Impact of RTO size on the reliable and secure operation of the Eastern Interconnection

In its recent NOPR of regional transmission organizations (RTOs), FERC reasons that the existence of large regional transmission organizations will promote reliable and secure operation of the bulk power grid. This presentation explores the factors that influence reliable operation and that relate to RTO size and the characteristics of the power system. Ignoring present institutional boundaries, specific RTO configurations for the Eastern Interconnection are postulated. Central themes include the impact of a large number of transactions on scheduling and dispatching within security constraints, redispatching transactions to maintain secure operation and handling of emergency conditions.