Alternative Operations Study (AOS)
The Upper Great Plains Region and the other IS owners have studied several forms of potential regional transmission organization participation since the 1990s. Beginning in 2001, the IS participants began to evaluate potential options of joining SPP, joining the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or continuing operations on a stand-alone basis. These studies identified the option to join SPP as having the most benefit and the least risk.
Historical Decision Points
2013 Public Meetings
WAPA has presented a detailed explanation of the AOS Team’s findings and recommendation. WAPA engaged in outreach to customers and other interested parties via a kickoff webinar held November 13, 2013, and three public meetings held November 19-21, 2013, in Lincoln, NE, Sioux Falls, SD, and Fargo, ND. The 46 day comment period closed December 16, 2013. The overwhelming majority of the letters received were supportive of WAPA moving forward with the recommendation to pursue formal negotiations for WAPA-UGP membership with Southwestern Power Pool.
- Read the comments from this public outreach.
Question/Comment and Answer Summary
- Read WAPA’s responses (PDF) to public comments.
Meeting Documentation
- RTO Membership (2MB PDF) Public Information Forums, Nov 19, 20, & 21, 2013
- AOS Recommendation Webinar Kick-off on Nov 13, 2013 (23 MB .wmv) (Can be viewed with Windows Media Player)
- AOS Recommendation (1MB PDF) Webinar Kick-off on Nov 13, 2013
Information regarding the recommendation, including comments, letters, and other supporting documents made or retained by WAPA are for the purpose of pursuing this recommendation.
Recommendation Support & Documentation
- Memo from the Administrator (826KB PDF), July 9, 2014
- Letter from the Administrator (441KB PDF), January 9, 2014
- 11/1/13 FRN-Recommendation (270KB PDF) From WAPA to Pursue RTO Membership
- 11/1/13 Customer Notification Letter (112KB PDF)
- Alternative Operations Study Summary (377KB PDF)
- Alternative Operations Study Recommendation (616KB PDF)
- Integrated System Nodal Study-Redacted (4,532KB PDF)
Southwestern Power Pool (SPP) Membership
Last modified on March 24th, 2026