With approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, MISO implemented a new Look-Ahead Commitment (LAC) Tool for its power grid operators, which will improve operational efficiencies and reduce the cost of wholesale power.
The LAC Tool more efficiently plans near-term resource commitments in the real-time market. By conservative estimates, the tool is expected to save upwards of US$2 million per year to the region, which covers 11 states and Manitoba, Canada.
MISO developed the tool after extensive analysis of the current process used in real time for the commitment of resources to produce energy. The tool provides displays to the control room operator, giving access to new operational information. The “smart-thinking” application will help decision making and enable fast actions that will keep power flowing efficiently. MISO's Independent Market Monitor has consistently identified a look-ahead capability as a means of improving the commitment of fast-start resources.
“The current Intra-Day Reliability Assessment Commitment process is less efficient for near-real-time resource commitments and often must be done manually,” said Richard Doying, vice president of operations. “The LAC Tool is a new online process. We will be able to better identify upcoming changes and more efficiently commit resources to meet those needs.”