About economic planning

In our studies we continually look ten years or more into the future for transmission system congestion that has a significant adverse impact on the delivered cost of energy to consumers. We use historical data and future flow forecasts in our models to help identify potential ways to mitigate or relieve those effects.

Each year we use a process with consistent timelines that incorporates new information and changes that may be occurring across the electric system.

Each year:

• By April 15 we will identify preliminary areas of economic study, study assumptions and models. We will also solicit comments.
• By May 15 we will finalize the areas of economic study, study assumptions and models.

We will conduct an analysis of the planned projects over several months' time and post the key results, including whether the economic savings from these projects are expected to be significant enough to offset their costs. Just as our reliability studies continually look for potential system weaknesses or failures many years into the future, our economic studies look for potential adverse cost impacts that can develop as system conditions change. When the expected benefits of a planned project are high enough to justify its costs, we begin the process of developing it as a formal proposal.

Recent meeting agenda and materials  (posted 2/18/08)

Comment summary, draft futures matrix and request for comments (posted 3/19/08)

Comment summary Round II, updated futures matrix and next steps (posted 4/15/08)

Dale Burmester, Manager - Economic Planning                                

1.866.899.3204, ext. 8109