Western Electricity Coordinating Council
| Company type | Non-profit organization |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electric power reliability |
| Predecessor | Western Systems Coordinating Council (WSCC) |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | Western Interconnection (Canada, United States, Mexico) |
| Products | Reliability standards, coordination of planning and operations for Bulk Electric System |
The Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) is responsible for ensuring the reliability of the Bulk Electric System (BES) throughout the entire Western Interconnection in North America. WECC facilitates the coordination of planning and operational activities, linking power generators with electrical loads across an extensive area. It establishes Reliability Standards and oversees both operational and planning efforts as defined by its Bylaws.
As the largest and most varied among the six Regional Entities authorized by the NERC and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), WECC's jurisdiction extends from Canada down to Mexico. This includes regions such as Alberta, British Columbia, northern Baja California, as well as portions of 14 Western U.S. states.
Entities meeting WECC's criteria outlined in its Bylaws may become members, reflecting the organization’s commitment to openness and transparency in all its processes.
Originating in 1967 under the name Western Systems Coordinating Council (WSCC) with 40 power system members, WECC was established in 2002 through the consolidation of three regional transmission groups. In 2007, NERC appointed WECC as the Regional Entity for the Western Interconnection, granting it delegated authority from FERC to develop, oversee, and enforce reliability standards.
Currently, WECC functions autonomously to improve grid reliability across the Western region. It provides support to Reliability Coordinators and resource owners/operators within the Western Interconnection and manages the coordination of high-voltage intertie paths throughout its territory.