Strengthening the Criticallink

摘要

While it represents just 11 percent of the national average cost of delivered electric power, transmissionrnis the vital link to the establishment of robustly competitive wholesale markets. Originally designed as a highway to link generators to loads and to enhance reliability through interconnections with other utilities, the transmission system is being asked to perform functions never intended—to operate as a superhighway. Through its landmark Orders 888 and 2000, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has required nondiscriminatory open access to transmission and the voluntary formation ofrnregional transmission organizations (rtos) aimed at enhancing access to and efficient operation of the grid.