Disclaimer: MRO is committed to providing non-binding guidance to industry stakeholders on important industry topics. Subject matter experts from MRO’s organizational groups have authored some of the articles in this publication, and the opinion and views expressed in these articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions and views of MRO. The following article was written by Nazra Gladu, from Manitoba Hydro.
I was at a local Winnipeg wrestling match the other day, and just as the tension hit its peak – boom, theme music erupted through the speakers. Instantly, the crowd lit up. Everyone knew the words, and we all sang along in unison. We didn’t need an announcement because we knew who was about to burst into the ring…“sweet” Bobby Schink. Yes. I am a super fan.
There was screaming. There was dancing. You could practically feel the air crackling with self-generated electricity. The energy was infectious, pure hype, pure force, pure power.
Now imagine if we could bring even a fraction of that energy to reliability compliance. If only getting people excited about building infrastructure and sustainable systems felt like waiting for your favorite wrestler to storm the ring. Sadly, we’re not there yet, but if we want to meet our growing energy demands, maybe it’s time we started thinking like superfans.
A really exciting starting point was the recent Interregional Transfer Capability Study (ITCS). This study is a major milestone that looked first at the electricity transfer capability between the U.S. states and Canada, and then zoomed in on the relationships between Canadian provinces. It’s a fantastic example of cross-border collaboration, and honestly, I love the teamwork and partnership on display.
Maybe, in our own way, we are all superfans who are united by a common goal to strengthen the reliability and transfer capability of our grid. Because when we work together like this, we’re not just building infrastructure, we’re building momentum and connection.
If you’re not very familiar with the ITCS, don’t worry, you’re not alone. With everything on our plates (hello, compliance program mountain of paperwork), it’s nearly impossible to be an expert in every corner of our industry.
But this one’s worth a closer look. I’d like to share a few highlights, because honestly, it’s one of the most impressive and forward-thinking initiatives I’ve seen come out of our sector. It’s not just a study, it’s a game plan for how we can collaborate across borders to build a more resilient, reliable grid.
The ITCS, led by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), is a major initiative aimed at assessing and enhancing the ability of different regions across the U.S. and Canada to transfer electricity between one another, especially during times of stress on the grid.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Purpose: The study was mandated by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 to evaluate current interregional transfer capabilities and recommend prudent additions to improve reliability.
- Scope: It analyzed both U.S. state-to-state and Canadian province-to-province transmission capabilities, focusing on how power can be shared during emergencies or extreme weather events.
- Findings: The study found that while some regions have adequate transfer capacity, others are constrained and vulnerable. It emphasized the need for strategic upgrades to ensure energy can flow where it’s needed most.
- Recommendations: It proposed targeted infrastructure enhancements such as increasing capacity on key transmission interfaces to strengthen the grid’s resilience without creating new reliability issues.
- Canadian Focus: A dedicated Canadian analysis highlighted the growing importance of cross-provincial coordination and the benefits of a more interconnected national grid. Fun fact: great minds like Manitoba Hydro’s own David Jacobson from the Grid Infrastructure Planning Department, affectionately known as “Doctor J” served on the Advisory Group for the Canadian portion of the study!
Tying it back to Manitoba Hydro’s C.A.R.E principles, this initiative aligns seamlessly with Manitoba Hydro’s core values and key behaviors:
C – Collaborate: The study brought together a wide range of stakeholders from both the U.S. and Canada, including utilities, regulators, and reliability organizations like NERC and MRO.
A – Align: The study aimed to harmonize planning and operational standards across jurisdictions to ensure a cohesive and reliable North American grid.
R – Reimagine: The study encouraged innovative thinking about how to modernize and optimize the grid for future challenges, including climate change and electrification.
E – Empower: The study empowered decision-makers with data-driven insights and expert guidance to make informed infrastructure improvements. The study findings provide foundational guidance for future discussions that inform regulatory activities.
In short, the study is a roadmap for how we can improve our grid through smarter, more collaborative planning. You can read more about this groundbreaking study in detail here: https://www.nerc.com/pa/RAPA/Pages/ITCS.aspx
So, let’s make a pact to all be superfans, not just in the ring, but for the strength and future of our grid; Because real progress happens when we all show up, cheer each other on, and build a stronger more powerful community together.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got another wrestling match to catch. The stakes are high and belt’s not going to defend itself.
About the Author
Nazra Gladu, P.Eng., is a Reliability Compliance Program Engineer at Manitoba Hydro, the province’s largest and only integrated electricity and natural gas utility. With over 17 years of experience, she leads the development and oversight of corporate compliance programs, regulatory engagement, internal audit strategies, and regulatory audits to ensure alignment with evolving reliability standards.
Nazra holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Manitoba and has held diverse roles in system operations, project management, and engineering. She actively contributes to several industry and professional committees, including Electricity Canada’s Electric Regulatory Advisory Committee, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, Manitoba Hydro’s Engineer-in-Training Recruitment Panel, and Manitoba Hydro Professional Engineers Association Volunteer Services Committee. She is also a past member of the Midwest Reliability Organization’s Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program Advisory Council.
Nazra is a published author and active contributor to the compliance community, with a strong passion for mentorship, equity in engineering, and community engagement. Outside of work, she enjoys creating stained glass art, cheering at her son’s soccer games, and supporting Winnipeg’s vibrant local pro wrestling scene.