ABSTRACT

There are four interrelated cornerstones to achieving power system reliability. They include the capability to operate tye system, information exchange, authority, and predictable behaviors.

The capability to operate the power system requires experienced people and in depth training programs coupled with an appropriate support infastructure. Information exchange requires predictive and real-time information be provided from all operating entities. Authority requires legal and contractual commitment for the system operator to implement all necessary procedures to preserve reliability and obligations from equipment owners/opertors to obey. System participants must predictably repond to directives and control signals of the system operator. This may require incentives/sanctions.

The changing business and regulatory environment requires more attention to system reliability. Traditional reliability support systems mandated by regulation must be replaced in an unregulated atmosphere.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Mr. Jeffrey A. Williams has worked in the electric utility industry for 30 years. He has perfomed design engineering in relay and control systems for transmission lines and equipment, and Extra High Voltage transmissin lines. He has worked in utility System Planning, developing generation and transmission forecast and requirements scenarios.

He has managed the system operations and dispatch function of a NERC control area and participated on NERC Reliability Council committees and working groups. His most recent activity is in customer relations at PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., the nation's largest control area and fist fully functioning Independent System Operator. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Pennsylvania.