Shift Key with Robinson Meyer This Is What It’s Like to Run a Power Grid
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Aug 20, 2025 Mark Rothleder, senior vice president and COO of the California Independent System Operator, oversees 80% of California's electricity flow. In this engaging conversation, he explains how the grid is managed akin to air traffic control, balancing supply and demand. Rothleder shares insights on blackouts, market dynamics, and the integration of renewable resources. He highlights the complexities of forecasting energy needs and the critical strategies necessary for maintaining reliability, especially during peak demand. Plus, he tackles the mystery of pronouncing CAISO!
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Grid Operator Is The System’s Air Traffic Controller
- A grid operator is the air-traffic controller of the power system, balancing supply and demand second-to-second to maintain 60 Hz.
- Operators also prevent line overloads, plan for contingencies, and manage black-start recovery.
Frequency And Interchange Are Core Controls
- Operators continuously monitor frequency and send control signals to increase or decrease resource output to hold 60 Hz.
- They also manage interchange with neighbors to control area control error near zero.
Hold Back Inverters For Reliability
- Treat inverter-based resources as capable but different: hold back some output so they can respond when needed.
- Design and require control settings so inverters can provide voltage and frequency support.