Dive Brief:
The Western energy market is increasingly seeing south-to-north energy flow patterns, a reversal of historical precedent that may require systemic changes along with more accurate generation forecasts, said speakers at the Market Seams workshop hosted Tuesday by the California Independent System Operator and Southwest Power Pool.
In order to protect grid stability in certain circumstances, the Western Interconnection can split along its north-south boundary, an automated response known as WECC-1 RAS, for Remedial Action Scheme. But that approach does not consider the growth of south-to-north power flows, “and frankly, it is something I’m worried about,” Chris Sanford, a system dispatcher with Bonneville Power Administration, said during a Q&A portion of the workshop.
“If we had a triple line loss on [the California-Oregon Intertie], God forbid, with 3,600 MW flowing south-to-north, I don't think California is prepared to deal with the loss of 3,600 MW of load,” Sanford said. “And I know that it would be a difficult exercise to respond to 3,600 MW loss of gen up in the Pacific Northwest. We still haven't solved that problem. Honestly, I don't even think we're looking at it.”
