New York ISO’s independence is critical when the grid is stressed

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Zach Smith is senior vice president of system and resource planning at the New York Independent System Operator.

In the spring, the New York Independent System Operator issued a troubling forecast: New York’s electric grid was heading into summer with the slimmest reliability margin in recent history.

Zach Smith

The margin was calculated after determining that the long-awaited Champlain Hudson Power Express, or CHPE, a transmission line built to deliver Canadian hydropower directly to New York City, was unlikely to enter service on schedule. The line is an important addition to New York's electric system and is expected to deliver significant long-term benefits, including 1,250 MW to New York City in times of peak demand.