Grid Planning

The ISO conducts an annual transmission planning process that uses engineering tools to identify any grid expansions necessary to maintain reliability, lower costs or meet future infrastructure needs based on public policies.

ISO engineers design, run and analyze complex formulas and models that simulate grid use under wide-ranging scenarios, such as high demand days coupled with wildfires. This process includes evaluating power plant proposals submitted for study into the interconnection queue to determine viability and impact to the grid.

The long-term comprehensive transmission plan, completed every 15 months, maps future growth in electricity demand and the need to meet state energy and environmental goals that require the ISO grid to connect to renewable-rich, but remote areas of the Western landscape.