The Western Power Pool recently released a paper outlining a proposed concept for the development of an actionable transmission plan to support the needs of the future energy grid across the Western Interconnection.
The concept paper for the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition proposes a participation structure, as well as intended goals and objectives, and seeks feedback on four key questions, though WPP said other perspectives and input is also encouraged.
The WPP, which will serve as the facilitator of the coalition, is collecting feedback on the concept paper to inform next steps.
Among the questions WPP hopes stakeholders address is how to make the group’s participation structure inclusive and ensure that a broad set of perspectives is considered.
The WPP is also seeking feedback on how the proposed participation structure outlines the organization of essential committees and engagement opportunities and is seeking suggestions about the composition of the committees and task force, and engagement with states and tribes.
The WPP also said it anticipates working closely with neighboring regions to achieve a broad viewpoint and, to that end, is seeking feedback on if that intention is clearly articulated in the concept paper and understood through the proposed participation structure and, if not, what changes could be made.
The WPP also said it anticipates that the coalition would work with an independent party to coordinate and review data, develop planning scenarios and analyze results of the studies and, with respect to that, is seeking feedback on what changes to the concept paper or proposed participation structure would give greater confidence that a third party could provide independent analysis and recommendations.
The WPP, which will serve as the facilitator of the coalition, said it is collecting feedback on the concept paper to inform the next steps in the development of West-wide transmission planning coalition.
Comments on the concept paper are due by October 31 and should be sent directly to WPP President and Chief Executive Officer Sarah Edmonds at sarah.edmonds@westernpowerpool.org.
