Idaho Power needed to understand the potential impacts of proposed renewable generation interconnections on its existing transmission system and ensure robust service if these projects moved forward.
In compliance with FERC Order No. 2023-A, Idaho Power performs cluster studies based on geographically and electrically relevant areas of its transmission network.
For Cluster Area 1, which generally covers Eastern Idaho, Idaho Power engaged our team to evaluate how new interconnections might affect system reliability and asset performance.
Our approach
We partnered with Idaho Power to deliver a comprehensive cluster study designed to address the challenges of integrating new renewable generation resources. The scope of work included conducting a generation interconnection cluster study for proposed resources under both Network Resource Interconnection Service (NRIS) and Energy Resource Interconnection Service (ERIS). Our team performed detailed power flow and stability analyses using Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) light winter and heavy summer base cases, along with voltage and transient stability assessments utilizing PowerWorld Simulator.
We also reviewed resource protection and control systems to ensure compliance with Idaho Power’s standards and industry requirements. Based on these findings, we developed network and asset upgrade recommendations to maintain system reliability and conducted a grid-enhancing technology review in alignment with FERC Order No. 2023-A. The engagement concluded with a comprehensive study report that provided actionable recommendations for Idaho Power’s transmission system.
Delivering confidence through compliance
The study team delivered a robust, forward-looking analysis that met Idaho Power’s reliability and compliance objectives. We verified adherence to Idaho Power’s voltage operating guidelines, reliability criteria, ANSI C84.1 standards, and WECC requirements for frequency load shedding and restoration.
Planning for tomorrow’s grid
To ensure the study reflected realistic future conditions, we incorporated senior-queued projects and associated upgrades into modified WECC base cases, simulating stress scenarios across the transmission system. Our resilience planning included evaluating upgrade options and assessing the cost-benefit of grid-enhancing technologies to strengthen Idaho Power’s infrastructure for long-term reliability. Methodologically, we modified and rebalanced WECC light winter and heavy summer cases to account for proposed interconnections while maintaining path ratings.
We applied NERC TPL-001 P1 and P2 contingency analyses to identify potential violations and recommend mitigations. Finally, we compiled these results into a detailed report summarizing findings and strategies for system upgrades.
