RENNSELAER, N.Y - The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has introduced system and operating changes to better utilize New York State's existing wind resources, and pave the way for continued growth of economical, emission-free, renewable power resources in the Empire State.

The enhancements, which were completed in September, help accommodate the variable nature of wind-powered generation with a centralized forecasting system.

"A primary issue in the industry has been with forecasting the availability and timing of wind-powered generation. As the grid operator, we constantly adjust all generation supplies to meet the changing demand for electricity in real time," explained Steve Whitley, NYISO President and CEO. "If the anticipated level of wind generation changes, then other adjustments must be made on the system to accommodate those changes."

The NYISO contracted with AWS Truewind, of Colonie, N.Y., to provide the NYISO with wind power forecasts for each wind power project, based on meteorological data and historical operating characteristics of the wind power projects. The data is fed directly into the NYISO operational systems that determine the balance of load and generation.

The NYISO is one of the first ISO/RTOs in the country to implement such a system. This forecasting method is considered "best practice" in the industry worldwide. The NYISO is supporting New York State's leadership role in renewable energy by actively getting systems ready for wind development and integration.

As of September 1, there were over 700 megawatts of wind generating capacity in commercial operation in New York State. Wind capacity in New York is projected to grow to more than 1,200 MW by the summer of 2009. Proposed projects adding another 6,500 MW of wind capacity to be developed by 2011 are proceeding through the grid interconnection study process administered by the NYISO.

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) -- www.nyiso.com -- is a not-for-profit corporation that began operations in 1999. The NYISO operates New York's bulk electricity grid, administers the state's wholesale electricity markets, and conducts comprehensive reliability and resource planning for the state's bulk electricity system.

SOURCE: New York Independent System Operator

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) will incorporate a centralized wind forecasting system to better accommodate wind power in New York's bulk electricity grid.

The wind-forecasting system, planned for implementation this summer, is one of many steps being taken by the NYISO to recognize and incorporate the unique characteristics and variable nature of wind power in dispatching resources to economically serve the State's electric load.

The NYISO has contracted with AWS Truewind, of Colonie, N.Y., to implement the wind-forecasting capability. The ability to more accurately forecast wind allows the NYISO to gauge how much wind power is likely to be available throughout a given day, enabling maximum use of "green power" resources while enhancing reliability by anticipating variations in generator output.

"As fuel costs climb and the need for emission-free electricity grows, it is important to realize the full potential of renewable energy resources such as wind. The NYISO is committed to accommodating the market entry of any and all new technologies and renewable resources," said Karen Antion, the NYISO's Board Chair and interim CEO.

"As more wind power projects are connected to the grid, they will require enhanced attention. The advance forecasts will allow us to accommodate wind power more accurately and reliably," said Robert Hiney, a NYISO Board member and interim President.

The variable nature of wind generation poses special challenges to grid operators, such as the NYISO, who must constantly balance the supply of and demand for electricity on the grid because electricity cannot be stored efficiently with current technologies.

To produce the forecasts, wind generators will send meteorological data and the NYISO will send power data to AWS Truewind. The company will provide wind power forecasts to the NYISO, which will use the information to integrate wind power in balancing the supply of electricity with consumer demand.

The NYISO has also proposed wind-related revisions in market rules, which are subject to approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The proposals include

: -- Increasing the amount of wind generation eligible for exemption from under-generation penalties and full compensation for over-generation,

-- Requiring wind projects to finance the costs of the centralized forecasting service, and

-- Establishing penalties for wind generators who continually fail to deliver meteorological data to the NYISO forecaster.

Currently, there are nearly 500 megawatts of wind generating capacity in commercial operation in New York State. Almost 7,000 megawatts of proposed wind generation projects are proceeding through the grid interconnection process administered by the NYISO.

According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), independently operated wholesale electricity markets, such as those administered by the NYISO, are enabling greater amounts of wind power to be integrated into the nation's electric grid. In 2007, AWEA reported that regions served by independently operated wholesale electricity markets had approximately 73 percent of installed wind capacity, despite having only 44 percent of nation's wind power potential. The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) - www.nyiso.com - is a not-for-profit corporation that began operations in 1999. The NYISO operates New York's bulk electricity grid, administers the state's wholesale electricity markets, and performs comprehensive reliability planning for the state's bulk electricity system.

SOURCE: The New York Independent System Operator

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