Latest analysis on the impact from COVID19 on the European power sector, from boosting in-feed of renewables in the grid to delaying infrastructure plans for integration of EV.

http://www.eurelectric.org/news/covid-19/

聽

Eurelectric published a report in early March highlighting the different approaches from EU states:

http://cdn.eurelectric.org/media/4313/impact_of_covid_19_on_customers_and_society-2020-030-0216-01-e-h-E7E407BA.pdf

Daily Information on the impact of COVID19 in Australian and international Industry.

http://reneweconomy.com.au/covid-19-live-blog-clean-energy-industry-impact-stories-useful-links-27799/

The Global Network Resiliency Platform (#REG4COVID)聽is an initiative from the Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) to collect information about聽policy and regulatory measures in the area of ICT from all over the world.聽

http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Regulatory-Market/Pages/REG4COVID.aspx

The Energy and Policy Institute (EPI) in the US聽is collecting data聽about which utilities are suspending disconnections as well as public institutions requesting also requesting these suspensions in the US. Energy providers around the world but also within countries, as in the US, have different approaches to the crisis.聽

http://www.energyandpolicy.org/utilities-disconnect-coronavirus/聽

Live-Ticker by National Grid USA about聽Coronavirus and Your National Grid Service - What to Know:

http://www.nationalgridus.com/Upstate-NY-Business/covid-19

Live-Ticker by provide of news about the Energy sector power-technology.com about the reponse to COVID19 internationally:

http://www.power-technology.com/features/coronavirus-timeline/

The UK Regulator Ofgem answers questions on how to deal with the COVID 19 crisis in the energy sector. For example: what to do if the energy supply is disrupted and how聽can Smart Meter Installation take place:

http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-and-your-energy-supply

Daily information on the impact of COVID19 on the international wind power sector

http://www.windpowermonthly.com/article/1677458/covid-19-update-new-york-suspends-tender

聽

Webinars for Exchange of best-practices in different regions around the world are being organized by Clarion Events and are free to participate.

For more Information follow: http://www.esi-africa.com/industry-sectors/business-and-markets/urgent-discussions-on-utilities-response-to-covid-19-crisis/

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) from the States is organizing weekly calls to exchange best-practices in network operation in times of the Corona crisis. Up to 500 professionals have participated in these webcasts to聽report and learn about聽preparations and practices in transmission and distrbution. EPRI also聽offers a higher-level聽analysis of the impact on system demand profiles in different regions.

If you have interest in participating in these calls, you can contact them directly via email: COVID19-GRID-IMPACTS@epri.com

IEA presents an analysis on how the COVID19 crisis is impacting investments to develop a sustainable power system, with consequences on ensuring security of supply.

http://www.iea.org/articles/the-covid-19-crisis-is-undermining-efforts-to-invest-in-a-secure-and-sustainable-electricity-sector

The administrator of the UK power grid, Elexon, in charge of balancing the energy flows between National Grid and energy companies, suffered a cyberattack on their IT infrastructure. An Investigation on the issue is ongoing also on the part of National Grid.

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/may/14/lights-stay-on-despite-cyber-attack-on-uks-electricity-system

Researchers from the University of Tennessee have reassured that the US power grid is resilient enough to fend off cyberattacks and that widespread blackouts are not to be expected. A monitoring system deploying聽hundreds of Frequency Disturbance Recorders (FDRs) send data remotely through GPS, helping to detect disruptions on the power supply.

http://www.governing.com/now/Researcher-Reassures-US-Power-Grid-Is-Stable-and-Robust.html

The UK keeps breaking records for carbon-free electricity generation - so far聽27 days have passed without coal in the electricity mix. This makes it "the longest uninterrupted period since 1882" already since a week ago.

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/28/britain-breaks-record-for-coal-free-power-generation

The British branch of EDF which operates the nuclear fleet in the UK has been requested by the National Grid to operate ist Sizewell power plant at half capacity. This is to balance the grid during the extraordinary period of low demand due to COVID19. Costs are associated with this request but could also help reduce curtailment payments to renewables.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-britain-energy/edf-asked-to-lower-sizewell-nuclear-plant-output-to-help-balance-uk-grid-idUSKBN22I13D

Mexico鈥檚 Centro Nacional de Control de Energia (CENACE), the operator of the national electricity System, released a text with new conditions for variable renewable energy sources (PV聽and wind) to ensure the stability of the grid. This puts the role of renewables into question about its role to contribute to a reliable power supply.

http://renewablesnow.com/news/mix-of-coronavirus-grid-concerns-stop-testing-of-wind-pv-in-mexico-697609/

See the report directly here (in Spanish): http://www.energiaadebate.com/file/1743/index.pdf

The Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment has released a report provides results from surveys of 231 financial institutions on different recovery schemes and recognizes the main drivers for recovery packages to make a long-term impact on the fight agains climate change.

http://greenfinanceplatform.org/resource/will-covid-19-fiscal-recovery-packages-accelerate-or-retard-progress-climate-change

The annual global review published by IEA looks into the performance of the energy sector in 2019 and quantifies its related CO2 emissions up to聽2020. The聽pandemic puts the sector under great uncertainty and its taken into account to draw potential energy paths.

http://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-review-2020

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) presented an action plan to enable the Integration of renewables up to 75% by 2025 while maintaining energy security.

http://aemo.com.au/news/renewable-integration-study

The indian Ministry of Power (MOP) stresses the importance of continuing the expansion of the transmission network聽especially to support areas affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

http://mercomindia.com/ministry-of-power-permits-laying-transmission-lines/

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) tackles potential reliability issues for the oncoming summer season, including supply chain interruptions, uncertain demand forecasts as well as unplanned outages.

聽

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/electric-grid-challenges-will-grow-if-covid-19-impacts-extend-into-summer-d/576705/

Direct link to the report: http://www.nerc.com/pa/rrm/bpsa/Alerts%20DL/NERC_Pandemic_Preparedness_and_Op_Assessment_Spring_2020.pdf

The US Agency for Cyberscurity and Infrastructure (CISA) released a guide document titled "Critical Infrastructure Operation Centers and Control Rooms Guide for Pandemic Response" to provide聽guidance on聽mitigation measures聽to the power sector.

http://www.cisa.gov/publication/critical-infrastructure-operation-centers-and-control-rooms-guide-pandemic-response

The large dip in power demand throughout India urges the use of more flexibility for grid operation.聽聽The Power Exchange introduced 15-minute trading blocks to allow utilities to better dispatch generation with more granularity and closer to real time operation.

http://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/covid-19-india-must-use-power-exchanges-to-manage-demand-variation-says-iex/75247171

Read the position from IEX here: http://www.iexindia.com/Uploads/NewsUpdate/20_04_2020Press%20Note%20-%20Flexibility%20with%20IEX_April%2016-final.pdf

National Grid releases their Summer Outlook report which presents聽three different scenarios聽for the power grid taking into account the ongoing lockdown in the UK聽and聽experiences faced by other electricity networks across Europe. This document aims to provide the industry with the best guidance possible, considering the current uncertainty.

http://www.nationalgrideso.com/news/summer-outlook-2020

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to delay the implementation of seven reliability standards that relate to cybersecurity, training, disturbance monitoring and reporting, generator relay loadability, and coordination of protection systems for performance during fault. More details on:

http://www.powermag.com/nerc-moves-to-defer-reliability-standards-provide-covid-19-flexibility/

New Lockdown facilities have been tested by National Grid workers over easter on a voluntary basis. As stated by Sara Habib, National Grid鈥檚 head of workplace Services: 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a great effort by the site team to get the sleep pods ready for the Easter weekend, which means we can keep teams separate and minimise the risk of people falling ill.鈥�

http://networks.online/gas/national-grid-creates-key-worker-village-in-covid-19-response/

Duke Energy, a large Electric Company in the United States with聽over 58MW of base-load and peak generation has warned over possible curtailments to solar producers under Power Purchase Agreements.

http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2020/04/13/duke-energy-warns-solar-producers-it-may-cut-power.html

New York State grid operator NYISO has released data on the energy demand trend from the last few weeks showing a significant reduction due to the COVID19 lockdown.

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/how-new-yorks-coronavirus-lockdown-is-driving-down-power-demand

聽

Here is the direct link to the NYISO report: http://www.nyiso.com/documents/20142/11883362/NYISO_COVID.pdf/3660412f-c7a7-89a4-a2c5-0af3ff33d90c

The Spanish TSO Red El茅ctrica Espa帽a (REE) organized a "Hackaton Rural COVID-19" to foster innovative solutions to overcome the COVID crisis in rural Spain, which has been already impacted by drain of emigration and less economic support than urban areas:

http://www.ree.es/en/press-office/news/2020/04/social-innovation-tool-help-fight-consequences-coronavirus

Reports of聽distribution companies聽curtailing renewable energy without valid reasons has prompted the聽Indian聽Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to release a statement. MNRE聽reiterates the must-run status of renewable energies and stresses that the valid requirement for curtailing should be solely to maintain grid security.

http://mercomindia.com/discoms-force-majeure-curtailing-renewables-null-void/

The Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) cordinates efforts to respond to threats to critical infrastructure and provides documents such as this resource guide, aimed to assist聽power industry leaders to guide informed localized decisions in response to COVID-19.

Find the updated (07.04.2020)聽report on: http://www.electricitysubsector.org/

聽

Demand fluctuates up to 31GW during the 9-minute vigil in India, when the population swichted off lights and appliances. According to a spokesperson from the Power System Operation Corporation Ltd (POSOCO) "The event was managed smoothly without untoward incident while power system parameters were maintained within limits".

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/9-mnt-vigil-power-sector-pulls-off-pm-modis-challenge-despite-fluctuation-being-higher-than-estimated-5110401.html

聽

Here you can find more details in a preliminary report from POSOCO: http://posoco.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Preliminary-Report-on-Pan-India-Light-Switch-Off-Event-on-5th-April-2020-2-5.pdf

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO)聽has proceeded to implement its聽Pandemic Response plan which includes the Sequestration of operators on a voluntary Basis.

鈥淓verybody here knows the importance of what we do and the vital part that we play to make sure everyone can have power.鈥� said Jon Sawyer, manager of Control Room Operations.

http://www.smart-energy.com/industry-sectors/energy-grid-management/new-york-grid-operators-self-isolate-over-covid-19-fears/聽

Exelon Generation provides information to communities regarding the safety measures during the planned聽refueliing outage of the Limerick Gerating Station Unit 1.

http://www.exeloncorp.com/locations/Pages/Limerick-Generating-Station-Refueling-Outage.aspx

The South African Wind Energy Association is seeking a closer cooperation聽with Eskom, South Africa麓s public electrical supplier, to consider the status of IPPs as essential service and plan curtailments in a way that聽do not prejudice power producers.

http://www.itweb.co.za/content/LPwQ57l6m45qNgkj

Californian grid operator CAISO is being forced to curtail renewables, especially solar, as production rises and overall demand falls.聽Supply from renewables is being reduced through different types of curtailment: "economic", redispatching and "exceptional dispatch" orders.

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/california-renewable-curtailments-spike-as-coronavirus-reduces-demand

An electricity and gas network relief package was announced by the australian聽gas and electricity organisation, Energy Networks. This package is aimed at small businesses and residential customers.鈥淣etworks understand these are extraordinarily tough times for small business and energy bill relief will really help,鈥� mentioned, Andrew Dillon, Energy Networks Australia CEO.

http://www.energynetworks.com.au/news/media-releases/2020-media-releases/energy-network-relief-package-announced/

The biennial event GridEx V led by NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corp)聽functions as a regular stress test for the bulk power system as industry and government agencies work together to thwart simulated attacks to the grid and then self-assess their emergency response and recovery plans. According to Manny Cancel, NERC senior vice president, "Some of the lessons that we've learned from GridEx and procedures that we've practiced have prepared us for dealing with COVID-19, specifically the business continuity procedures that many of our entities have in place."

http://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/electric-power/033120-power-industry-response-to-covid-19-aided-by-lessons-learned-from-grid-security-drills

The Ministry of Power decided to suspend a hike in electricity tariffs to alliviate the economic suffering of the population during the COVID19 crisis. The increased electricity prices were planned to support the power sector in Nigeria, which is struggling to expand the grids to provide reliable electricity for its聽200 million strong population.

http://www.reuters.com/article/nigeria-power-tariffs/nigeria-to-delay-electricity-tariff-hike-amid-coronavirus-lockdowns-idUSL8N2BO8MW

California and India are some of the regions taking the lead to ensure the continuation of installations of renewable energy plants by considering them as essential infrastructure.

California: http://calssa.org/covid/2020/3/21/memo-on-essential-service-exemptions

India: http://mnre.gov.in/

Renewables organizations in other countries, like Spain and Australia,聽are pushing for this move to avoid a great slow-down in the Integration of renewables and to achieve renewables goals.

Spain (site in Spanish):聽聽http://unef.es/2020/03/el-sector-fotovoltaico-apuesta-por-la-seguridad-a-la-vez-que-garantiza-el-suministro-energetico/

Australia: http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/news/future-covid-19-restrictions-must-recognise-essential-nature-of-renewable-energy

"Italy鈥檚 biggest utility, Enel, does not expect the coronavirus epidemic to have any major impact on its results and says its drive to digitalise operations has given it an advantage."

http://www.euractiv.com/section/electricity/news/enel-says-digital-drive-has-given-it-hedge-on-coronavirus-threat/

EPRI has published an analysis of the impact of the crisis on network operations in Italy also offering recommendations of best practices in Europe and the USA.

Non-members can access the presentation by entering their personal details: http://www.epri.com/#/pages/product/000000003002018602/?lang=en-US

The Spanish TSO REE has reinforced ist control centres to ensure the continuity and security of electricity supply.

http://www.ree.es/es/sala-de-prensa/actualidad/nota-de-prensa/2020/03/red-electrica-de-espana-garantiza-la-continuidad-del-suministro-el%C3%A9ctrico-y-refuerza-las-medidas-de-seguridad-y-aislamiento-de-sus-centros-de-control#

(Site in Spanish)

"The operators of a Trickbot spam campaign have found a new way to spread their digital infection: by using fears of a biological one. Spam targeting Italian e-mail addresses is playing on fears over the Coronavirus outbreak in that country."

http://news.sophos.com/en-us/2020/03/04/trickbot-campaign-targets-coronavirus-fears-in-italy/

"Electric companies have a strong track record of preparing for many kinds of emergencies that could impact their ability to generate and/or deliver electricity to their customers and the communities they serve. This business continuity planning includes preparing for events such as storms, earthquakes, and other natural disasters; cyber and physical attacks; and 鈥渉igh absenteeism鈥� events that typically involve health emergencies and that could severely limit the number of employees who are able to report to work.

The electric power industry coordinates its efforts to plan for, prepare, and respond to all hazards that could potentially impact the energy grid鈥攊ncluding a pandemic鈥攚ith our partners at the highest levels of government through the CEO-led Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC).

Planning for a health emergency, such as a pandemic, is unique from other business continuity planning because it requires businesses to prepare to operate with a significantly smaller workforce, a threatened supply chain, and limited support services for an extended period of time at an unknown date in the future. The business continuity and pandemic plans developed by electric companies are designed to protect the people working for them and to ensure energy operations and infrastructure are supported properly. These measures help to guarantee that companies can continue to provide safe and reliable electricity throughout an emergency.聽

The following information is designed to present an overview of the pandemic planning efforts undertaken by the electric power industry, as well as federal, state, and local governments; provide an update on current pandemic threats; and offer additional resources where you can learn more about pandemic planning."

http://www.powermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/electric-companies-and-pandemics-what-you-should-know.pdf

About聽Edison Electric Institute:

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for about 220 million Americans, and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As a whole, the electric power industry supports more than 7 million jobs in communities across the United States. In addition to our U.S. members, EEI has more than 65 international electric companies,聽with operations in more than 90 countries, as International Members, and hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members.

聽
Organized in 1933, EEI provides public policy leadership, strategic business intelligence, and essential conferences and forums.