WGG submits comments and recommendations for WAPA reform.
WGG submitted specific recommendations for WAPA reform to the DOE-WAPA Joint Outreach Team & comments presented at the DOE/WAPA Workshop in Folsom, CA on July 26, 2012.
Transmission & Regional Planning
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Energy Foundation Releases New Video
This video introduces you to the people who run the electricity grid, the network of power plants and power lines that keep the lights on. It takes you inside the control center for the largest power system in the world and lets utility experts explain how the variability of wind and solar generation can be managed using existing tools and techniques.
Collaborative Transmission Planning: California’s Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative
California’s RETI collaborative set a high standard for aligning electricity generation and transmission with environmental values. This peer-reviewed article, in the July 2102 issue of IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, provides an overview of the rationale for both stakeholder involvement in transmission planning and for zone development of renewables.
NREL Releases Highly Anticipated Report
A new report published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Renewable Electricity Futures Study (RE Futures), is an initial investigation of the extent to which renewable energy supply can meet the electricity demands of the continental United States over the next several decades. This study explores the implications and challenges of very high renewable electricity generation levels—from 30% up to 90%, focusing on 80%, of all U.S. electricity generation from renewable technologies—in 2050
Video on MSTI Project presented by the Sonoran Institute
The Sonoran Institute released a very helpful video on the MSTI project and addressing local concerns about the line.
Western Governors’ Association Report – Integration Challenges
“Meeting Renewable Energy Targets in the West At Least Cost: The Integration Challenge.”
The Western Governors’ Association commissioned this report to explore ways to reduce costs to the region’s electricity consumers for integrating wind and solar, identify barriers to adopting these measures and recommend possible state actions.
Prepared by Regulatory Assistance Project for Western Governors’ Association.
Sonoran Institute’s new PowerLine online resource
To support the exchange of innovative and emerging ideas and practices surrounding transmission planning, the Sonoran Institute has developed an online resource, called PowerLine to serve as a clearinghouse of new approaches to transmission planning, design, and mitigation.
ACEG releases report
Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) has released a new report “The Potential Rate Effects of Wind Energy and Transmission in the Midwest ISO Region.” The report was released May 22, 2012 and finds that wind power can save midwestern
consumers approximately $3.0 ‐ $9.5 billion annually by 2020.
WGG Comments – NV PUC Docket No. 11-04025
Western Grid Group’s comments to the Nevada Public Utilities Commision Docket No. 11-04025.
Investigation regarding the creation of an energy imbalance market.
Prepared and submitted by Carl Linvill and John Candelaria.
Why an Energy Imbalance Market Will Make the Western Interconnection More Reliable
GUEST PAPER: To date, most of the discussion and analysis regarding the benefits of a West-wide Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) has focused on the economic advantages of such a market. It’s important to also consider the reliability-related functions of an EIM.
Paper by Mariner Consulting Services.