Independent System Operators
Today, smart grid initiatives are largely focused on the distribution network. But from our perspective at NERC, we see the need for a smarter grid for the bulk power system as well. As we look to future carbon and environmental constraints, it’s clear that innovation will be needed to improve the grid’s ability to facilitate the addition of new renewable and demand-side resources…
Rick Sergel, CEO North American Electric Reliability Council, October 2008
Formed and regulated from the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Regional Transmission Operators (RTOs) and Independent System Operators (ISOs) are chartered with managing the reliability of the bulk power systems that serve electric power customers and, where applicable, operating seamless and transparent wholesale bulk power markets to support efficient allocation of market resources. Through RTOs and ISOs, FERC seeks to reduce the number of entities through which electricity flows, thereby facilitating access to the competitive wholesale market and reducing costs. Ultimately, the competition that arises from the formation of RTOs and ISOs benefits consumers and improves the operation of wholesale power markets by encouraging and promoting the development of new technology, demand response and energy efficiency programs, more efficient transmission grid management, and enhanced grid reliability.
There is near universal agreement that demand response (DR) programs are among the most cost effective means of managing peak demand while reducing price volatility and improving grid reliability. On October 16, 2008 FERC issued a final rule that, among other items, amended its regulations under the Federal Power Act to improve the operation of organized wholesale electric power markets in the area of demand response and market pricing during periods of operating reserve shortage.
As the pace of change in market requirements and regulations increases, ISOs must update and expand the capabilities of customized energy management and market operations system platforms. In addition, ISO’s face the added complexities and challenges of managing an increasing percentage of non-dispatchable, renewable and distributed resources that also strain the flexibility of their operating system models, procedures and business processes. Collectively, ISOs now confront rapidly changing market rules and a more dynamic future, where products, services, and business processes must frequently change.
To deal with these challenges, ISOs are expanding their use of integration standards, industry information models and web services technology to streamline business process changes and create more flexible operating systems that will support a more agile operating environment in the future.
How UISOL Can Help:
UISOL’s smart integration approach and business process services help ISOs implement systems and transform business processes to meet the challenges of an increasingly dynamic business environment. Our services for ISOs span from the development of architectural strategy and business process management to the implementation of integration and demand response programs including our DRBizNet demand response business network solution for ISO management of DR programs.
Regardless of the scope of our engagement, our goal is the delivery of flexible, adaptable solutions that allow ISOs to evolve their businesses to meet the changing needs of their markets.
UISOL ISO Services Include:
- Demand Response Architecture and Readiness Assessment
- Demand Response Management System Implementation
- Systems Integration Services
- ISO Business Process Management
- Utility Standards Consulting and Architecture Strategy