts.

The average annual growth rate for Dominion between 2007 and 2017 is expected to be 1.9 percent compared with 1.6 percent across the PJM system.

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