Grid Basics

Grid Basics

​How much do you know?

Multiple Choice

How many interconnects are in the US?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Multiple Choice

How many DC ties connect the Eastern and Western interconnections?

• 5

• 6

• 7

• 8

Multiple Choice

WHO AM I?

•Created in 1977 by Department of Energy

•Regulates sale of electricity in US

•Oversees and approves NERC reliability standards

• NERC

• FERC

• ERO

• Regional Entities

Multiple Choice

WHO AM I?

•Current version formed out of Energy Policy Act of 2005 

•Works with stakeholders to establish standards and best practices

•Monitors the grid’s performance, identifies risks, and performs audits to ensure compliance with its standards

• NERC

• FERC

• ISOs/RTOs

• Regional Entities

Multiple Choice

WHO AM I?

•There are 6 of these in the US

•Ensure compliance with NERC’s mandatory reliability standards  

• RCs

• BAs

• ISOs/RTOs

• Regional Entities

Multiple Choice

WHO AM I?

•There are 17 of these in North America 

•Certified by NERC

•Highest level organization responsible for the reliable functioning of the BES

•Responsible for the real-time management of a specific area of the grid

• RCs

• BAs

• ISOs/RTOs

• Regional Entities

Multiple Choice

WHO AM I?

•There are 7 of these independent organizations; can be one of two types

•Are voluntary; not all of US is covered by either type

•Coordinate, control, monitor, and manage the grid and electricity markets within their respective regions

• RCs

• BAs

• ISOs/RTOs

• Regional Entities

Multiple Choice

WHO AM I?

•There are 66 of these NERC-certified entities within the US

•Maintain balance between electricity supply and demand within their area

•Implement real-time grid operations: Manage ace, dispatch generation, control interchange, regulate frequency

• RCs

• BAs

• ISOs/RTOs

• Regional Entities