Considerations for load as a virtual generator for grid security

The Transmission Administrator of Alberta (TA) is responsible for the procurement of system support services also known as ancillary services. The Alberta electric system has approximately 10,000 MW of generation of which 7,500 MW is used to satisfy system demand and the remainder is used to serve 'behind the fence' load that is not directly served by the Alberta transmission system. This presentation looks at the possibility of using system load to compete against generators for services such as spinning reserve. These unique loads are referred to as 'virtual generators'. Alberta opened an ancillary service market in July 2001 where generators and loads compete for supplemental or nonspinning reserves. At present only generators can compete for regulating and spinning reserves. During 2001 the TA, Alberta government and industrial customers met and initiated a program to investigate technical requirements of loads that would permit these qualified loads to compete against generators for spinning reserve services.