News News Releases Archives October-December 2004

Chairman Wood lauds RTO development 'hat trick'

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Pat Wood, III was in the control room at PJM Interconnection in Pennsylvania to witness first hand the integration of American Electric Power and Dayton Power and Light into PJM's system at the stroke of midnight.

Chairman Wood cited the PJM expansion, along with Illinois Power joining the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator and the implementation of new market design elements at the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), as clear signals that regional independent grid operators are "moving ahead, delivering improved reliability, transparent market monitoring and oversight, and tangible economic benefits."

"Illinois Power's integration at midnight with the Midwest ISO helps complete the operational 'footprint' of the regional transmission organization," Chairman Wood said. The new Market Redesign and Technology Upgrade that took effect at midnight in California will allow the ISO to dispatch generation based on economic grounds rather than merit order. The California grid operator also implemented a market monitoring program with penalties for generators that fail to follow dispatch orders.

"These three developments represent a real hat trick win for customers," Chairman Wood said.

R-04-45

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