Gas suppliers and electric utilities facilitate increased use of natural gas in power generation
During the past six years, gas use in electric generation increased significantly and will provide important market opportunities in the years ahead. At the same time, gas and electric industries learned that using gas in electric generation, particularly in areas of the country where it is not commonly used, presents challenges. In some cases, economic and reliability objectives conflicted. However, both industries repeatedly demonstrated that gas could be used successfully in electric generation and result in benefits for the participants. While progress has been made, impediments remain and sometimes the information needed to resolve these problems is not readily available. The research described in this report was undertaken to help identify ways that technological solutions might contribute in overcoming operational coordination and communication impediments to increased use of gas in electric generation. Concurrent with the increased use of gas in electric generation, both the gas and electric industries are undergoing massive changes in structure, roles, regulation and services that are offered. Services formerly provided by regulated monopolies are being unbundled. Many of the services are being offered on a competitive basis, often by organizations that are new entrants in the two industries. However, pipelines and generating companies may have additional incentives to work together to overcome challenges if Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rate regulation of pipelines provides clear incentives for increasing the throughput of gas. There will be opportunities for joint ventures, partnerships, and alliances that make it possible to share economic benefits resulting from increased reliance on natural gas.
- OSTI ID:
- 563445
- Journal Information:
- Electric Light and Power, Vol. 75, Issue 11; Other Information: PBD: Nov 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Global repowering opportunities for biomass
Insight on oversight