Implications of a regional resource adequacy program for utility integrated resource planning

Abstract Resource adequacy (RA) is the ability of an electricity system to reliably satisfy loads using its available resources. Assessing and maintaining RA becoming more challenging due increasing coal plant retirements, penetration wind solar resources, reliance on bilateral market transactions, emerging technologies. evaluation planning have traditionally been conducted by utilities overseen their state regulators integrated resource (IRP) processes. However, Northwest Power Pool (NWPP) developing a proposal for regional program in Western U.S. that would set enforce capacity obligations member utilities, achieve cost-effectively pooling resources load profiles from across region. In this paper, we investigate policy implications existing IRP regulations, with proposed NWPP as our main object study. We compile assessment practices design, lessons historical experience Southwest Pool’s program. Our analysis reveals components which be most heavily impacted are targets, forecasts, accreditation factors, transmission upgrades. conclude discussing issues design address.