As part of the California ISO’s commitment to continuously improve customer service and engagement in its stakeholder processes, we are pleased to announce the launch of a commenting tool that enhances and streamlines the initiative development process. This tool was developed in collaboration with stakeholders, which resulted in additional functionality based on the feedback received during the testing process.

Stakeholder input is vital to the success of the ISO’s development and implementation of new market designs, policies and infrastructure planning. The stakeholder initiative process allows all stakeholders to provide valuable feedback that helps shape the future of the ISO’s energy markets and operations.

The new commenting tool standardizes the submission process with an online template. The tool includes the capability to sort and filter comments by organization or by questions, and download selected comments in a Word or PDF document format. The new process also provides safeguards that strengthen cyber security for the ISO and stakeholders. In addition, the online template allows stakeholders to incorporate rich text and in-line graphics within submitted comments.

The first stakeholder initiatives to utilize the tool are the Extended Day Ahead Market, Western Energy Imbalance Market Governance Review Committee, Pseudo-Ties of Shared Resources, Flexible Ramping Product Refinements, and Hybrid Resources Phase 2 initiatives. After completing a simple one-time registration, stakeholders can begin using the tool to submit comments. Stakeholders are encouraged to register at their earliest convenience. A video recording of the training on how to register and use the tool is available on the ISO Learning Center webpage at http://www.caiso.com/participate/Pages/LearningCenter/default.aspx.