Evaluation of “Wind Catcher” Energy Connection line to integrate the largest wind project in the U.S.

For American Electric Power (AEP), we developed a market simulation and benefit-cost framework to quantify the benefits of integrating the proposed 2,000 MW Wind Catcher generating plant through a 765 kV generation tie line from the wind-rich Oklahoma Panhandle region to the Tulsa load center. We quantified congestion and marginal loss benefits, impact on AEP load and generation prices, and costs compared to acquiring a similar amount of wind generation through traditional procurement options.  We also assisted AEP in integrating these analyses into its company-specific resource planning framework for presentation to state regulatory commissions.