BPA delays EIM go-live from March to May

After extensive internal assessment and discussions with the California Independent System Operator, BPA has decided to delay its original date to join the Western Energy Imbalance Market, from March 2 to May 3.

The two-month delay will provide additional time to fine-tune new systems necessary for EIM participation and is made possible in part by what BPA has learned during parallel operations. The original go-live date was designed for BPA to avoid entering the market during spring runoff operations. But after gaining experience in the test environment, BPA is no longer concerned about its EIM entrance coinciding with spring runoff. 

“The two-month delay is not a lot of extra time, but it increases our chances of a smooth market entry,” said Chief Operating Officer Joel Cook. “We always knew this would be a challenge, and everyone working on it can be proud of how far we’ve come.”

Teams across BPA have been working since 2018 to help develop new systems, processes and training programs, and the agency has already met 88% of CAISO’s EIM readiness criteria. BPA started parallel operations testing with CAISO Dec. 1.

“Joining the Western EIM is a huge undertaking, and we have accomplished a lot already,” said Michelle Cathcart, vice president of Transmission System Operations. “Delays like this are not uncommon for new EIM entrants, and for BPA, the time will allow us to close out work streams that are critical for successful implementation in May.”

The new May date will allow BPA to focus on honing EIM-critical projects. BPA will use the additional time to build greater confidence with customers prior to go-live. This includes supporting customers with their testing and training needs.

Joining the Western EIM falls under BPA’s grid modernization initiative that supports the implementation of BPA’s strategic goals to modernize federal power and transmission system operations and supporting technology, and to provide competitive power and transmission products and services. To learn more about BPA’s portfolio of projects or to see all that’s happening with grid modernization, click here. To follow BPA’s progress toward joining the Western EIM, see the EIM web page.