Reduced network modeling of WECC as a market design prototype

California´s administration, legislature, and energy regulators have adopted aggressive targets for renewable energy, which will result in profound changes in markets and system operations as the resource portfolio shifts from heavy reliance on natural gas as a fuel for electric generation to intermittent, often remote resources. As part of determining workable modeling approaches as changes in market design are considered, this paper examines the necessary level of detail for modeling unit commitment. This study utilizes a 240-bus model as a realistic test system for the California and WECC market. Demand response and energy storage technologies are important contributors to the flexibility that will be needed in future markets, and provide an illustration of this analysis.