Reserve Capacity Reviews

Reserve Capacity Mechanism Review Report

In May of 2009 the IMO published a review Report, detailing the historic performance of the RCM and projects the potential capacity position out to the 2014/15 Reserve Capacity Year. The report details the composition of the 2184MW of new capacity which has entered, or is committed to enter, the Wholesale Electricity Market through the Reserve Capacity Mechanism by the 2010-11 Reserve Capacity Cycle. Analysis is conducted on the basis of fuel type, new plant and existing plant upgrades and the capacity available to meet different load types. A copy of the report is available here.

Review of Reliability Criteria and Load Forecasting Processes

Under clause 4.5.15 of the Market Rules the IMO is required to undertake regular reviews of the reliability criteria and the forecasting processes within the SWIS. In accordance with this requirement, the IMO, supported by an Advisory Group made up of Market Participants and other stakeholders, prepared two draft reports that were published on this website in September.

In accordance with Market Rule 4.5.18, the final reports are now published.

Review of the SWIS Reliability Criteria

This review draws from a report prepared for the IMO by CRA International (CRAI). CRAI's major conclusion is that the current reserve margin, measured in megawatts, is appropriate. However, it should be "future proofed" so that the reserve margin is linked to the forecast maximum electricity demand.

The final report "Review of the SWIS Reliability Criteria" can be found below:

A copy of the CRAI report can be found below:

Review of the SWIS Forecasting Process

This review considers the purposes for which forecasts are prepared and examines how well the various processes and functions are undertaken. It identifies areas where the IMO is currently making changes, and notes areas where further work is to be undertaken. The report includes a number of recommendations for actions to improve the overall forecasting processes.

The final report "Review of the SWIS Forecasting Process" can be found below:

As a result of this analysis, the IMO appointed Frontier Economics to undertake an independent review of the processes used by the IMO's forecasting consultant, the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research. 

The Frontier Economics report can be found below: