The California Independent System Operator (ISO) received approval to require equipment improvements for renewable energy generators on the grid, paving the way for increased integration of wind and solar power.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved tariff revisions earlier this month filed by the ISO aimed at preventing temporary and sporadic losses of inverter-based generation plants connected to the ISO controlled power grid.
The FERC action follows recommendations by a task force formed by the North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC) in response to the August 2016 event when smoke from the Blue Cut Fire tripped several 500-kilovolt (kV) and 220 kV transmission lines in Southern California causing nearly 1,200 megawatts (MW) of solar energy to unexpectedly go offline.
The approval will now require inverter-based generator resources to inject reactive current during low-voltage conditions to allow for a minimum delay for frequency tripping and a quick return to support the bulk power system reliability.
"We appreciate the NERC's partnership to identify and develop recommendations that support the operation of a reliable, low-carbon grid that accommodates inverter-based generator resources," said Keith Casey, ISO's vice president of Market and Infrastructure Development.
FERC's order also requires inverter-based generators greater than 20 MW in size to record and store data for all frequency and voltage events to assist any future investigations by the ISO and transmission owners.
The California ISO provides open and non-discriminatory access to one of the largest power grids in the world. The vast network of high-voltage transmission power lines is supported by a competitive energy market and comprehensive grid planning. Partnering with about a hundred clients, the nonprofit public benefit corporation is dedicated to the continual development and reliable operation of a modern grid that operates for the benefit of consumers. Recognizing the importance of the global climate challenge, the ISO is at the forefront of integrating renewable power and advanced technologies that will help meet a sustainable energy future efficiently and cleanly.
Contact:
Vonette Fontaine | vfontaine@caiso.com
Anne Gonzales | agonzales@caiso.com
