Load-frequency control service in a deregulated environment

In a deregulated environment, independent generators and utility generators may or may not participate in the load frequency control of the system. For the purpose of evaluating the performance of such a system, a flexible method has been developed and implemented. The method assumes that load frequency control is performed by an ISO based on parameters defined by the participating generating units. The participating units comprise utility generators and independent power producers. The utilities define the units which will be under load frequency control, while the independent power producers may or may not participate in the load frequency control. For all the units which participate in the load frequency control, the generator owner defines: (a) generation limits, (b) rate of change and (c) economic participation factor. This information is transmitted to the ISO. This scheme allows the utilities to economically dispatch their own system, while at the same time permitting the ISO to control the interconnected system operation