Voltage Support

Access data and information related to voltage support in New England. See Applications and Status Changes if you’d like to do business in New England’s energy markets or need to make changes to your ISO account.

Data

See ISO Express for a large selection of real-time and historical ISO data and reports that can help market participants make informed decisions, such as Schedule 2—VAR Annual Capacity Cost Rate Report and Schedule 2—VAR Status Summary Reports.

About Voltage and Reactive Control

For electricity to continuously and reliably flow, the ISO must ensure that voltage on the transmission system is maintained within an acceptable range at all times. Voltage is regulated through reactive power dispatch, and resources on the grid may be compensated for providing this reactive power capability. VAR (voltage-ampere reactive) is the unit of measurement for reactive power.

Rules and Resources

Other sections of the ISO website may also be helpful. Of note:

• The ISO Tariff contains the detailed rules governing compensation for voltage support, including the allocation of costs and billing for services. See Schedule 2 of Section II: Open Access Transmission Tariff (the OATT).
• See the Generator and Non-Generator VAR Capability page for application forms, telemetering deadlines, and other materials related to the ISO’s voltage and reactive control compensation program.
• See the ISO operating procedures (specifically OP 12 and OP 14) for details on operations related to voltage support.
• Understanding the Bill helps explain how related payments and charges appear on ISO billing.
• ISO training gives market participants access to educational and reference materials.
• Master/Local Control Center Procedure No. 8: Coordination of Generator Voltage Regulator and Power System Stabilizer Outages includes the procedure for approval or disapproval and coordination of outages for automatic voltage regulators, power system stabilizers, and reactive control systems, and establishes a procedure for reporting and tracking status of this equipment.