Enabling the Widespread Adoption of Wind Energy in the Western United States: the Case for Transmission, Operations and Market Reforms

Abstract

As US utilities continue to strive for compliance with renewable portfolio standards and electric consumers demand both clean energy and energy independence, the current 47,000 megawatts (MW) of wind power deployed in the United States will continue to grow. Specifically, in the western United States, in order to accommodate a future with an increased penetration of renewables, there are particular transmission, market and operations reforms that will be necessary. This article uses the Western Interconnection as a case study for proposing policies – including improved forecasting, transmission expansion, market enhancements and intra-hour scheduling – to increase the reliable integration of wind energy to the electric grid.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jennifer E. Gardner

*

Jennifer E Gardner is an attorney and policy analyst with the Western Interstate Energy Board in Denver, Colorado. Specialising in reliability issues pertaining to electric grids, Ms Gardner devotes her practice to studying the Western Interconnection and examining ways in which to improve reliability while also encouraging the deployment of more efficient generation resources, as well as identifying methods to enable greater integration of renewable energy. Ms Gardner also focuses on transmission-specific issues, including the efficient use of existing transmission, the need for transmission expansion and transmission planning and coordination practices required under FERC Order 1000. She can be reached by email at [email protected].

Ronald L. Lehr

Ronald L Lehr practises law and consults clients about energy regulation and business matters. Current assignments include work for the American Wind Energy Association on public policy and transmission issues for wind energy; for the Interwest Energy Alliance on market development for large-scale renewable energy in a six-state western region; and for Western Grid Group on western grid-level systems and transmission planning. He also works for private firms on renewable energy policies and commercialisation strategies. He has appeared as an expert witness, sponsoring testimony in administrative venues on utility planning and mergers, and in antitrust, employment and government claim litigation. He can be reached by email at [email protected].