Common use of Description and background Clause in Contracts

Description and background. In January 2003, a Liaison Task Force was formed including all NPCC members as well as PJM to develop ways to improve the coordination of planning for the Northeast region. In December 2003 the ISOs achieved agreement on a draft protocol for the coordination of planning in the Northeast region. During the first quarter of 2004, ISO-NE, XXXXX and PJM solicited stakeholder input which was generally supportive of moving ahead with the protocol. • Milestones and timetable: ▪ The ISOs have developed a draft coordinated planning protocol document, have incorporated stakeholder input and plan to finalize the protocol document by mid-2004. [NOTE; UPDATE IF PROTOCOL IS EXECUTED PRIOR TO JUNE 22] This document provides the basis for standardizing data and information exchanges, developing a coordinated plan, and initiating a joint stakeholder process. ▪ The initial scope of work, to be implemented by Fall 2004, includes better coordination of information sharing by harmonizing the timing, development and exchange of data bases and modeling assumptions used in planning analysis, the establishment of standardized confidentiality agreements and building upon joint planning activities already under way. ▪ The intermediate term goal is to develop and issue an initial coordinated system plan by the end of 2004 which will cover the New York and New England region.

Description and background. In January 2003, a Liaison Task Force was formed including all NPCC members as well as PJM to develop ways to improve the coordination of planning for the Northeast region. In December 2003 the ISOs achieved agreement on a draft protocol for the coordination of planning in the Northeast region. During the first quarter of 2004, ISO-NE, XXXXX and PJM solicited stakeholder input which was generally supportive of moving ahead with the protocol. • Milestones and timetable: ▪ The ISOs have developed a draft coordinated planning protocol document, have incorporated stakeholder input and plan to finalize the protocol document by mid-2004. [NOTE; UPDATE IF PROTOCOL IS EXECUTED PRIOR TO JUNE 22] This document provides the basis for standardizing data and information exchanges, developing a coordinated plan, and initiating a joint stakeholder process. ▪ The initial scope of work, to be implemented by Fall 2004, includes better coordination of information sharing by harmonizing the timing, development and exchange of data bases and modeling assumptions used in planning analysis, addressing cost allocation issues, the establishment of standardized confidentiality agreements and building upon joint planning activities already under way. ▪ The intermediate term goal is to develop and issue an initial coordinated system plan by the end of 2004 which will cover the New York and New England region.