Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI) Phase 2A, Final Report - SECOND REVISION

Publication Number:    RETI-1000-2009-001-F-REV2

Abstract:

Note: This version of the RETI Phase 2A Final Report has been revised a second time. The revisions are limited to text on p. 1-20, first paragraph; minor typographical errors throughout; and all appendices have been combined with the report into one file. The maps and GIS files have been updated to reflect reported mapping errors.

RETI is a collaborative stakeholder planning process initiated as a joint effort among the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the California Energy Commission (Energy Commission), and the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), together with publicly owned and investor owned utilities. RETI’s work is undertaken by a 29-member Stakeholder Steering Committee (SSC) that involves a broad range of participants1, first to gather information and advice, and then to build active and consensus support for specific plans for renewable energy and related transmission development.

One of the primary functions of this report is to provide a recommendation as to which potential transmission projects should be considered priorities for future study, based upon information available today regarding the potential for renewable development. This report does not preclude study of other areas with potential renewable development nor is it a determination of the need for or environmental impact of any generation or transmission project. Results of the study should be considered in the context of the uncertainty of the potential cost and amount of renewable generation that will actually develop in specific CREZ. These assumptions, and the uncertainties surrounding them, are detailed in the RETI Phase 1B Report.

The conceptual transmission plan presented here evaluates the relative usefulness of potential lines for accessing and delivering renewable energy, under a limited set of assumptions. It does not provide information about the amount of energy that would flow in the line segments if they were in fact added to the system. It does not address congestion, reliability or other dynamics of transmission system operation. And it does not determine whether or to what extent the existing system could accommodate those flows if the line segments were not in place.

With limitations of the preliminary conceptual plan understood, this report presents two noteworthy conclusions: stakeholder consensus recommendation of two sets of major lines likely to be required not only to deliver renewable energy, but that would provide important additional benefits to the grid; and development of a transparent and objective methodology for evaluating the usefulness of lines to carry renewables, in a process that supports active participation by a broad range of stakeholders.

Author(s):  RETI Stakeholder Steering Committee

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

Office/Program:    External Agency

PIER Program Area:   

Date Report Completed:    September 2009

Date On Line:    09/22/2009

Acrobat PDF File Size: 220 pages, 6,600 kilobytes**

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