The capacity network import capability (CNIC) value applies exclusively to import capacity resources associated with an external elective transmission upgrade (ETU). Generating capacity resources should see Capacity Network Resource Capability (CNRC) Outcomes.
For an import capacity resource associated with an ETU, the CNIC value defines the following:
- The capacity network import interconnection service rights that must be maintained
- Whether an interconnection request is required for a proposed increase in capacity network import capability in accordance with Schedule 25, Standard Elective Transmission Upgrade Interconnection Procedures of the Open Access Transmission Tariff
- Whether additional initial interconnection analysis is required under FCM qualification for a proposed increase in output from an existing resource
CNIC Value and Determinants
The CNIC is determined by the capacity supply obligation (CSO) obtained in a Forward Capacity Auction (FCA) or through a subsequent reconfiguration auction or CSO bilateral period. Because new import capacity resources have not yet obtained a CSO, in lieu of a CNIC for these resources, the ISO uses a temporary value called the potential capacity network import capability (PCNIC). This PCNIC converts to a CNIC as described below once a CSO is obtained, except for imports with multiyear contracts, which will keep their CNIC value through the length of the contract, unless the contract is delisted or the resource is retired.
New Resources
- FCA: A new import capacity resource that obtains a CSO receives a CNIC of equal value. This CNIC is effective from the capacity commitment period (CCP) start date to the end of the import contract associated with the import capacity resource.
- Reconfiguration auction or bilateral period: A new resource that has a PCNIC and obtains a CSO through a reconfiguration auction or bilateral receives a CNIC of equal value. This CNIC is effective from the corresponding CCP start date.
All Existing Resources
- Retirement de-list or permanent de-list: An existing resource with a cleared retirement or permanent delist bid would have its existing CNIC value reduced effective from the start date of the corresponding CCP.
Potential Capacity Network Import Capability
In lieu of a CNIC, a PCNIC is used for the qualification of new import capacity resources associated with an external ETU in reconfiguration auctions and bilateral periods for a prior commitment period. For these reconfiguration auctions and bilateral periods, new resources that clear the FCA—and those that don’t clear, but choose critical path schedule monitoring—are awarded a summer/winter PCNIC equal to their summer/winter CNIC under the following conditions:
- The new project is commercial or seeking to achieve commercial operation by the start date of the relevant commitment period of the reconfiguration auction or bilateral period.
- The addition of the new project does not have any adverse impact on the transmission system effective on that start date.
Accessing the CNIC or PCNIC
You can view the CNIC or PCNIC for your resource in the Forward Capacity Tracking System (FCTS) under the Basic Info tab.
