FERC Rejects Exemptions for Wind Generators
Wind Energy Weekly |March 22, 2006
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued orders rejecting exemptions from the standard interconnection rule for wind generators (Order No.661-A) sought by the Midwest Independent System Operators (MISO) and the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) and all of the transmission owners in their respective regions.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued orders rejecting exemptions from the standard interconnection rule for wind generators (Order No.661-A) sought by the Midwest Independent System Operators (MISO) and the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) and all of the transmission owners in their respective regions.
The two transmission providers had requested standard reactive power requirements on wind generators. AWEA, ACENY, and WOW argued that FERC should maintain its need-based approach in Order 661-A, under which such capability would only be required when proven necessary by system impact studies. This approach would avoid wasted investment in places where the capability is not …
The two transmission providers had requested standard reactive power requirements on wind generators. AWEA, ACENY, and WOW argued that FERC should maintain its need-based approach in Order 661-A, under which such capability would only be required when proven necessary by system impact studies. This approach would avoid wasted investment in places where the capability is not needed.
FERC rejected the MISO- and NYISO-requested exemptions on almost all points. The orders are effective immediately. Although Chairman Kelliher dissented in part from the orders, saying he felt that the order granted an undue preference for wind, he also expressed support for wind energy, commenting: "I support renewable resources and I am hopeful that wind will prove to be a viable, long-term option for a greater share of our nation's electric generating portfolio."