OSPS 2024 - LF Energy TROLIE: Accelerating Policy Impact through Open Source Collaboration

This is a recording of a presentation at the Open Sustainability Policy Summit in Washington, DC. It was presented by Christopher Atkins of MISO and Tory McKeag of GE Vernova.
Abstract: Policymakers strive to ensure positive impacts, but implementation hurdles often blunt or delay those effects. When intricate technological coordination is required, navigating these hurdles among myriad stakeholders can be a painstaking and time-consuming process.
This talk presents TROLIE, an open-source initiative addressing this challenge in the context of FERC Order 881. The Order mandates the use of ambient-adjusted ratings, requiring the communication of hourly forecasted and real-time ratings and limits data between entities who ensure the reliable and economic operation of the electric power grid. Historically, implementing such mandates entails individual stakeholders developing proprietary solutions, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies.
TROLIE, on the other hand, fosters interoperability between stakeholders by providing a community-driven, open-source specification for the data exchange. This specification serves as a common language, streamlining communication and interoperability between diverse systems. Stakeholders may contribute directly to its development, ensuring it meets their needs and fosters innovation.
This talk will explore several benefits of TROLIE's open-source approach from the perspective of accelerating the implementation of Order 881, including:
• Contributor Accessibility: Transparency, a simple participation model, and IP clarity promote engagement
• Software Commons: Practical examples supported by a community of implementers engenders predictability and reliability in disparate implementations
• Simplified Governance: Ensures low ceremony, a clear path to adoption, and sustainability
The talk concludes by discussing the broader applicability of TROLIE's open source approach. By demonstrating the power of open source collaboration in accelerating policy implementation, it serves as a model for tackling similar challenges, paving the way for faster and more impactful policy realization.
The Open Sustainability Policy Summit was hosted by the Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, May 2-3, 2024.