Winter Storm Kingston: Breaking Records and Testing Limits

 

As the forecasted cold weather loomed on February 6th, pipelines began posting Winter Weather notices effective from the 11th until further notice. This proactive measure was crucial in preparing for the severe conditions brought by Winter Storm Kingston. Throughout the storm, the situation intensified, leading two pipelines to elevate their notices to Operational Flow Orders (OFO), ensuring the stability and reliability of gas supply during this critical period.

The storm’s impact was particularly notable on February 20th, a day marked by several significant events. Many LMPs/pricing nodes in the SPP Marketplace surpassed $500/MWh between 5:30 am and 7:00 am, reflecting the extreme demand for electricity. The SPP set a new record winter peak of approximately 47,533 MW during the morning peak, surpassing the previous winter peak by nearly 400 MW. Additionally, 14 of KMEA’s registered units ran during the storm, generating a total of approximately 295 MW during the morning and early afternoon.

The extreme cold also shattered long-standing temperature records across Kansas on the morning of February 20th, breaking records that had stood for over 100 years. This unprecedented cold contributed to the Southern Star pipeline setting a new record, reaching 3.09 billion cubic feet of gas demand on their system. The same day also saw the highest gas usage for KMGA LDC cities during the storm, with consumption peaking at 23,534 MMBtu.

The energy sector’s response to Winter Storm Kingston underscores the importance of preparedness and adaptability in the face of extreme weather events.