System flexibility assessment

System flexibility refers to the ability of the electric system to adapt to dynamic and changing conditions and includes balancing supply and demand by the hour or minute. As more variable generation is integrated into the electric system, additional balancing capability may be required to respond to the combined variability of load demand and variable generation - referred to as net demand variability.

The AESO assessed the ability of the electric system to respond to net demand variability under different scenarios, including both load and generation forecasts, that span a range of potential system conditions. Scenarios were modelled through market simulation and dispatch simulation to assess parameters that will indicate the ability of the electric system to respond to net demand variability within the forecast period of about 10 years.