Dear Interested Party:
In its Fifth Power Plan, the Council recognized the importance of developing a resource adequacy framework and standard in order to avoid a repeat of the 2000-01 energy crisis. To achieve this, the Council and the Bonneville Power Administration initiated the Pacific Northwest Resource Adequacy Forum to develop a resource adequacy standard for the region. Adopting a regional standard would be the first step in providing input to WECC for its work in assessing West-wide resource adequacy. It is also expected that Bonneville will incorporate results of the forum’s work into its regional dialogue, and that utility commissions will make it a reference point in their evaluation of integrated resource plans.
To date, the Council has adopted the forum’s previous recommendations for an energy (annual) standard, a pilot capacity (peaking) standard, and an implementation plan. The forum’s current recommendation combines the energy and capacity standards into one document, which also includes the previously adopted implementation plan. The forum’s recommendation was presented to the Council at its February 11 meeting in Portland, Oregon.
The Council invites comment on the issues in the combined energy and capacity standards document. Comments are not being sought on Appendix B, the previously adopted implementation plan, which is provided for reference only. Comments will be accepted through Friday, March 7. The Council will consider whether to adopt the forum’s recommendation at its March 11 meeting in Boise, Idaho.
Thank you for your interest in the Council's review of this recommendation.
Sincerely,
Steve Crow
Executive Director
