The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) manages the flow of electricity across high-voltage, long-distance power lines, operates a competitive wholesale energy market, and oversees transmission planning. To participate in this market as a generator, entities must follow specific steps and agreements. This article outlines the process and requirements for becoming a participating generator in the CAISO market.
Generators seeking to participate in the CAISO market must enter into a Participating Generator Agreement (PGA) and Meter Service Agreement (MSA) with the CAISO. This process begins after a resource has completed the study phases of the interconnection process, which is part of the New Resource Implementation (NRI) bucket 2 process.
Generators must submit specific data using templates provided by the CAISO, such as the Generator Resource Data Template and the Intertie Resource Data Template. These templates are used to add or change operating parameters in the CAISO's Master File. Updates to existing data must be made through the Master File user interface or application programming interface (API) and then submitted using the UPLOAD function or SUBMIT services.
For generators that are subject to regulatory must-take provisions, it's crucial to follow the Regulatory Must-Take Value Submission Procedure. This process ensures compliance with regulatory requirements for generators that must operate under specific conditions.
The CAISO maintains lists of its market participants, including:
These lists can be found on the CAISO website and are regularly updated.
The CAISO offers opportunities for various types of resources to participate, including:
Becoming a participating generator in the CAISO market involves several steps, including entering into specific agreements, submitting resource data, and complying with regulatory requirements. The CAISO provides various resources and opportunities for different types of generators to participate in the market, ensuring a diverse and reliable energy supply for California. For more detailed information and the latest updates, visit the CAISO website.
