TRANSMISSION SYSTEM OPERATOR (TSO)

Image Courtesy: PJM Interconnection

in Europe and other interconnected systems, the organization responsible for the reliable transmission of bulk power from generation plants to regional or local distribution utilities over a high voltage electrical grid.

Pros

Allows for a cost-effective market operation and access to a diverse generation supply.

Cons

Model needs to be “re-tooled” to meet 100% RE market operations which means accounting for big energy ramps due to sudden changes in wind or end-of-day sunsetting for solar.

Real Talk

In the US, transmission systems are operated by either an Independent System Operator (ISO) or Regional Transmission Organization (RTO). Nevertheless, as with other industry terms (“capacity” comes to mind), there can be some ambiguity.