Abstract: The electric power system has been experiencing a shift in its generation resource mix resulting from the retirement of conventional base load synchronous resources and the integration of a more diverse fleet of smaller sized resources with varying generation characteristics. As this transformation continues, there is a fundamental shift in the operational characteristics of the power system as a whole and thus potential reliability implications. In 2014, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) created a task force on Essential Reliability Services (ERS) to identify the necessary operating characteristics to assure reliable operations of the North American electric grid. By 2015 frequency, voltage, and net demand ramping variability were recognized as the three essential building blocks of reliability. In December 2016, a paper on ERS sufficiency guidelines include frequency response, voltage limits, and ramping models that tend to vary by particular area and Balancing Authority. The ERS task force also studied the potential impact of a substantial penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) that, in aggregate, could impact the reliability of the BPS. This industry presentation will focus on the measures identified by the ERS working group, and highlight the results from analysis performed using three years of historical data and three years of forward looking data. Additionally, an overview of the analysis performed by DER task force will be provided. Bio:Dr. Nicole Segal is currently with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). She is an Engineer in the Reliability Assessments department under Thomas Coleman. Dr. Segal performs reliability assessments and system analysis. She recently began co-leading NERC’s Essential Reliability Services Working Group. Dr. Segal completed her PhD in Electrical Engineering and concentrated on electric power distribution optimization, automation, and control systems and had a research focus on the effects of integrating renewables into the distribution grid. While pursuing her PhD, Nicole developed and delivered automated capacitor placement software for PPL Electric Utilities under a Department of Energy Grant. In addition to research activities at her university, she also volunteered and performed out-reach education to non-engineering students. Prior to her PhD, Nicole was with PJM in Norristown Pennsylvania where she was a Planning Engineer and managed short circuit analysis for the Generation Interconnection Department. Nicole has her Bachelors of Science, Masters of Science and her PhD in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University.


This event is related to

Atmosphere and Energy
The Built Environment
Atmosphere/Energy Program
Sustainable Design and Construction Programs