Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative Phase 1B, DRAFT Final Report

Publication Number:    RETI-1000-2008-003-D

Abstract:
RETI is a collaborative stakeholder planning process initiated as a joint effortamong the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the California EnergyCommission (Energy Commission), and the California Independent System Operator(CAISO), together with publicly owned and investor owned utilities. RETI’s work isundertaken by a 29-member Stakeholder Steering Committee (SSC) that involves a broadrange of participants1, first to gather information and advice, and then to build active andconsensus support for specific plans for renewable energy and related transmissiondevelopment.

The ultimate goal of RETI’s work is to identify major upgrades to California’selectric transmission system needed to access competitive renewable energy zones(CREZs) sufficient to meet the state’s energy targets. Phase 1 of this effort is to identifythose CREZs that can be developed in the most cost effective and environmentallybenign manner, as described in this draft report.

The Phase 1A report, accepted by the SSC on May 21, 2008, described themethodology, assumptions and resource information to be used in Phase 1B of RETIproject.

This Draft Phase 1B Report is a high-level screening analysis that applies theresource valuation methodology developed in Phase 1A. Potential renewable energyprojects have been grouped into CREZs based on geographical proximity, developmenttimeframe, shared transmission constraints, and additive economic benefits. As describedin this draft report, CREZs have been ranked according to cost effectiveness,environmental concerns, development and schedule certainty, and other factors to providea renewable resource base case for California. This analysis is undergoing review andrefinement by the SSC, and will be further refined in Phase 2.

Phase 2 will refine the analysis of CREZ generation potential, including projectsiting constraints, and will develop a statewide conceptual transmission plan. Phase 3will develop transmission plans of service to provide access to the grid for identifiedpriority CREZs.

Author(s):  Black and Veatch

Commission Division:    Non-CEC Document On Line (1000)

Office/Program:    External Agency

PIER Program Area:   

Date Report Completed:    December 2008

Date On Line:    12/05/2008

Acrobat PDF File Size: 337 pages, 10,800 kilobytes**