PNNL

Abstract

This paper will provide an overview of key findings of an assessment of the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) demand response programs performed in 2002. NYISO is one of the leading US system operators fully committed to supporting demand response programs as a means to improve the system reliability and to dampen the price volatility in the electricity markets. The NYISO is responsible for the reliability of the New York State power system (XX GW) and its deregulated whole-sale power markets. Since 2001, the participation of customers has grown from about 300 mainly large customers with an aggregated load reduction potential of about 700 MW to 1700 customers with a total load reduction potential of 1500 MW. This paper will provide an overview of three demand response programs and describe the key motivational components for the program designs and how they are integrated into the competitive whole-sale energy and ancillary service markets. The paper will then discuss the major findings of the assessment including customers’ performance in the largest program, reliability characterization of individual and aggregated demand responsive loads, impacts to the NYISO power system with respect to reduction of price volatility and reliability improvements, prevalent load management strategies used by customers during load curtailment events, and the role of enabling technologies to improve demand responsiveness.