1. Trends in Generation Dispatch
Rob Wolaver, P.E.
Senior Manager, Energy Resources

2. National Generation Trends Thousands of MWH (EIA)

3. Changing Landscape Low-Cost Natural Gas and Robust Supply
Aging Coal Fleet
Environmental / Regulatory / Carbon
Wind and Solar Subsidies
Improvements in Renewable Technologies
Renewable Mandates (Portfolio Standards)

4. Tri-State Member Footprint

5. Mountain West Transmission Owners and the Southwest Power Pool
Mountain West Utilities announced intent to join Southwest Power Pool on 9/22/2017
Tri-State, Xcel Energy, Western Area Power Administration, Colorado Springs, Platte River Power Authority, Black Hills Power

6. Why Join an Organized Market?
Potential to gain efficiencies and reduce costs
Increasing complexity and cost to operate the grid
Changing regulatory requirements (EPA, FERC)
Changing generation mix for all utilities
Improved ability to integrate increasing amounts of wind

7. US Wind and Existing SPP Footprint

8. Growth of Wind in SPP
2016 SPP State of the Market Report

9. Tri-State Forecast of SPP Operations
Improved Generation Dispatch will Benefit All Market Participants
Improved Transmission Utilization
Less Emphasis on Energy Balance for Individual Utilities
Operational Flexibility Matters