But the PJM system is set up in a way that the rules seem to encourage new generators to come in and build in this area. In August, PJM said 40 new power plants would begin operating in its service territory by 2005. On the other hand, plants that are on paper don't make kilowatt hours. They still have to be built. In addition to facilitating the buying and selling of electricity through the regional power grid, PJM's e-business software allows electricity marketers to buy and sell with each other.
Marketers can instantly get data on electricity prices, which fluctuate throughout the day.
The information helps them see where prices are lowest and highest in the region at any given moment, so they can buy and sell in those areas to make or save the most money. Market participants find it easier to conduct business over the Internet . But placing the buyers and sellers of wholesale electricity on an equal footing is a delicate balancing act. But we're viewed as an organization that can get things done. There's a revolution of interdependence among our market participants to solve business issues in the energy marketplace that doesn't favor one sector of the industry over another, but clearly makes it a level playing field.