What is the appropriate capability to report for hydroelectric power plants under adverse hydro conditions?
ANSWER #2: In order to achieve consistency for the 2003 report, the appropriate capability to report is sustained weekly peaking capacity for the month of August in the summer assessment and for the month of February in the winter assessment associated with 1937 modified water conditions and forecasted reservoir storage releases. Sustained peaking capacity is defined as that amount of capacity that can be supported by 50 hours of energy per week (10 hours per day for 5 consecutive days) during the most critical month of the season. It is assumed that energy is returned in light load hours. Capacity is reduced from installed capacity to reflect the weighted average head in the reservoir during the appropriate time period. The month of August is the peak load summer month and therefore the most critical month for the Western Interconnection’s summer assessment. Although February is not the peak load month in the Northwest, i.e. the Western Interconnection’s winter peaking sub-region, the
