Smart Grid Renewables: FERC Wants to Know What YOU Think

If Smart Grid renewable integration is causing problems or concerns, you’ve got FERC’s ear.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is asking for help as the agency works to be sure its policies are keeping up with the growth of new renewable energy sources.

The agency is re-examining its policies to ensure that they can help integrate renewable energy into the Smart Grid efficiently and fairly while also ensuring grid reliability.

That's where you come in. FERC is asking for comment on that integration and how new energy resources will affect the following:

·         Data and reporting requirements, including accurate forecasting tools

·         Scheduling flexibility and incentives for accurate scheduling of variable energy resources

·         Forward market structure and reliability commitments

·         Balancing Authority Area size and coordination

·         Suitability of reserve products

·         Capacity market reforms

·         Re-dispatch and curtailment practices

Comments on the notice, Integration of Variable Energy Resources, are due 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register.

FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff acknowledged the accelerating growth of renewables and said, "To accommodate that expansion, it is our job to ensure that FERC has in place the market and operational reforms necessary to ensure that all wholesale electricity tariffs are just, reasonable and not unduly discriminatory."

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