Douglas Hale

Assessment of transmission constraint costs: Northeast US case study

This paper provides a methodology to examine the impact of transmission constraints on the efficient operation of large scale power markets. The Northeast USA is presented as a case study. A system model was first constructed using the publicly available US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Form 715 filings to provide a detailed representation of the transmission system. FERC Form 1 data and information from the US Energy Information Administrations (EIA) National Energy Modeling System model were used to represent generator costs. An optimal power flow (OPF) was then used to optimally dispatch a large system consisting of the New England Region (NEPOOL), New York (NYPP), and the NERC MAAC and ECAR regions, both under base case and modified conditions. Using the OPF results, the costs associated with transmission constraints are determined. Finally, given the large amount of data generated by these studies, methods for the efficient visualization of the results are also discussed.

Qualitative comparative statics and audits of model performance

Abstract It is often difficult to determine if large, computer based models actually conform to the mathematical descriptions given in their documentation. One way to study this problem is through a sensitivity, or comparative statics, analysis of the model. At issue is the degree to which characteristics of the Jacobian matrix associated with a solution to the model can be shown to imply characteristics of the inverse Jacobian matrix. Any necessary characteristics of the inverse Jacobian can be tested for via comparative statics. Sign nonsingularity of the Jacobian provides an opportunity to audit a models mathematical documentation through a comparative statics analysis. Prototype software was developed that tested for sign nonsingularity and applied to the Jacobian matrix corresponding to the U.S. Department of Energys Oil Market Simulation Model. It was found that the signs of all of the elements of the inverse Jacobian matrix could be found. This

Optimization and visualization of the north american eastern interconnect power market

This paper uses a first generation OPF model of the Eastern Interconnect to gauge the potential benefits deriving from RTOs in an ideal world. So long as the lines and generators are operating as planned, there is sufficient low cost capacity to keep peak demand prices in the Eastern Interconnect below

Nonparametric comparative statics and stability

50 MWH. Under a reasonable approximation of ideal conditions, a repeat of San Diegos experience is unlikely. Unfortunately, a few downed lines or generator outages can greatly impact local prices even with unrestricted trade.