The energy landscape of the Western United States is more complex and dynamic than ever before. We are facing rapidly increasing demand, extreme weather conditions, retiring plants coupled with more variable energy resources, and supply chain difficulties delaying the construction of new generation. Together, they raise the very real question of whether we will have adequate resources in the region. And that means coordinated programs to harness the power of the integrated grid have never been more critical.
At the Western Power Pool (WPP), we’re committed to enhancing grid efficiency and reliability through innovative programs and collaborative efforts across the entire region.
As the keynote speaker at the recent INFOCUS Conference 2024, I had the privilege of sharing insights from my experience at WPP. Today, I’d like to explore the key themes from my presentation, focusing on the evolution of WPP and our major programs that are driving efficiency and reliability across the region.
The evolution of Western Power Pool
Over the past few years, we have rebranded from the Northwest Power Pool to the Western Power Pool to better reflect our expanded reach and impact. This transformation signifies our commitment to a West-wide posture, leveraging the power of the integrated grid and the diversity of the region to achieve the objectives of our members.
Key programs driving efficiency and reliability
I want to spotlight three major programs that we operate at WPP that reflect this commitment. Each is designed to address specific challenges and harness the diversity of our regional footprint.
1. Reserve Sharing Program
Key: Yellow: Northwest Power Pool – Reserve Share Group; Dark Blue: Non-Reserve Sharing – Participant; Medium Blue: Southwest – Reserve Sharing Group
Source for all blog post visuals: INFOCUS 2024 presentation by Sarah Edmonds, Western Power Pool: “Meeting Today’s Challenges with the Power of the Integrated Grid”
Our Reserve Sharing Program, the NWPP RSG, is one of our longest-standing initiatives. As of May 1, 2024, we successfully integrated 10 new members representing a significant portion of the Desert Southwest into this program. With the program now including most balancing authorities in the Western Interconnection outside of California and Mexico, we can leverage a broader pool of resources to enhance grid stability. The value proposition behind our Reserve Sharing Program is clear: We can achieve more together than we could individually.
2. Western Resource Adequacy Program (WRAP)
Key: Yellow: Additional WPP Footprint; Gray: Non-WPP Footprint; Black: Current WRAP Footprint
Western Resource Adequacy Program (WRAP) is the first regional reliability planning and compliance program in the West. This program seeks to ensure resource adequacy through two main components. First is a planning period or forward showing, where participants provide in-depth data to demonstrate they have sufficient resources (or identify a deficiency). Second is an operations program that allows participants to share pooled resources during times of need. With coordination and visibility across the West, the WRAP paints a more accurate, regional picture of resource needs and supply, and allows participants to benefit from diversity of geography, resources and load.
The WRAP is in an interesting position. The resource adequacy challenges that led to the program’s creation have worsened, leading participants to question whether they will have adequate resources in the next few years. As such, they have not yet opted to join the “binding” phase of the WRAP, which includes consequences for deficiencies. Our goal is to move toward a binding program with as big a footprint as possible as soon as possible. In the interim, we need to collect more and better data from participants so we can offer more situational awareness on regional resource adequacy and have more transparent and valuable discussions.
3. Western Transmission Expansion Coalition (WestTEC)
Transmission planning remains one of the most challenging aspects of grid management. Our newest effort, the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition (WestTEC), aims to address this by taking a comprehensive, West-wide approach to transmission planning. To accomplish what previous transmission planning efforts could not, WestTEC will take a new approach that will result in an actionable transmission plan to address regional and inter-regional needs. This initiative involves a diverse group of stakeholders, including state regulators and public interest organizations, to ensure a holistic and transparent planning process.
Navigating the complex energy landscape
The current energy environment is fraught with complexity. With increasing risks of resource shortfalls and the impact of extreme weather events, regional collaboration and innovative solutions are more crucial than ever.
Western Power Pool sits in the middle of much of that complexity. We do not shy away from this role. We embrace it. There are opportunities for us to help bring the region together to facilitate solutions.
Looking ahead, WPP must remain nimble and responsive to the evolving needs of our members. By focusing on reliability, fostering collaborating and leveraging the diversity of the Western grid, can continue to provide value and enhance grid efficiency and stability.
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