{8/2/2010}
Our new LIP Contour Map page depicts market prices and grid congestion, and updates every 60 seconds (located under Market Info). The Non-Coincidental Peak Load page represents the sum of each footprint's members' peak energy use for a particular day (linked from Fast Facts page).
|
{7/30/2010}
SPP is hosting two four-hour workshops to give Markets and Operations Policy Committee representatives and other stakeholders another opportunity to learn about Future Markets. Register for the August 24th workshop in Dallas, which will cover:
- Day Ahead Market and Real-Time Balancing Market overview/examples
- Virtual Offers and Bids
- Co-optimization of Energy and Operating Reserves
- Scarcity Pricing of Operating Reserves
- Financial Schedules
The MOPC will vote on the Future Market Protocols at their October meeting. If you need a better understanding about the Future Markets design, this is a great chance to interact with SPP staff and get answers to your questions.
|
{7/28/2010}
 The Board of Directors approved the 2010 Strategic Plan, which was created by the Strategic Planning Committee with member input. Three foundational strategies and associated initiatives were developed to leverage SPP's capabilities and operational processes: Build a Robust Transmission System, Develop Efficient Market Processes, and Create Member Value.
|
{7/20/2010}
SPP is the winner of the 2010 THV Summer Cereal Drive, which collected food and monetary donations for the Arkansas Foodbank Network. Of over 100 Arkansas businesses, SPP employees made the largest donation of more than 14,000 boxes of cereal. The Arkansas Foodbank Network is one of many charitable organizations supported by SPP and its staff, including Heart of Arkansas United Way, Youth Home, Our House, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas.
|
{7/15/2010}
FERC approved SPP's Integrated Transmission Planning process (ITP), which was approved by the SPP Board of Directors in October 2009. "The ITP will assess the SPP region's transmission needs in the long-and near-term to create a cost-effective, flexible, and robust transmission network. More transmission means better access to our region's diverse generation resources," said SPP Senior Vice President of Engineering and Regulatory Policy Les Dillahunty. "Along with the recently-approved Highway/Byway cost allocation methodology, the ITP promotes transmission investment that will meet reliability, economic, and public policy needs."
According to FERC Chairman Wellinghoff, "SPP management and its Members have developed a proactive approach to planning…It is also a flexible approach that allows SPP and its stakeholders to regularly assess whether that process is achieving its objectives and to adjust as the needs of the system change...other regions may want to follow its lead." Read the FERC filing and FERC news release, or watch the FERC meeting.
|
{6/17/2010}
FERC approved a new "Highway/Byway" method of sharing costs for new electric transmission in the SPP region. This approach, which assigns costs of high-voltage transmission regionally and lower-voltage locally, will help SPP and its members build a stronger transmission grid that will benefit the entire region.
"The SPP region is evolving from a utility-by-utility focus on 'keeping the lights on' at the local level to a region-wide focus on building a robust transmission system," said SPP President and CEO Nick Brown. "Sharing costs and benefits of more transmission highways and byways will increase our ability to deliver lower-cost power to customers, allow us to make the most efficient use of the region's diverse generating resources, and help us meet state and federal policy goals such as increased use of renewable energy. The electric grid is in use every second of every day, so the economics of transmission aren't just long-term but instantaneous. A robust grid optimizes economics and improves electric reliability." Read the full news release, SPP's FERC filing, or the FERC Order.
|
{4/27/2010}
The SPP Board of Directors and Members Committee approved for construction a group of "priority" high voltage electric transmission projects estimated to bring benefits of at least $3.7 billion to the SPP region over 40 years. The projects will improve the regional electric grid by reducing congestion on the power lines, better integrating SPP's east and west regions, improving SPP members' ability to deliver power to customers, and facilitating the addition of new renewable and non-renewable generation to the electric grid. SPP will issue notices to construct these projects pending successful implementation of its proposed Highway/Byway cost sharing proposal. Read the full release.
|
|
 |
{4/26/2010}
SPP's 2009 Annual Report: Innovating. Evolving. Finding Balance highlights the year's major accomplishments. Read the annual report and financial statement. To request a printed copy, please contact Ronda Walters.
|
{4/19/2010}
The SPP Board of Directors and Regional State Committee filed with FERC a new "Highway/Byway" method of sharing costs for electric transmission in the SPP region. "Most in the electric utility industry agree that new transmission is needed to continue delivering reliable and lower-cost electricity to consumers. The big question has been: Who will pay for that infrastructure?" said SPP President and CEO Nick Brown. "Deciding how to share the cost of expensive high-voltage transmission among all utilities will jump-start further expansion of our regional electric grid." Highways are high-voltage transmission projects above 300 kV; costs will be assigned to electric utilities across the entire SPP footprint based on their historic use of the region's transmission system. Byways are lower-voltage transmission projects; a formula will be used to assign costs more directly to the utility in whose service territory (zone) the project is located. Read the full release or the FERC filing.
|
{3/23/2010}
As automakers ramp up production of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), a group of U.S. and Canadian power grid operators who manage most of the North American bulk electric grid, including SPP, collectively studied the effect that PEVs would have on the electric power grid. Assessment of Plug-in Electric Vehicle Integration with ISO/RTO Systems by the ISO/RTO Council is a new study that examines the technical hurdles and tools needed to foster the potential benefits of widespread use of PEVs. Among the study's conclusions:
• One million PEVs may be on U.S. roadways in a decade, with concentrations of the vehicles in the major metropolitan areas of the West Coast and the Northeast.
• Staggered charging of PEVs would reduce the potential negative impact on electric load.
• Power companies will need new tools to manage growth in PEV use. Read the full news release or download the study.
|
{2/26/2010}
SPP announced it will build a new corporate headquarters in Little Rock. According to SPP President and CEO Nick Brown, "Building a campus for all employees will bring efficiencies, allowing us to focus on helping our members keep the lights on, plan for needed high-voltage transmission facilities, and develop new energy markets that will benefit our region." SPP's new facility will contain a 150,000 square foot office building and a 33,000 square foot operations/data center. The building will be LEED certified, and SPP will preserve green spaces and many of the site's natural characteristics. Read the full release.
|
{2/1/2010}
The SPP Board of Directors elected Barbara Sugg as Vice President of Information Technology. This is a new position, created due to the increasingly critical role IT plays in advancing SPP's mission and objectives. As Vice President of IT, Sugg will direct the development, architecture, implementation, monitoring, support, security, and telecommunications services provided by SPP to its members and customers. She is responsible for establishing IT strategy and policies and developing the IT leadership team; the department has over 100 employees. Read the full release.
|
{1/19/2010}
The recently released SPP WITF Wind Integration Study, conducted by Charles River Associates, found that enhanced electricity reserves and major transmission reinforcements are needed to integrate higher levels of wind generation into the SPP transmission system and energy markets. If the needed transmission upgrades were completed, there would be no significant technical barriers or reliability impacts to integrating wind energy levels up to 20%. Currently, approximately 4% of the region's electricity is generated by wind. To accommodate increased west-to-east flows while meeting SPP's electric reliability standards: For the 10% case, new transmission lines totaling 1,260 miles of 345 kV and 40 miles of 230 kV lines are needed. For the 20% case, an additional 485 miles of 765 kV, 766 miles of 345 kV, 205 miles of 230 kV, and 25 miles of 115 kV lines are needed. Read the full news release or download the study.
|
{12/17/2009}
SPP Regional State Committee member and Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) Chairman Paul Suskie has been elected President of the new Entergy Regional State Committee (E-RSC), designed to provide collective retail regulatory agency input on the operations of and upgrades to the Entergy Transmission System as well as operations and functions of the SPP Independent Coordinator of Transmission in the Entergy region. Members of the E-RSC are the APSC, Louisiana Public Service Commission, Mississippi Public Service Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, and the city of New Orleans' City Council. Read the APSC news release or access SPP's E-RSC page.
|
{12/11/2009}
If you want to learn more about the energy markets SPP is developing, sign up now for the Future Markets Education Session on January 12, 2010 in New Orleans (preceding the Markets and Operations Policy Committee meeting). On the agenda:
- Mid-Level Design walk-through
- Detailed review of Auction Revenue Rights and Transmission Congestion Rights
- Market design elements unique to SPP
- Design issues to resolve
- Next steps
Important decisions are being made now about SPP's future markets, so be sure and reserve your space today!
|
{12/10/2009}
Our entire organization joins in sending season's greetings to all of our stakeholders.
|
|
|
{11/5/2009}
The SPP Transmission Atlas contains over 60 detailed maps that include transmission and generation assets, interstate highways, waterways, major urban areas, and more. The atlas includes an index with page numbers for each station and urban area in the SPP and Entergy footprints. Please visit our Request an SPP Map/Model page for detailed information about requesting your copy.
|
{11/4/2009}
The SPP Board of Directors approved a new cost allocation methodology for new transmission in the SPP region. Also last week, FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff testified before the Committee on Environment and Public Works, stating, "A significant expansion of renewable resources in our electricity supply portfolio will require additional high-voltage transmission...It is highly unlikely that the inter-regional transmission facilities necessary to deliver the output of certain renewable resources will be constructed without additional federal planning, siting, and cost allocation authority… Legislation can help clarify the Commission's authority to allocate a project's costs reasonably among all of a project's beneficiaries. However, such legislation should avoid including unduly restrictive language on cost allocation, particularly language that would impose a requirement to calculate the precise monetary benefits expected to accrue from a new transmission facility."
According to SPP Senior Vice President of Engineering and Regulatory Policy Les Dillahunty, "SPP supports the need for federal leadership on issues of planning, siting, and paying for new transmission. SPP is working with stakeholders and regulators on important regional needs related to the integration of renewable resources, cost allocation, and transmission expansion. National direction is always important, and there are a host of pending national initiatives which, when resolved, will both clarify and impact these issues."
|
{10/28/2009}
The SPP Board of Directors approved a new Integrated Transmission Planning (ITP) process that will determine what transmission is needed to maintain electric reliability and provide near- and long-term economic benefits to the SPP region. Successful implementation of the ITP will result in a list of transmission expansion projects and completion dates that facilitate the creation of a reliable, robust, flexible and cost-effective transmission network that improves access to the SPP region's divers resources including its vast potential for renewable energy. The ITP is an iterative three-year process that includes 20-Year, 10-Year, and Near-Term Assessments. Read the full release.
|
{10/27/2009}
The SPP Board of Directors approved a package of transmission expansion "Priority Projects" for further analysis and review by regional stakeholders. In January 2010, the following Priority Projects will be presented for approval to the Board of Directors and Regional State Committee of state regulators:
• 765 kV line in Kansas linking Spearville, a planned substation in Comanche County, Medicine Lodge, and Wichita, operated at 345 kV at an estimated cost of $518 million
• 765 kV line linking a planned substation in Comanche County, Kansas to the planned Woodward District EHV substation near Woodward, Oklahoma operated at 345 kV at an estimated cost of $135 million
• 345 kV double circuit line linking the Hitchland substation south of Guyman, Oklahoma to the planned Woodward District EHV substation near Woodward, Oklahoma at an estimated cost of $237 million
• 345 kV line from Cooper in the southeast corner of Nebraska through Maryville, Missouri to Sibley, just east of Kansas City, Missouri, at an estimated cost of $278 million
• 345 kV line from Valliant in southeast Oklahoma to Texarkana on the Texas-Arkansas state line, at an estimated cost of $131 million
• 138 kV reactor at a Tulsa, Oklahoma power station at an estimated cost of $842,000
Read the full release.
|
|
|
{10/26/2009}
SPP is making plans to implement two new energy markets: Day Ahead and Ancillary Services. Read our new "Economies of Scale" brochure to learn more about SPP's current and future markets and the regional benefits they provide. Contact Ronda Walters for printed copies.
|
{10/13/2009}
NERC issued Compliance Process Bulletin #2009-007, Amended Interim Approach to Technical Feasibility Exceptions, which outlines interim requirements for seeking a Technical Feasibility Exception for requirements of NERC Reliability Standards CIP-002-1 through CIP-009-1. The bulletin defines specific obligations of the Responsible Entity, SPP RE, and NERC. The SPP RE has posted the Interim TFE Request Submission Guidance document and workbook. To take advantage of the Safe Harbor grace period, Table 1, 2, and 3 entities should submit TFE requests by January 31, 2010.
|
{9/22/2009}
In the 2009 State of the Markets Report released today, regional grid operators including SPP stated their analysis reveals that organized competitive markets are shattering barriers for renewable and demand response resources; creating new efficiencies in plant operations; significantly improving grid reliability; sending clear, timely, and transparent pricing signals; and expanding regional planning. Read the entire release.
|
{9/1/2009}
In response to numerous requests from stakeholders, SPP has created the SPP Public Filings Exploder email list. Filings made and orders received by SPP (state and FERC) will be sent to this email list beginning September 1, 2009. Register for this exploder on the email list page. Filings and orders will be provided as either a link to FERC's e-library or as an attached document.
|
|
|
{7/13/2009}
When the Eisenhower administration built the interstate highway system, their goal was to develop a network of public roads that would facilitate efficient transportation over long distances. SPP and our members want to build the electric equivalent of that system – an "interstate transmission superhighway" - that would serve as the backbone of a strong transmission grid, increase access to low-cost generation, improve reliability, and help our nation meet future needs. Read more about how a robust transmission grid benefits everyone. Contact Ronda Walters for printed copies of this brochure.
|
{6/25/2009}
Boston Pacific Company recently provided to the SPP Board of Directors an overview of proposed climate change legislation and its potential effect on the cost of producing electricity from coal- and natural gas-fired power plants (2008 State of the Market Report, page 94). Boston Pacific was asked to conduct further analysis of the impact of carbon emissions costs on a typical residential customer's monthly bill. Analysis determined the impact could result in monthly bill increases anywhere from 2.5% to 15.1% for a typical residential customer. Download the memo.
|
{6/17/2009}
SPP will cut over to the OATi OASIS system on June 24, 2009 beginning at 1:00 a.m. CDT. Get more information.
|
|
|
{5/5/2009}
The 2008 SPP Annual Report highlights the year's major accomplishments, including the addition of Nebraska and development of the balanced portfolio and other transmission plans. Read the annual report and financial statement. To request a printed copy, please contact Communications Manager Emily Pennel.
|
{4/29/2009}
The SPP Board of Directors approved a new report that recommends restructuring the organization's regional planning processes to focus on the construction of a robust transmission system, large enough in both scale and geography to provide flexibility to meet SPP's future needs. According to SPP Chief Operating Officer Carl Monroe, "It has been challenging for SPP and our members to manage the complexity of our different processes. It's time we simplify and focus on the big picture: proactively, not reactively, building a grid that will benefit customers across the region, for the long-term." The Synergistic Planning Project Team recommends moving to a "highway-byway" approach for funding transmission. The extra high voltage "highway" would be funded with a regional rate, and lower-voltage "byways" would be funded with local rates. Read the release.
|
{4/29/2009}
The SPP Regional State Committee and Board of Directors/Members Committee approved a long-awaited group of extra high voltage economic transmission expansion upgrade projects totaling over $700 million, to be funded by the application of FERC-approved "postage stamp" rates to SPP's transmission-owning members across the region. The benefits of this group of transmission upgrades have been demonstrated by model analysis to outweigh the costs, thus achieving a "balanced portfolio" of projects.Under the new balanced portfolio approach, SPP evaluates the benefits of a group of economic upgrades rather than evaluating individual upgrades on a project-by-project basis. A portfolio approach alleviates potential disputes that may arise from the construction of a single project that may benefit one zone but not others.
The balanced portfolio includes five new 345 kV transmission lines, a 345 kV transformer, and a new connection between two existing 345 kV lines. Read the release.
|
{4/14/2009}
Today Les Dillahunty, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Regulatory Policy, spoke at the New Mexico Center for Energy Policy Energy Conference in Hobbs, New Mexico. His panel, titled Renewable Energy and Transmission (The Grid), also featured Rich Lordan, Technical Director of Power Delivery and Markets of the Electric Power Research Institute and Joel Bladow, Senior Vice-President of Transmission of the Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Read Dillahunty's white paper on SPP's role in transmission expansion and integrating renewable energy to the grid.
|
{4/9/2009}
SPP joined 16 other U.S. and Canadian planning authorities this week to discuss interconnection-wide transmission planning for the eastern United States. The impetus for the meeting included the Obama administration's focus on the electric grid, integration of renewable energy, and call for an interconnection-wide planning authority; the need to improve energy security and reduce dependence on foreign oil; the ongoing climate change discussion and need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and the call to expedite siting and construction of new transmission.
There was broad agreement among the organizations to work together and involve all interested parties in achieving an eastern interconnection-wide transmission analysis. The group's first effort will be to review and "roll up" existing regional and interregional plans, then determine where enhancements can be made based on national policy direction. The group will not focus on cost allocation, siting, or energy policy; rather, its focus is coordinated, open, and transparent transmission analyses and planning. Close coordination with Canadian planning authorities will be essential.
In the next few months a steering committee and work teams will be created, objectives will identified, and analysis will begin. Dates have yet to be determined for a preliminary report and recommendations.
|
{4/2/2009}
The SPP Automatic Underfrequency Load Shedding Program (PRC-006-SPP-01) Standard has been posted on the SPP Regional Standards Under Development page for the 30-day comment period from March 31-April 30, 2009. Please use the comment form to submit comments on the draft standard and email to SPP_UFLS_Standard@spp.org when complete.
|
{4/1/2009}
Today Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), Lincoln Electric System (LES), and Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) completed their transition to membership in SPP. SPP now serves as the reliability coordinator for the Nebraska entities, and is responsible for maintaining reliable operation of the bulk electric grid in the organizations' geographic area. With the addition of NPPD, LES, and OPPD, SPP's reliability coordinator geographic footprint expanded by 30%, and its miles of transmission lines increased 16%. The number of states in which SPP manages transmission increased from seven to eight. According to SPP President and CEO Nick Brown, "The addition of the Nebraska organizations will add more diversity to SPP's generation mix and broaden our regional energy marketplace, adding value for all of our members." Read the release.
|
{3/30/2009}
Entergy Services, Inc.'s first Weekly Procurement Process (WPP) was successfully completed on Friday, March 27 with oversight from SPP, which serves as the Independent Coordinator of Transmission (ICT) for Entergy. Implementing the WPP marks the culmination of a collaborative effort to develop a creative generation bid-based process that considers transmission limitations. Read the release.
|
{3/17/2009}
The Southwest Power Pool, Inc. Regional Entity (SPP RE) Trustees appointed Stacy Dochoda as Regional Entity General Manager. In this position, Dochoda will report to the SPP RE Trustees, oversee the execution of strategic initiatives, and direct the RE's daily operations. As General Manager, Dochoda is responsible for achieving the SPP RE's mission of promoting a reliable bulk power system within the region and directing the SPP RE's performance of functions approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. Prior to joining the SPP RE, Dochoda spent twenty-five years at Reliant Energy, Inc. and its predecessor Houston Lighting and Power Company.
|
{2/23/2009}
The SPP Board of Directors approved the 2008 SPP Transmission Expansion Plan (STEP), including recommendations for improving the electric grid of an eight state region. The 2008 STEP evaluates what changes are needed to keep the power system reliable and efficient over a 10-year horizon. It identifies approximately $2.7 billion in transmission upgrades, including 1,753 miles of new line construction and 80 new or upgraded transformers.The Board directed that financial commitments be made within four years for construction of $285 million in reliability projects and enhancements, a third of which are new transmission lines. Read the news release and 2008 STEP report (requires Adobe Reader 8).
|
{2/13/2009}
SPP, acting as the Independent Coordinator of Transmission (ICT) for Entergy Services, issued phase two of a strategic transmission expansion plan for the Entergy system. Implementation of a long-term transmission expansion plan would enhance electric reliability and prepare for future growth and transmission needs. The ICT will continue to work with stakeholders to encourage broad participation in funding one project in phase two (South LA Bulk) and begin development of phase three of the study. Read more about the ICT, or read the report.
|
{2/9/2009}
The Joint Coordinated System Plan (JCSP'08), the first step of a transmission and generation system expansion analysis of the majority of the Eastern Interconnection, estimates the electricity sector will need over $80 billion in new transmission infrastructure to obtain 20% of the region's electricity from wind generation. The study represents the collaborative efforts of Midwest ISO, SPP, PJM Interconnection, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Mid-Continent Area Power Pool (MAPP), and participants within SERC Reliability Corporation (SERC). Read the release.
|
{2/3/2009}
The SPP Regional Entity Spring 2009 Compliance Workshop in Little Rock, Arkansas, will include workshops on CIP standards, mitigation and CDMS, the audit process, settlements, event analysis, training opportunities, and more. Read the flyer and register for the workshop.
|
{2/2/2009}
At its January 27 meeting, the SPP Board of Directors elected Bruce Rew as Vice President of Engineering. In this position Rew will manage SPP's engineering functions, including planning for expansion of the electric transmission grid. Rew will also manage SPP's responsibilities as a service provider to other utilities. Read the release.
|
{1/29/2009}
At the SPP Board of Directors meeting on January 27, 2009, a Synergistic Planning Project (The Project) was endorsed to address gaps and conflicts between SPP's transmission planning processes and help position the organization to respond to the Obama administration's focus on improving our nation's electric infrastructure. According to SPP President and Chief Executive Officer Nick Brown, "We need to develop a holistic view of SPP's transmission planning processes, optimizing the individual processes and how they work together as a whole. Historically, system planning and cost recovery has been reactive and based on specific requests and projects. We need to shift to a broader, proactive approach to building and paying for transmission infrastructure." Read the release.
|
{1/19/2009}
As the Independent Coordinator of Transmission for Entergy Services, Inc., SPP facilitated an agreement between Cleco Power, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, and Lafayette Utilities System to expand and upgrade the electric transmission infrastructure in south central Louisiana. The joint project includes upgrades to certain existing electric facilities as well as the construction of new substations, transmission lines, and capacitor banks, and the total estimated cost is approximately $200 million. All upgrades are expected to be completed between 2010 and 2012. The project will take place in an area the utilities call the "Acadiana Load Pocket," which is south of Highway 190 between the Atchafalaya Basin and Jennings, Louisiana. Read the full release.
|
{12/17/2008}
SPP filed its SPP-ETI QPR Study Report on December 17, 2008. On November 28, 2007, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, in Docket 33687, ordered Entergy Gulf States, now Entergy Texas (ETI), to have SPP perform the analysis necessary to provide an "apples to apples" comparison of ERCOT and SPP as possible Qualified Power Regions (QPR) for ETI's proposed transition to retail competition. Read related materials.
|
{12/16/2008}
On December 15, 2008, SPP submitted to FERC Tariff revisions regarding its "Balanced Portfolio" process, in which the cost of economic upgrades will be recovered through a regional postage stamp rate (Docket No. ER08-1419). In an October 16 statement, FERC Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher said, "One of the most difficult barriers to grid expansion is cost allocation and recovery. SPP and the Regional State Committee cut through the Gordian Knot of regional cost allocation problem with this filing. The SPP filing takes a portfolio approach, providing that a regional transmission plan for economic expansions must be both cost beneficial and balanced over a ten year period." Read the filing.
|
{12/3/2008}
FERC accepted SPP's proposed revisions and amendments to its Bylaws, Tariff, and Membership Agreement to facilitate the membership in SPP of Nebraska Public Power District, Omaha Public Power District, and Lincoln Electric System. Read the filing.
In a statement issued December 2, FERC Commissioner Philip Moeller stated, "I believe that this expansion will bring significant benefits to consumers in both the state of Nebraska and in the other eight states that already have utilities participating in the SPP. Consumers will benefit by both spreading the fixed costs of the RTO across a larger footprint, and by the improved efficiency and coordination available to Nebraska and all SPP members in the SPP market. This expansion is designed to provide Nebraska utilities with improved reliability, operational flexibility, and enhanced coordination -- all at a time when the nation, and the SPP in particular, is addressing transmission expansion and more efficient operation of the electric network."
|
{11/10/2008}
SPP filed with FERC revisions to its Open Access Transmission Tariff to create three new pricing zones comprising the transmission systems of the Nebraska Public Power District, Omaha Public Power District, and Lincoln Electric System, which have executed Membership Agreements with SPP and intend to transfer functional control of their transmission facilities to SPP by April 1, 2009. Read the filing.
|
{9/30/2008}
Three public power utilities in Nebraska have signed membership agreements with SPP, which were submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today. The three utilities plan to complete, by April 1, 2009, transition activities such as installing IT infrastructure and training staff, so they can fully participate in SPP services. Read the full news release and the FERC filing.
|
{9/8/2008}
On November 28, 2007, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, in Docket 33687, ordered Entergy Gulf States, now Entergy Texas (ETI), to have SPP perform the analysis necessary to provide an "apples to apples" comparison of ERCOT and SPP as possible Qualified Power Regions (QPR) for ETI's proposed transition to retail competition. Read related materials or register for the meeting.
|
{8/19/2008}
On September 23 and 24 the SPP Regional Entity will host the Fall 2008 Compliance Workshop in Tulsa, OK. Sessions will focus on CIP Standards, audit preparation, a review of the 2008 compliance program results, an overview of the 2009 program, and more. Seating is limited to the first 120 registrants. Register for the workshop or download the flyer.
|
{8/4/2008}
At 16:21 on August 4, 2008, SPP's market footprint experienced a coincidental peak demand of 36,541 megawatts. This surpasses its previous record of 35,910 megawatts set on August 14, 2007. With a coincidental peak of 43,129 megawatts, SPP's reliability region came close to its record peak of 43,346 megawatts set on August 14, 2007. SPP does not anticipate significant regional reliability concerns, and region-wide emergency conditions are considered unlikely.
|
{7/21/2008}
SPP's Critical Infrastructure Protection Working Group and the SPP Regional Entity will host a "How To" workshop on CIP Cyber Security Standards August 13 and 14 at the Embassy Suites Outdoor World in Grapevine, Texas. Sessions will cover topics such as risk assessment methodology, incident response planning, and CIP Standards revisions. Download the flyer to find out more, or register for the event.
|
{5/20/2008}
In November 2007, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, in Docket 33687, ordered Entergy Gulf States, now Entergy Texas (ETI), to have SPP perform the analysis necessary to provide an "apples to apples" comparison of ERCOT and SPP as possible Qualified Power Regions (QPR) for ETI's proposed transition to retail competition. Read related materials or register for the meeting.
|
{5/14/2008}
On June 10-12, SPP will host the first annual SPP Market Operations Users Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. Participants will learn about Area Control Error (ACE) impact, system maintenance, real-time market information exchanges, SPP's market monitoring role, congestion management, IT systems change management, registration changes, and modeling coordination. The registration deadline is May 27, 2008. Register for the Market Operations Users Social and Conference. View the agenda.
|
{4/28/2008}
Two recent studies determined that the first year of the SPP EIS market was successful. SPP performed a study that found net trade benefits of $103 million from the first year of market operation. Separately, Boston Pacific Company, Inc., SPP's External Market Advisor, published an annual report on SPP's electricity market conditions reflecting a robust market. Boston Pacific President Craig Roach stated, "The EIS market has been a success and should give the SPP board of directors and members the confidence to accelerate efforts toward creating new markets." The reports are available on the Market Reports page of SPP.org. For more information, read the news release.
|
{4/22/2008}
The members of SPP elected Julian Brix of Williamsburg, Virginia to the SPP Board of Directors. Brix has a long history in the electric utility industry, including serving as president, CEO, and COO of Georgia Transmission Corporation; general manager of Cooperative Power; and general manager of Central Electric Power Cooperative. Most recently, Brix served as executive consultant for Brix International. Read the release.
|
|
|
{4/21/2008}
The 2007 SPP Annual Report highlights the year's major accomplishments, including launch of the Energy Imbalance Services market, Regional Entity implementation, and the opening of a new operations center. Read the annual report and financial statement. To request a printed copy, please email lhaywood@spp.org.
|
{4/4/2008}
The SPP Engineering Department has developed a new transmission system map in Geographic Information System (GIS) format, replacing previous AutoCAD versions. The new map more accurately represents transmission facilities in the SPP footprint. In the future, this map will be linked to a database containing additional information such as project tracking, physical, and technical transmission data. To request a map, submit the map request form.
|
{3/3/2008}
Quanta Technology has updated its assessment of Extra High Voltage (EHV) overlay alternatives for SPP and neighboring systems, which would accommodate significant wind development and firm delivery of wind energy to SPP member systems and the Eastern and Western Interconnections. SPP is holding an EHV Overlay Summit on March 28th in Oklahoma City to present results of the updated study, gain feedback on the economic expansion planning assumptions/methodologies, and present preliminary economic results of the EHV alternatives. Register for the EHV Overlay Summit, read the updated EHV Study, or send us your questions or comments.
|
{2/1/2008}
The SPP Board of Directors approved the $2.2 billion SPP Transmission Expansion Plan (STEP) 2008-2017 on January 29, 2008. SPP will now issue Notifications To Construct for approximately $700 million in reliability projects requiring financial commitments during 2008-2011.
Developed through the stakeholder process, the STEP 2008-2017 identifies regional solutions to regional transmission issues. Similar to the 2006 STEP, the scope of this long-range plan is forward-looking in steady-state and dynamic analysis using an extended ten-year planning horizon. In addition to traditional summer peak scenario analysis, the plan includes winter model analysis, reactive reserve margin analysis, evaluations of transmission operating directives, and economic screening and ranking of projects. Projects in the plan include new lines, line rebuilds, capacitor banks, transformers, substation upgrades, and voltage conversions. Read the STEP 2008-2017.
|
{1/31/2008}
The Org Report is a monthly e-newsletter that summarizes and shares information about SPP organizational groups - including key votes, decisions, and the development of initiatives. We hope The Org Report will give you a better understanding of SPP and how our organizational groups impact and inform each other. To subscribe, visit our Email List page, fill in the blanks, and select the Organizational Group E-Newsletter Exploder.
|
{1/17/2008}
In support of the Oklahoma Electric Power Transmission Task Force (OEPTTF), SPP will host a summit on January 24th, in Oklahoma City. SPP is working with the OEPTTF on a transmission expansion study for wind development scenarios ranging from 1,000-6,000 megawatts in Oklahoma. The study will be based on the SPP Transmission Expansion Plan (STEP) 2008-2017. Since transmission expansion plans to accommodate wind developments in Oklahoma are affected by assumptions of wind development and transmission projects in Kansas and Texas, SPP's study will make comparable assumptions for wind development in those states. The goal of the summit is to share with stakeholders the study scope and milestones. The summit is free and open to the public. Read the agenda, read the study scope, or register for the event.
|
{12/20/2007}
The SPP Regional Entity is holding the 2008 NERC Compliance Rollout workshop on January 22-23 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The workshop will cover 2008 NERC standards, 2007 SPP Compliance Program results, relay maintenance/testing, Compliance Data Management System (CDMS) updates, NERC enforcement, and vegetation maintenance programs. There will also be a panel discussion on compliance audit preparation. Admission is free, but space is limited. Register for the workshop or learn more about the SPP Regional Entity.
|
{12/6/2007}
SPP, acting as the Independent Coordinator of Transmission (ICT) for Entergy Services, has issued phase one of a strategic transmission expansion plan for the Entergy system. Implementation of a long-term transmission expansion plan would enhance electric reliability and prepare for future growth and transmission needs. The ICT will solicit Entergy stakeholder comments over the next several months to enhance this initial plan. The final transmission expansion plan is scheduled to be issued next fall. Read more about the ICT, or read the ICT Transmission Strategic Expansion Plan (ISTEP) Report.
|
{10/18/2007}
SPP is hosting a CIP Cyber Security Standards Workshop on November 7th in Little Rock. Participants will learn about the requirements of CIP-002-1 through CIP-009-1, which represent the most thorough attempt to date to address cyber security issues that relate to the bulk power system. The standards have an aggressive implementation schedule, with some requirements specifying full compliance by mid-2008 for many entities. Download the flyer or register for the event.
|
{10/11/2007}
SPP is participating in a joint planning meeting with the Midwest ISO, PJM, and the Tennessee Valley Authority on November 1 in Pittsburgh, PA. The meeting will focus on the creation of an inter-regional, collaborative expansion plan to address reliability needs. Register for the meeting; view the meeting's agenda and presentation; or contact Jay Caspary for more information.
|
{10/10/2007}
The ISO/RTO Council (IRC) will hold a media briefing Tuesday, October 16, 2007 in Washington, D.C., to introduce new reports focusing on the progress of organized markets, demand response, and renewable resources in the ISO/RTO regions. Read the release.
|
{8/19/2007}
On October 10 – 11 the SPP Regional Entity will host the Fall 2007 SPP Regional Entity Compliance Workshop in Tulsa, OK. Participants will be brought up-to-date on this year's compliance monitoring and enforcement program; learn about functional registration and the process by which regional standards are created; and get a sneak peek at the 2008 compliance program. A break-out session will be offered for new users of the Compliance Database Management System (CDMS). Register for the workshop or view the agenda.
|
{8/15/2007}
At 16:22 on August 14, 2007, SPP successfully met a coincidental peak demand of 43,346 megawatts for the SPP reliability region. This surpasses the previous record of 43,022 megawatts set on August 13, 2007. Simultaneously on August 14, SPP's market footprint experienced a new all-time peak of 35,910 megawatts. SPP does not anticipate significant reliability concerns, and emergency conditions are considered unlikely.
|
{6/27/2007}
SPP issued a report on its EHV Overlay Project, which provides innovative blueprints for the future of the transmission grid for SPP and its neighboring regions. This report, which was independently prepared by InfraSource Technology and PowerWorld Corporation, provides a strategic assessment of how to meet SPP's future reliability and capacity needs through the use of a 500 and 765 kV transmission system overlaying the existing SPP footprint and integrating with the existing EHV systems of Entergy, MISO, and PJM. Read the news release.
|
{6/26/2007}
On June 22, 2007, SPP Membership elected Mr. David Christiano, Mr. Gerry Burrows, and Mr. John Meyer to serve as the SPP Regional Entity (RE) Trustees. SPP was recently approved by FERC to serve as a NERC Regional Entity, overseeing standards development and compliance enforcement for the region. RE Trustees are charged with the oversight of SPP's RE function, including its administration, budgeting, staffing, and policy development. Read the news release.
|
{6/21/2007}
The ISO/RTO Council (IRC) today announced the launch of its new Web site, designed to provide electric industry representatives, government officials, and electricity consumers a one-stop information resource about the IRC and its members. The IRC is an industry organization comprised of the 10 Independent System Operators (ISOs) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) in the United States and Canada. Read the news release.
|
{5/31/2007}
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announced a new effective date for mandatory Reliability Standards in the United States. The Reliability Standards, which were to become effective on June 4, 2007, will now become effective on June 18, 2007. Please visit ferc.gov for more information.
|
|
|
{4/25/2007}
Since 1941, SPP has worked to maintain electric reliability for the region, provide open access to the transmission system, and lead transmission expansion planning efforts. The 2006 Annual Report celebrates 65 years of service and highlights SPP's historical milestones and 2006 accomplishments. Read the report and financial statement.
|
{4/9/2007}
Holyoke, MA - A task force formed last year by a group of American and Canadian bulk power system operators has completed the first phase in creating standards for grid and market operation software systems – an architectural blueprint for how the industry's software applications should be developed and integrated. Read the release.
|
{2/26/2007}
At their January meeting, the SPP Board of Directors approved the 2006-2016 SPP Transmission Expansion Plan (2006 STEP), which has undergone extensive stakeholder review and approval. This Board approval directs project owners to move forward with a list of reliability projects, including 345 kV lines from Potter, Texas to Roosevelt, New Mexico; from Spearville, Kansas to Mooreland, Oklahoma to Southwestern Public Service in Amarillo, Texas; and from Diana, Texas to Barton Chapel, Texas. The 2006 STEP is a long range plan for the SPP region, totaling $1.4 billion of investment in transmission expansion projects over a 10-year growth horizon.
|
{2/21/2007}
SPP is registering all entities within its footprint for the 15 NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) Functions under the new Electric Reliability Organization. Entities who need to register with SPP include Purchase/Selling Entities, Load Serving Entities, Generator Owners, Generator Operators, etc. Registration is due to SPP by February 28th, 2007. The registration form and definition/criteria are in the SPP Compliance folder of the online library.
|
{2/1/2007}
On February 1, SPP launched its Energy Imbalance Services (EIS) Market when it began dispatching wholesale electricity. The wholesale energy market allows for more efficient deployment of generation across the SPP region through the establishment of an offer-based market for energy imbalance services. According to CEO Nick Brown, the successful market launch required intensive preparation, testing, and training of SPP staff and market participants. Read the news release.
|
{1/26/2007}
On December 22, 2006, Southwest Power Pool, Inc. filed a Market Readiness Certification with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) stating its readiness to implement the Energy Imbalance Services Market on February 1, 2007. FERC found SPP's Certification to be in compliance and accepted the order. Read the FERC Order.
|
{1/24/2007}
SPP is transitioning into the organization's Energy Imbalance Services Market, which is scheduled to launch on February 1, 2007. Visit the Market Transition Status page for the latest status report and to view related documents.
|
{1/16/2007}
SPP is contracting with InfraSource and PowerWorld to conduct a strategic assessment regarding long-term reliability and economic needs via a 345-kV, 500-kV, and 765-kV or higher voltage transmission system to overlay the SPP footprint. InfraSource Services, Inc. provides power engineering consulting services and designs, builds, and maintains transmission and distribution networks. PowerWorld Corporation has partnered with IFS to provide technical support using the PowerWorld Simulator tool, which simulates high voltage power system operation. SPP has scheduled a kick-off meeting with InfraSource and PowerWorld on January 22-23, 2007.
Read the news release, or view the original RFP.
|
{12/12/2006}
At its December 12 meeting, the SPP Board of Directors authorized staff to file certification with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a February 1, 2007, implementation of SPP's Energy Imbalance Services Market.
|
{12/1/2006}
SPP issued a Request For Proposal from Transmission Design/Engineering Consultants and Architecture & Engineering Firms for a strategic assessment regarding long-term reliability and economic needs via a 345-kV, 500-kV, and 765-kV or higher voltage transmission system to overlay the SPP footprint. This assessment will investigate potential integration with neighboring systems to address future transmission needs and ensure an efficient and optimal transmission system. Responses are due December 29. Read the RFP or press release.
|
{11/17/2006}
On November 17, SPP began acting as the Independent Coordinator of Transmission (ICT) for Entergy. As the ICT, SPP will assume the following responsibilities for Entergy: Reliability Coordination, Tariff Administration, AFC Calculation, Transmission Planning, and Operating OASIS. Executive Director of Contract Services Bruce Rew states, "This project will provide long-term benefits to SPP through enhanced coordination of neighboring transmission systems and by leveraging SPP's resources and experience to add value."
|
|
|
{10/26/2006}
At its October 24 meeting, SPP's Board of Directors voted not to file certification with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a December 1 implementation of SPP's Energy Imbalance Services Market. The Board will meet again on December 12, at which time it will consider certifying for a February 1, 2007 launch.
Read SPP's notification to FERC of the delay.
|
|
|
{9/29/2006}
At its September 29 meeting, SPP's Board of Directors voted not to file certification with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a Nov. 1 implementation of SPP's Energy Imbalance Services Market. The Board will meet again on Oct. 24, at which time it will consider certifying for a Dec. 1 launch.
|
|
|
{9/1/2006}
On Sept. 1, SPP began functioning as the Independent Transmission Organization (ITO) for Louisville Gas and Electric. SPP is the first RTO to establish a contract services department that provides tariff administration to non-member transmission owners.
|
|
|
{8/8/2006}
SPP donated $95,000 to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to establish a Power Systems Laboratory. The contribution provided software, hardware, and electrical motors for teaching power transmission. The gift will allow the CyberCollege to enhance its new degree programs in mechanical and electrical engineering. Press Release (168 KB pdf)
|
{7/20/2006}
On July 20, the North American Reliability Organization (NERC) was approved as the U.S. Electric Reliability Organization (ERO). In its new role, NERC may delegate limited authority to Regional Entities (REs) who will in turn develop and enforce standards in their geographic areas. SPP, a member of NERC since 1968, has led the development and implementation of voluntary reliability criteria throughout the southwest for years. As the ERO, NERC will rely on this experience and infrastructure to help meet its obligations.
|
{7/10/2006}
Michael Desselle Joins SPP as Vice President of Process Integrity. Desselle joins us from American Electric Power, where he was Director of Public Policy. Desselle serves as Vice-Chair for the Wholesale Electric Quadrant of NAESB (North American Energy Standards Board) and is their Past Chairman and CEO.
|
|
|
{5/22/2006}
As a member-driven, relationship-based company, SPP is only as successful as our stakeholders say we are. This year, we asked a few of them to help us tell our story. View the report (5.9 MB pdf)
|
|
|
{2/17/2006}
Redbud Energy, SPP, and OG&E Electric Services have agreed on a multi-million dollar plan for a capacity upgrade to OG&E's electrical transmission substation at Arcadia. Redbud Energy will fund the cost of the upgrade, and OG&E has fast-tracked construction. The Arcadia substation is part of OG&E's high-voltage electrical transmission loop around Oklahoma City.
Press Release (28 KB pdf)
|
{11/14/2005}
The ISO/RTO Council (IRC) today released an all-inclusive report that highlights the collective benefits and value regional transmission operators bring in managing the flow of electricity to two thirds of the U.S. population.
Press Release (44 KB pdf)
|
