California ISO: Operational perspectives

Conference · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:554963

Allen, J E

On December 20, 1995, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted 3-2 in favor of a plan to restructure California`s electricity market. CPUC`s decision envisions a new market structure for electric utilities that offers customers more choice and flexibility in energy services at lower prices and would serve to move the state`s utilities from the traditional monopolistic structure to a more market-driven system. The proposed market system is called, in a general sense of reference, Western Power Exchange (WEPEX). Within the WEPEX process, an Independent System Operator (ISO) and a Power Exchange (PX or PEX) will be established. The ISO and PX are to be separate and independent, nonprofit organizations regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Initially the ISO will have operational jurisdiction over Southern California Edison`s 500 kV and 230 kV system, as well as Pacific Gas & Electric`s and San Diego Gas & Electric`s transmission system 500 kV through 60 kV, with a few special exceptions. Three investor owned utilities (IOUs), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), along with stake-holders in compliance with the CPUC`s decision, are working together to implement the Independent System Operator (ISO). The three IOUs subsequently transfer control of ISO related work such as this to a Trust to be established in accordance with and approval of the California State Public Utilities Commission.

• OSTI ID: 554963
• Report Number(s): CONF-961232--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
CALIFORNIA
DEREGULATION
ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY
OPERATION
POWER TRANSMISSION
PUBLIC UTILITIES