Abstract

ISO-New England (ISO-NE) and seven of its transmission owners are installing synchrophasor and phasor data concentrator (PDC) devices across the six states in the New England control area. These devices, in conjunction with a set of new applications, enable further improvements of the reliability of the transmission grid and prevent the spread of local disturbances to the neighboring regions through enhanced monitoring capabilities and increased situational awareness. This project deploys phasor measurement units (PMUs), PDCs, and communication infrastructure in New England. Advanced transmission software determines real-time grid stability margins. This technology increases grid operators’ visibility of bulk power market conditions in near-real time, enables earlier detection of disturbances that could result in instabilities or outages, and facilitates sharing of information with neighboring regional control areas. Access to better system operating information allows ISO-NE engineers to improve power system models and analytical techniques, enhancing the overall reliability of the ISO-NE system.