Discussion of "Reactive power as an ancillary service" [and closure]

The original authors (K. Bhattacharya and J. Zhong, see ibid., vol. 16, pp. 294-300, 2001) discussed deregulation with independent system operators (ISOs). In this paper, the author argues that independent transmission companies (ITCs) are an alternative and probably a better long term approach. ITCs have advantages in the planning, rapid installation, and operation of network reactive power compensation devices. The original authors' response is also presented.