Generation and transmission

The ISO provides open and non-discriminatory access to the transmission grid, supported by a competitive energy market for resources generating one megawatt or more. Depending on the resource capabilities, market participants can elect to bid into the energy and ancillary services market or sell other electricity products.

Transmission is multi-faceted. It includes planning, operations, and coordination. Whether you’re a participating transmission owner or involved with interregional transmission, the ISO actively engages with stakeholders to utilize the best engineering analysis possible to determine short- and long-term infrastructure needs. This section provides information on requirements and processes for becoming a participating transmission owner and daily transmission operations to ensure a reliable grid.

Reliable grid operation is dependent on adequate supply and flexible resources. Load serving entities procure supply in advance to meet their demand. Find out more about the roles of load serving entities, utility distribution companies, and demand response providers in the day-to-day operations of the ISO.  

Each load serving entity within the ISO has reliability requirements for resource adequacy, and must meet deliverability. Reliability requirements provide rules for counting resources that must be made available to the ISO. The ISO reliability requirements program is intended to complement the state's efforts to implement resource adequacy programs.

Accurate metering of electricity generated or consumed provides key data inputs for accurate settlement calculations. Using telemetry allows the ISO to manage and monitor power generation in real-time. Metering and telemetry are mandatory tools for ensuring accurate revenue accounting and ISO operational visibility.