Load frequency control issues in power system operations after deregulation

Abstract

Open transmission access is a legal requirement in the United States, but is not fully implemented. Discussion of deregulation has so far focused principally on the tariff structure for transmission access, but operating the power system in this new environment will present significant problems of an almost purely technical nature. Something as simple as frequency control becomes challenging when implemented in the competitive, distributed control environment that true third party wheeling creates. This paper seeks to identify likely deregulation scenarios, identify the technical issues associated with load frequency control, and identify technical solutions, such as standards and algorithms, needed for the operation of this key component of national infrastructure in the face of profound structural changes.