Generator outages during the spring maintenance season will peak in April across PJM, NYISO, and ISO-New England, impacting overall congestion patterns and increasing the risk of elevated congestion in load pockets.

However, as warmer than normal weather expectations combine with ongoing COVID-19-related demand impacts to moderate electricity demand in April, lower loads will partly offset the impact of planned generator maintenance.

Significant transmission outages are scheduled in April.

ISO-New England update – longer-term transmission work expected to increase congestion in NEMA, RI, and SEMA, whilst shorter-term outages could increase congestion in CT.

In PJM Mid-Atlantic, line outages along Bagley-Graceton 230 kV and Conastone-Hunterstown 500 kV will aggravate congestion in BGE. In Western PJM, 765 kV line work is expected to be bearish for AEP.

Transmission work in New York will impact several key transmission interfaces, including Central-East, UPNY-CONED and Dunwoodie-South, and will increase the congestion potential across the New York power system.

Congestion Watch covers the congestion and transmission markets and how they impact on wholesale electricity markets and electricity prices. Reports are issued each month prior to the first regional FTR auction closing date.