Who should coordinate seasonal planning and operations with the transmission operator?

The coordination of seasonal planning and operations with the transmission operator is primarily the responsibility of neighboring Balancing Authorities (BAs), Transmission Operators (TOPs), and Reliability Coordinators (RCs). This is critical because effective coordination among these entities ensures that the transmission system can operate reliably and efficiently, particularly during seasonal changes when demand and supply dynamics can fluctuate significantly.

Neighboring BAs are responsible for managing generation and load within their respective areas, and they need to communicate closely with the transmission operators to ensure that power flows can be maintained securely and that potential issues are addressed proactively. Similarly, TOPs must align their operational plans with those of neighboring operators to prevent bottlenecks and maintain grid stability. Reliability Coordinators oversee the wider reliability landscape, thus ensuring that all entities are effectively communicating and coordinating their plans.

This collaborative approach is essential for identifying potential constraints or reliability issues that may arise due to seasonal variations, thereby facilitating timely and effective operational responses to maintain reliability across the interconnected grid. Other entities, such as local governments, consumer groups, and independent regulatory bodies, play supportive roles but are not directly responsible for coordinating the operational activities that ensure seamless transmission operations during seasonal transitions.