Pacific Gas & Electric (PCG)

Purpose and Objectives

        These Path 15 Operating Instructions provide direction to the ISO regarding the management of congestion on Path 15 during the ISO's Day Ahead, Hour Ahead and Real Time markets. The objective of these instructions is to assure, on an ongoing basis, the efficient use each day of available Path 15 transfer capability while maintaining the transmission rights and priorities on Path 15 that were in existence as of the ISO Operations Date. These instructions also clarify individual and joint responsibilities between the ISO as the Control Area Operator and PG&E as the Path 15 Existing Transmission Contract (ETC) Facilitator.¹

        These instructions are to be adhered to except when the ISO determines that system reliability requires that other steps be taken. The ISO is solely responsible for continued system reliability and must unilaterally take all steps necessary to preserve the system in times of emergency.

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Specific operating instructions have been provided to the ISO by PG&E in other documents for each of the Existing Contracts for which it is the Responsible Participating Transmission Owner on Path 15. In the contract specific instructions, information is provided on the maximum MW of transmission service available over the path; the quality of transmission service; daily, hourly and real time scheduling rights and responsibilities; curtailment procedures; points of receipt and points of delivery and effective and termination dates of the contract. This set of additional instructions will clarify how the relative transmission rights and priorities of the parties should be managed and administered during times of congestion and possible curtailment on Path 15.