The boards of both PJM Interconnection and the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) have agreed to a long-term strategy to optimize the flow of electricity across their common border and reduce threats to reliability.
Elements of the strategy include coordinating planning processes to facilitate efficient transmission investments; deploying smart grid technologies that maintain system balance through the use of robust data, communications and automated systems; and developing a shared understanding of regional gas delivery constraints for power generation.
The agreement on a long-term strategy is an outgrowth of extensive cooperation between the two organizations to improve management of transmission congestion across both markets. PJM and NYISO have been working to reach agreement on flow calculations, modeling approaches and procedures intended to reduce seams congestion. The new market-to-market software and processes will be operational January 2013.
"The significance of this agreement is that our organizations, which are structured differently, found common ground," says Howard Schneider, chairman of the PJM Board. "The market coordination steps we're taking will be the first of many cooperative steps intended to bolster the reliability and economic efficiency of both of our systems."
"Our organizations are focusing on reducing market inefficiencies along our borders, which will provide immense value to consumers," says Bob Hiney, chairman of the NYISO Board. "Implementing market solutions to optimize the use of existing resources before investing in new infrastructure is a significant value competitive markets provide."
