Transmission Planning in the West pocket guide This reference guide is intended to assist individuals new to transmission planning in the Western Interconnection in understanding: 1) how transmission plans are inter-related, 2)who are the groups forming the plans, and 3) where stakeholders might want to participate in the Regional Transmission Expansion Plan. The intent is to provide information graphically and at a introductory level, and, therefore, is not intended to be a complete guide. For more detailed information, please refer to the TEPPC Protocol. TEPPC Protocol Link Place holder for a really cool graphic or picture to capture the message DRAFT Ver 3a May 12,2011

WECCPCC TSSLRSRSJSIS TEPPC TASSPSGSCG The transmission planning entities work together to develop a robust transmission system. Each group is responsible for informing the other process. The flow of information is both a bottoms-up process and a top- down process. The results of each transmission plan is incorporated as an input into another transmission plan. The transmission providers inform the SPG transmission plan which in turns informs the WECC process. The WECC process and reports should inform the SPG and the transmission providers where further detailed analysis is required. Transmission Planning Process Who’s Who in Transmission Planning DRAFT Ver 3a May 12,2011

Scale Matters Transmission plans are produced at a variety of different scales (level of detail) depending on the scope and region being studied. Local studies, typically prepared by transmission owners and operators, are highly detailed reports that evaluate the system with respect to their local load serving area. The analysis will include detailed reliability studies to validate compliance with National (NERC) and Regional (WECC) reliability standards and criteria. The subregional analysis compiles the local entities information into one plan. These studies may evaluate transfer capabilities between parties and assess the reliability with respect to the larger interconnect networks. The basis of the study is to gain enough granularities to validate the local system improvements do not negatively impact the larger subregional boundary. The local or subregional studies may also review any requests for facilities required by the FERC 890 standards. The regional processes study both reliability and economic transmission models. These are to identify areas of interest and perform system assessments for project feasibility and identify fatal flaws. The studies at the regional area do not produce detailed enough analysis to build transmission. Regional studies may identify areas that should be analyzed in more detail at the subregional or local area. DRAFT Ver 3a May12,2011

All stakeholder input is important to add credibility and validity to the transmission planning models. The input assumptions are based on specific workgroups. Find what your specialty is and get involved in that group. Where can I participate? DRAFT Ver 3a May 12,2011