Western Interconnection

Transcription

1 Transmission Planning in the Western Interconnection Supporting Resource Development NWCC/NCSL Transmission Policy Institute Byron Woertz, Senior Project Manager Denver, CO June 17, 2010

2 Overview A Few Basics of Electricity What is the Western Interconnection? Transmission Planning at WECC The Regional Transmission Expansion Project Primary Initiatives and Deliverables Next Steps

3 Electric Power System Basics

4 Transmission Lines Transmission lines move power from power plants or interties to transmission or distributinon substations They may operate at 60,000 volts (kv) to 500 kv

5 Distribution Substation The transmission lines entering the substation and passing through the switch tower Substations change the power from higher transmission voltages ( kv) to lower distribution voltages (12 60 kv) The box in the foreground is a large transformer. Toward the right is a distribution bus.

6 Distribution Lines The three wires at the top of the poles are the three wires for the 3 phase power. The fourth wire lower on the poles is the ground wire. In some cases there will be In some cases there will be additional wires, typically phone or cable TV lines using the same poles.

7 Distribution Transformers Pictured is a typical pole mounted distribution transformer. In many suburban neighborhoods, the distribution lines are underground and there are green transformer boxes for 3 12 homes. The transformer's job is to reduce the distribution voltage (12 60 kv) down to the 240 volts that makes up normal household electrical service. Commercial, industrial and agricultural users may receive service at higher voltages (up to distribution or even transmission levels)

8 The Western Interconnection

9 Transmission Planning at WECC Transmission Expansion Planning Policy Committee (TEPPC) Leads transmission expansion studies for Western Interconnection ect o (WI) Annual study program Requests November February Review and discussion March June Approval in June Congestion studies Analysis through hload and resource modeling Identification of congestion locations Some stakeholder involvement

10 The Regional Transmission Expansion Planning (RTEP) Project Opportunity through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) DOE Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) in 2009 DOE awarded WECC $14.5 million over four years for expanded transmission planning in the WI Coordinated with transmission policy project led by Western Interstate Energy Board (WIEB) WECC project known as Regional Transmission Expansion Planning (RTEP) project

11 Primary Goals of RTEP Expand regional transmission planning activities Coordinate Subregional Coordinating Group (SPG) Foundational Transmission Expansion Plan Create 10 Year Transmission Plan in 2011 and 2013 Create 20 Year Transmission Plan in 2013 Create Scenario Planning Steering Group (SPSG) to facilitate stakeholder involvement Reach out to groups not traditionally involved in transmission planning in the WI

12 The RTEP Planning Process Scenario Development Study Case Prioritization Analysis Create 10- Year Transmission Plan Possible futures in Year Horizon Based on Options from Scenarios Identifies Congested Pathways Offers Potential Solutions to Congestion

13 Stakeholder Involvement in RTEP SPSG represents broad interests Non Governmental Organizations (non profits) Tribal representatives Coordinated State and Provincial representatives Coordinated involvement of industry representatives ( Subregional Planning Groups ) TEPPC representatives Stakeholders involved from the beginning gof RTEP Broad based leadership for developing scenarios for further analysis Inputs for 10 Year and 20 Year Transmission Plans Review and guidance for TEPPC Study Program Prioritization of Study Cases Create 10 Year and 20 Year Transmission Plans

14 What Will SPSG Be Doing? Create scenarios Possible future worlds for Western Interconnection Integrate with TEPPC Study Program Prioritize study cases Detailed analysis of study cases Prepare 10 Year Transmission Plan and other deliverables Bright Line Between Planning and Siting Planning identifies needs; siting develops projects Communication and Outreach Communication with own constituencies Outreach to other stakeholders

15 How Does RTEP Differ From Topic B? RTEP Focus: Transmission Planning Create scenarios of possible futures to guide study case prioritization Prioritize study cases based on scenarios Evaluate study cases to identify grid needs Offer options for grid enhancements to accommodate expected loads and resources Promote a reliable bulk electric transmission grid that will allow development of renewable and conventional resources consistent with environmental constraints Topic B Focus: Policy Development Foster and facilitate interstate cooperation for renewable energy generation and transmission Promote development in Renewable Energy Zones identified in WREZ process Aid individual id states in developing decision i support systems to compile wildlife data Provide a forum for Governors to communicate regularly with national, regional and local stakeholder groups Enhance state and provincial collaboration and participation p in a broader Western Interconnection transmission analysis and planning process

16 RTEP Challenges Timely yprocurement of contract resources Completing initial scenario planning process prior to start of 2011 TEPPC Study Program Focusing divergent views and interests to create transmission plans Thinking Outside the Box Possibilities vs. goals

17 How Does RTEP Affect Wind? Study cases assume renewables development Wind will be a major resource in many study cases Long Term Planning Tools Network Expansion Tool will suggest network expansions needed to accommodate study cases 10 Year and 20 Year Transmission Plans will identify needs Grid enhancements needed to enable most likely study cases

18 Wind Resources in the West

19 Next Steps SPSG meeting June in Denver Review RFPs and recommend contractors for technical support and scenario planning Develop scenarios (Sep Nov, 2010) Guide TEPPC analytical activities in 2010 Prioritize study cases for 2011 TEPPC Study Program

20 Questions Byron Woertz Senior Project Manager Western Electricity Coordinating Council 155 North 400 West, Suite 200 Salt Lake City, Utah (801) All information on the RTEP project can be found on the WECC website at RTEP/Pages/default.aspx