Anchor Data Set (ADS) Process Guide

Process Overview & Supporting Documentation

WECC

WECC Release: 09/01/2017

RAC Stakeholder Feedback Due: 09/21/2017

WECC Review: 11/10/2017, 12/05/2017; 01/08/2018

155 North 400 West, Suite 200

Salt Lake City, Utah 84103-1114

Contents

1.Objective

2.The Anchor Data Set

2.1ADS Workflow

2.2ADS Workflow: Expectations, Tasks and Responsibilities

3Regional Planning Process & Coordination with data Submitters

3.1Approved Regional Plans

3.2Coordination between Data Submitters (e.g., BAs, TPs, and PCs) and Planning Regions

3.3Data for International Entities

3.5Coordination between Registered Entities and WECC

4Reliability Assessment Committee (RAC) Oversight of the ADS

4.1Base Case Data Submittals (Power Flow and Dynamics Data)

4.2PCM Data Submittals

5Appendix

Anchor Data Set Process Guide (DRAFT)

January 10, 2018

1.Objective

For many years, WECC has been aware that data used in its various reliability assessment models (e.g., Power Flow-PF; Production Cost Model-PCM) has varying degrees of consistency and, to some extent, redundancy in terms of the data’s development and collection across different platforms. To address this redundancy, the Anchor Data Set (ADS) has been created to provide a single, coordinated data source from which WECC and their stakeholders may draw the technical data they need to perform Year-10 reliability assessments and other planning studies.

The ADS is intended to also provide an avenue for the Regional Planning Groups (RPGs) that include Western Planning Regions (WPR) (ColumbiaGrid, Northern Tier Transmission Group (NTTG), the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and WestConnect) and International Planning Regions (IPR) (British Columbia Coordinated Planning Group (BCCPG), Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE)) to coordinate with WECC through each study cycle using consistent and complete data. The WPR and IPR and other stakeholders use both PF and PCM models to varying degrees, and with modifications they find necessary, to plan for their respective regions.From this point forward, the ADS will be available to entities who desire to use it as part of their planning needs, subject to any confidentiality or other protections applicable to the information in the ADS.The ADS will be a year-10 casethat coincides with their2-year planning cycle.The ADS is also intended to be a common starting point for any entity or RPG in the Western Interconnection for their localized planning needs and/or regulatory compliance needs (i.e. FERC Order 1000).

The ADS Process Guide is primarily comprised of 2 key documents: Power Flow related Data Preparation Manual (DPM) that identifies the Power Flow Base Case development and PCM related Data Development & Validation Manual (DDVM) requirements. These supporting documents include information that address the following key questions:

1.What are the sources of the data?

2.In what format will the data be submitted to WECC?

3.How is it developed, collected and managed?

4.How is the data validated, and if stakeholder input is required, which RAC sub-committee will responsible?

2.The Anchor Data Set

The ADSis a compilation of load, resource, transmission topology, and other information typically found in regional transmission plans of entities throughout the Western Interconnection that produce regional transmission plans (WPRs and IRPs). The ADS is intended for use by the WECC, Data Submitters (i.e., Balancing Authorities (BAs’), Transmission Planners (TPs’) and/or Planning Coordinators (PCs’)), RPGs and other stakeholders in their various planning analyses. The data contained within the ADS will be consistent with WECC’s and the planning regions’ “preferred” software for PCMand PF models[1], including dynamic data and associated assumptions.

The power flow and stability datacontained in the ADS is developed by NERC Registered Entities in the U.S. and international entities in the Western Interconnection (i.e., Balancing Authorities (BAs’), Transmission Planners (TPs’) and/or Planning Coordinators (PCs’)) and is intended to be consistent with state and federal public policy requirements. Production Cost data is collected in partnership between WECC and participating stakeholders (representatives of WECC member classes) and reviewed through the planning processes of Reliability Assessment Committee (RAC). The RAC will oversee the relevant ADS processes that involve stakeholder input and effort in creating the ADS related PF and PCM datasets.

As described in the proposal to develop the ADS, the data included reflects applicable state and federal statutory public policy requirements such as RenewablePortfolio Standards (RPS), Regional Haze Programs, and Mercury and Air Toxic Standards (MATS) and any greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission constraints. TheADS alsocreates a common representation of the loads, resources, and transmission topology across theWestern Interconnection 10 years in the future. The ADS is comprised of the following types of data:[2]

  1. Existing, planned, and retired transmission topology in the year 10 planning horizon;
  2. Existing, planned, and retired resources (generators) in the year 10 planning horizon;
  3. Load forecasts in the year 10 planning horizon; and
  4. Other data needed for planning studies such as generating unit start‐up times, variable O&M costs, emission costs and other data necessary for PCM modeling such as economic grid simulation.

Data encompassed within the ADS is collected through the processes described in the WECC DPMfor the PF Base Case development process and WECC DDVM (hyperlink to be added later)for the Production Cost dataset. Both of these documents are an integral part of this document for the ADS process. These manuals provide, in unambiguous detail, an outline of the data requirements and submission procedures that are necessary to meet all data requirements of the ADS. They are maintained by the Reliability Assessment Committee (RAC) and its subcommittees and are revised as needed through established RAC processes.

Data developed by these entities for inclusion in the ADS may be transmitted to WECC via BAs’, TPs’, and/or PCs’ pursuant to (but not limited to) these organizations’ responsibilities to satisfy the NERC reliability planning standards. The ADS will reflect the Planning Region view of loads, resources and transmission topology for the year 10 planning horizon. Additionally, other entities may develop and transmit data to WECC for inclusion in the ADS pursuant to these entities’ support of, and participation in, the ADS assembly process.

2.1ADS Workflow

The ADS isinitially developed by the RPGs andis expected to align with the PF DPM and PCM DDVM requirements. It is also expected that the RPGs would coordinate with the Data Submitters in their respective footprint as they provide the initial “seed data” to WECC. As part of the ADS development process, WECC will communicate with the registered entities when submitted data appears to be inconsistent with the requirements identified in the- PF DPM and PCM DDVM.In such cases, the BA’s/TP’s/PC’s entities will coordinate with their respective RPGs and submit the changes to WECC. The ADS process flow shown in Figure 1.0 and Figure 2.0 illustrates how planning data and information flows between the transmission providers, RPGsand WECC. The workflow description identifies the following tasks, accountability roles and challenges for the Anchor Data Set Taskforce:

  • Tasks and Responsibility for managing the planning data and information throughout the stages of the ADS process flow[3]
  • Provide Data Submitters (and Area Coordinators):(i) the sources of the planning data and information used by the WPRs, IPRs and WECC to compile the ADS, and (ii) the timeline for completing the tasks. The timeline for the ADS workflow is ongoing and generic in nature once initiated on January 1, 2018. The entire process encompasses a two-year time span that is consistent with the interregional coordination process of the WPRs and IPRs; beginning in January of every even year and ending in December of the following odd year.

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Figure 1.0ADS Workflow with Western Planning Regions (U.S. only), RAC and Data Submitters

Figure 2.0ADS Workflow with International Planning Regions, RAC and Data Submitters


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2.2 ADS Workflow: Expectations, Tasks and Responsibilities

The ADS process flows that are shown in Figure 1.0 and Figure 2.0 illustrates how planning data and information flows between the transmission providers, WPRs, IPRs, WECC stakeholders and WECC. Corresponding with the flow diagrams shown in the figures 1.0 and 2.0 , each of the elements of the flow process are represented by a process or data that are interconnected through actions illustrated by the figure’s swim lanes. While the process flows illustrate movement of work and/or responsibility through the process, it is important to note that a clear understanding of responsibility and action by the entities engaged in the process is necessary to ensure that the correct information is collected and passed from one process to the next.[4]

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Table 1 - ADS Process Responsibility and Timeline

Time frame* / Responsible Entity / Expected Tasks / Entity(ies) to Coordinate with / Deliverables / Underlying Assumptions / Risk Factors for ADSTF review
2016 Q4* / WECC / Produce latest 2026 CC / RPGs, Data Sub., Providers of “Other Data” for ADS PCM / Latest 2026 CC and related PCM files
RPGs / Update RPGs Plans with 2026 PCM data / WECC, Data Sub.
Receive PCM and PF updates from Data Submitters and RAC.
RAC / ****
Data Submitters (TPs/BAs/PCs) / Review 2026 CC Output from WECC / WECC, RPGs, L&R reps.
Update relevant input assumptions into 2026 CC
Provide upgrades/input data to WPR for PCM update.
2017 Q1-Q3 / WECC / Share 2026 Upgrades with RAC stakeholders
Initiate MOD-32 process to build ADS HS 2028 PFseed case / Data Submitters, RAC subcommittees
RPGs, ADSTF / Issue Data request for 2028 HS PF case (“Base Case Compilation Process”) / WPR coordinate changes with Data Submitters
RPGs / Review 2026 Common Case Input assumptions / WECC, Data Sub., ADSTF / Updated 2026 WPR PCM Input files for ADS / WECC will have access to change cases from RPGs / Coordination Challenges with Data Submitters and Area Coordinators
Compile 2026 WPR PCM dataset that includes regional RPG datasets / Regional Planning Groups / One consolidated PCM case / Single RPGs point of contact for development WI plan / Data Issues: Compilation / Solving/ Sharing
RPGs provide Data Submitters certain “other” data for 2028 ADS draft PCM development / WECC, ADSTF, RAC subcommittees / Certain “Other” data input files / Coordinate with Data Sub., RPGs’ single point of contact with WECC. / Regional planning groups can’t agree - Data Sharing issues
RPGs solve 2026 WPR PCM and export one-hour to create 2026 HS PF case (Roundtrip) / WECC, Data Submitters, ADSTF, RAC subcommittees / Solved 2026 HS PF case
Documentation of changes made to exported hour to solve PF / RPGshave provided WECC with a2017 point of contact / Challenges in making changes to the exported hour to solve PF – Computational delays / Data Sharing issues
Data Submitters (TPs/BAs/PCs) / Provide input assumptions to WECC and RPGs for draft 2028 ADS PCM / RPGs, ADSTF, RAC subcommittees / Change cases to RPG / WECC will have access to change cases from RPGs / Data Sharing issues
2017 Q4 / RAC Sub Committees / Review and Assist with the ADS Compilation (PCM and PF data) / ADSTF, Data Submitters, RPGs / Review of Assumptions and Approve relevant updates/changes / RAC has oversight of the ADS process (not ADS products per se) / RAC coordination with Data Submitters, ADSTF and RPGs
2017 Q4 / WECC / Develop 2028 HS PF w ADS inputs / RPGs, RAC SUBCOMMITTEES, ADSTF
Data Submitters / 2028 HS PF Case with ADS inputs / Data Sub. will submit data aligned with RPG plans / Data inconsistencies
Dynamics data incomplete
RPGs / Review ADS Input of Data Submitters / Data Submitters, ADSTF, Data Submitters / Agreement with Data Submitters on data consistency / Base Case submitters coordinate with RPGs / Potential lack of coordination
Data Submitters (TPs/BAs/PCs) / Validate ADS Input with RPGs / WECC, RAC, ADSTF, RPGs / Agreement with RPGs on data consistency / Base Case submitters coordinate with Data Submitters / Potential lack of coordination
RAC SUBCOMMITTEES / Review of the ADS processes / WECC, Data Submitters, ADSTF, RPGs / Provide feedback and respond to ADSTF concerns/needs / RAC Sub-Committees and ADSTF coordinating efficiently / Potential lack of coordination
2018 Q1 / WECC / Coordinate 2027 L&R with 2028 ADS PCM data input / RPGs
Data Submitters / Draft ADS 2028 PCM data set / Data inconsistency; Lack of central point of contact with RPGS for resolution
Compile 2028 ADS PCM data set (using HS 2028 PF) / RPGs, Data Submitters / Draft ADS 2028 PCM data set for review/validation / “Other” PCM data has already been validated, had majority support for inclusion / Data inconsistency or discrepancy
Conduct Roundtrip / WECC, RAC SUBCOMMITTEES, ADSTF, Data Sub. / Exported 2028 PF HS ADS; Roundtrip Implementation / Data is consistent and Roundtrip compatible / Roundtrip capability, data sharing, RAC oversight of process
RPGs / Participate in RAC SUBCOMMITTEES and ADSTF / WECC, RAC SUBCOMMITTEES, ADSTF, Data Submitters / Any updated changes from latest mid-cycle Transmission Plans / TBD / TBD
Data Submitters (TPs/BAs/PCs) / Participate in RAC SUBCOMMITTEES and ADSTF / WECC, RAC SUBCOMMITTEES, ADSTF, RPGs / Provide due diligence/review / TBD / TBD
RAC SUBCOMMITTEES / Review of the 2028 ADS PCM Compilation and Roundtrip / WECC, Data Submitters, ADSTF, RPGs / Identify any ADS process changes; engage with ADSTF / TBD / Coordination between ADSTF, RPGS and RAC
2018 Q2 / WECC / Compile Final 2028 PCM data set for ADS / RPGs
Data Submitters / Final 2028 PCM (for ADS); Exported 1 hour 2028 PF ADS / “Other” PCM data has been validated with majority support / Data inconsistency or discrepancy
RPGs / Review of the Final 2028 ADS PCM dataset / Data Submitters, ADSTF, Data Submitters / Relevant Change files to update next ADS cycle / ADSTF and RPGS in Coordination with Data Submitters / Coordination Challenges
Data Submitters (TPs/BAs/PCs) / Review of the Final 2028 ADS PCM dataset / WECC, RAC, ADSTF, RPGs / TBD / TBD / TBD

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3Regional Planning Process & Coordination with data Submitters

3.1Approved Regional Plans

The regional transmission plans provide planning and infrastructureguidanceduring the planning cycle until the plans are updated during the following planning cycle. Data used in regional transmission planningare specifically defined in RPGs study plans and may include information such as peak load projections, existing resources, distributed energy resources (DER), demand side management (DSM), planned resource additions and retirements, and transmission topology assumptions including recommended transmission additions.

Specific details about how this information is developed and used in the various RPGs planning processes will not be discussed in this document.[5] Stakeholders who are interested in learning more about the specific details of the RPGs planning processes and how their planning data and information is developed and used, should review the individual RPGplanning documents that are relevant to their planning data and information.Executive summary descriptions with relevant hyperlinks to additional details can be found below.

  • CAISOTransmission Planning Process:
  • Technical information related to the California ISO’s transmission planning process can be found in the Business Practice Manual for the Transmission Planning Process.
  • West Connect:
  • The WestConnect Regional Transmission Planning Process is performed biennially, beginning in even-numbered years, and results in the development of a Regional Transmission Plan every other year. During the biennial planning cycle, WestConnect will perform system assessments and determine if there are any regional reliability, economic, or public policy-driven transmission needs. If regional transmission needs are identified WestConnect will solicit alternatives (transmission or non-transmission alternatives (NTAs)) from WestConnect members and stakeholders to determine if they have the potential to meet any identified regional transmission needs. WestConnect will then evaluate those alternatives to determine whether any alternatives meet the identified regional transmission needs, and which alternatives provide the more cost-effective or efficient solution. The more efficient or cost-effective regional projects will be identified in the WestConnect Regional Transmission Plan. Any regional alternatives that were submitted for the purposes of regional cost allocation and selected into the Regional Transmission Plan may go through the cost allocation process if they are deemed to be eligible for regional cost allocation.
  • The WestConnect Planning Process is in conformance with Order No. 1000 as supplemented by numerous Compliance Filings and resulting FERC Orders. Readers can access the text on the WestConnect website,[[1]]and are encouraged to consult the compliance documentation and the WestConnect Business Practice Manual (BPM) for additional process information. Also, for TOs that are jurisdictional to the FERC, their FERC-approved tariff may preside over documents pertaining to the WestConnect Planning Process.
  • Northern Tier Transmission Group (NTTG):
  • The objective of the Northern Tier Transmission Group (“NTTG”) Regional Transmission Plan (“RTP”) is to evaluate, from a regional perspective, whether NTTG’s transmission needs may be satisfied on a regional or interregional basis more efficiently or cost effectively than through local planning processes developed by the participating transmission providers that are Full Funders. NTTG’s RTP is not a construction plan, but provides valuable regional insight and information for all stakeholders (including developers) to consider and use in their respective decision-making processes.
  • The NTTG planning process is initiated by the gathering and coordination of Transmission Providers local transmission system plans and data, including Public Policy Requirements. Stakeholders may also submit data to be evaluated as part of the preparation of the Regional Transmission Plan, including data supporting transmission needs and associated facilities driven by Public Policy Requirements and Public Policy Considerations, and alternate solutions to the identified needs set out in the Transmission Providers’ Local Transmission System. An identification of the transmission requirements for the NTTG footprint is derived from these data submissions. The reliability assessment uses both powerflow and production cost modeling and is completed to select the more efficient or cost-effective projects to reliably meet the NTTG footprint requirements. Any regional projects that were submitted for the purposes of regional cost allocation and selected into the Regional Transmission Plan may go through the cost allocation process if they are deemed to be eligible for regional cost allocation. Details about NTTG’s FERC approved planning processes are outlined in each Transmission Provider’s Attachment K posted on NTTG’s website.
  • ColumbiaGrid:
  • ColumbiaGrid’s planning process consists of activities that are governed by the Order 1000 and Planning and Expansion Functional Agreement (PEFA). Each planning cycle encompasses two year and itincludesvarious technical planning studies and other activitiessuch as the identification and evaluation of Order 1000 Needs for transmission facilities driven by reliability requirements, economic considerations or Public Policy Requirements. Interested parties may participate in ColumbiaGrid planning activities by receiving the information or attendingthe planning meetings that are open tothe public. More information can be found here ColumbiaGrid planning process.
  • Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO):

The AESO is required by legislation to prepare a long-term transmission plan at least every two years. The AESO’s transmission planning process is based on detailed engineering evaluations of the transmission system over a 20-year planning horizon. It is a continuous process, involving frequent evaluation of assumptions and proposed transmission solutions.