Research and Technical Papers

Effective Load Carrying Capacity of Energy Storage

The value that energy storage provides to the system is dynamic, meaning its capacity value can change over time as system conditions evolve. This technical paper investigates the role of energy storage, particularly in terms of its ability to store excess power and inject that power back into the grid during times of system need. This ability can be quantified as its Effective Load Carrying Capacity, also referred to as its capacity value, and is the main topic of this paper. Determining the capacity value is necessary to ensure procurements and energy policy are aligned with system needs. This paper evaluates how the capacity value of storage varies according to factors like storage penetration, duration, system supply mix, and demand profiles.

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Hybrid Resource Portfolio Equivalency Assessment

Integrating a large portfolio of variable generation resources into the IESO-controlled grid will present challenges for system planners and operators due to the intermittent nature of the resources. However, advancements in battery technology and declining prices are providing opportunities to better utilize these resources, enhancing their performance and effective grid penetration. This paper explores the capability and costs of resource portfolios consisting of various variable generation and battery energy storage systems to meet defined need profiles and compares them with combined-cycle gas turbines and small nuclear reactor options to meet the equivalent needs of baseload generation.

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Appendices (.xlsx)

Consumer Electricity Preferences and Behaviours Survey

To inform its decision-making about how best to integrate distributed energy resources and to prepare for changing energy use patterns, the IESO conducted a broad-based survey of consumer electricity preferences and behaviours. Survey participants represented three segments: residential, small business and commercial/industrial consumers. This report explores how consumers are taking control of their energy future to find ways to meet their own needs and achieve their objectives.

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Development of a transmission-distribution interoperability framework

Significant technological change is reshaping Ontario’s electricity system. With that transformation comes an imperative to re-examine and potentially re-define traditional roles and responsibilities at the transmission and distribution levels, and how everything works together to serve the evolving and future needs of the system.

Ontario can design a future electricity system architecture that incrementally builds on the system’s existing functional capabilities, the current roles and responsibilities of the transmission and distribution operators, and how they interact with each other. In examining two potential transmission-interoperability interoperability models, this paper illustrates the types of trade-offs between alternative approaches, and establishes a foundation for decision-making.

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Non-Wires Alternatives Using Energy and Capacity Markets

With the value DERs offer at both the distribution and transmission levels improving, using them as non-wires alternatives is becoming an increasingly attractive proposition. In exploring opportunities, this technical paper looks at the coordination of market processes between a transmission system operator and distribution system operators, as well as how the combination of energy and capacity services provided at the distribution and transmission levels could reduce overall system costs, while supporting operational reliability, resource adequacy and efficient market outcomes.

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Exploring Expanded DER Participation in the IESO-Administered Markets Part I – Conceptual Models for DER Participation

How can the IESO seize the tremendous potential of distributed energy resources (DERs)? Over the last 10 years, rooftop solar panels, combined heat and power systems, residential smart thermostats and behind-the-meter energy storage have proliferated in Ontario. This technical paper sets the stage for action to integrate DERs into Ontario’s electricity markets, by looking at potential participation models and the barriers that stand in the way.

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Exploring Expanded DER Participation in the IESO-Administered Markets Part II – Options To Enhance DER Participation

How can Ontario leverage the substantial existing and ongoing investments in distributed resources in the province? What can the IESO do to unlock this value?

Building upon the barriers and opportunities identified in Part I of the series, this technical paper explores options to address these barriers and enable participation in the IAMs. This work sets the foundation for IESO’s continued work to better leverage DERs to meet system needs and adapt to the changing landscape of the Ontario electricity system

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