Comparison and Case Study of Capacity Credit Algorithms for Intermittent Generators

As the electric utility industry moves toward a new structure, the responsibility of providing a reliable portfolio of generating resources may be shifted among the various entities in the industry. To evaluate whether to undertake a construction project for new generating resources, utilities have traditionally used sophisticated models to assist in the comparison of alternative resources. It isnot clear how this type of evaluation will be carried out after the restructuring dust has settled. What is clear, however, is that the market will require some way to measure capacity credit of new power plants, and future contracts will contain provisions under which buyer and seller must agree on capacity measures. This paper compares the traditional capacity credit calculations withalgorithms that are not nearly so labor intensive.