Special Protection Schemes

presentation to TAG

3 July 2008

Issues covered

Introduction
Background
Consultation

Introduction

SPS allow the transmission system to be operated securely at N

security
SPS were noted in draft TTER report as a means for facilitating
renewable generation, with acknowledgement, that they have
wider application
Commission sought submissions on its approach to SPS as
outlined in its draft TTER report

Background

The Commission noted the cost effectiveness of SPS versus

upgrading or building new transmission.
Are the assumptions the Commission applied realistic?
Do you agree that SPS are cost effective? If not why not?
Local and international experience is positive
Do you have any comments on local and international
experience with SPS?
Mandatory requirements in case of contingent events.
Do you consider that SPS differ from other system operator
actions to prevent overloading in the case of contingent
events? Why?

Consultation

Generator/retailer submission on the draft TTER were generally

against the permanent substitution of SPS for upgrades, noting:
Interim measure only - not a long term solution
For Connection only and voluntary
Reliability, operational, technical and commercial
complexities
Environmental constraints
Do you consider that the cost, operational and technical
issues with SPS result in them not being a viable
transmission alternative? What are the technical and
operational differences between the deployment of such
schemes for connection versus interconnection?
Do you consider that deployment of SPS will degrade system
security? Why?

Consultation

Submitters noted that security of supply may be degraded through

the application of SPS. The Commission notes that the:
secondary systems and generation arrangements required can
be designed to be at least as reliable as transmission line
SPS may provide an increase in reliability, pass the GIT, where
it would not be possible to justify additional primary
transmission assets.
SPS would need to be engineered to high standards and this
should be taken into account when assessing costs
Do you consider that deployment of SPS will degrade system
security? Why?

Consultation

Generator/retailers submissions noted that any arrangements

should be commercially negotiated as with other ancillary
services
Why is the provision of runback or ramp up generation in the
case of circuit failure an ancillary service?
Does the rationale for payment rely on accepting generator
claims to capacity rights on use of the interconnected grid?
Concern was also expressed about what criteria the SO would
use to select which generators are constrained up/down
Do you consider that a pre-existing plan is preferable to the
system operator dispatching generation based on bid
information?
What are the regulatory impediments to the greater
deployment of SPS?