PEI Wind Energy
Prince Edward Island is one of the global leaders in the development of wind energy.
The five gauges presented below represent the total PEI electrical load, total on-Island generation (both from wind and fossil fuels), and the breakdown of how much wind energy is used locally and how much is exported off-Island.
Explanation of Gage Displays Above
- Total On-Island Load is the amount of electricity required to power lights, motors, appliances and other users of electric energy in PEI.
- Total On-Island Wind Generated is the amount of electricity being generated from all wind facilities in the province
- Total On-Island Fossil Fueled Generation is the amount of electricity being generated from oil fired equipment. Typically, this generation is only required when there is an interruption of supply from off Island.
- Wind Power Used On-Island includes only that portion of the Total Wind Generated that is being used to meet purchase agreements of the province’s two electrical utilities, Maritime Electric Company, Limited (MECL) and City of Summerside Electric Utility.
- Wind Power Exported Off-Island is that portion of wind generation that is supplying contracts elsewhere. The actual electricity from this portion of wind generation may stay within PEI but is satisfying a contractual arrangement in another jurisdiction.
Meeting Prince Edward Island’s Fluctuating Demand
Ensuring there is a constant supply of electricity to meet fluctuating demand is complex. This means jurisdictions, including Prince Edward Island must work with other jurisdictions to ensure we can buy, sell and swap blocks of electricity to meet our consumer demand at all times.
Usually all electricity generated in PEI remains on-Island. But when our demand increases beyond our capacity, or when our demand is lower than our generating capacity, we buy, sell or swap electricity, with off-Island partners.
Wind energy exported off-island, while generated on PEI, is not included in the calculation of the percentage of renewable power supplied to the province.