Making connections [wind generation facilities]

Large-scale wind generation facilities have become a very visible component of the interconnected power grid in many options of the United States. Only a decade ago, wind generation facilities were viewed by most power engineers as a novelty, and by simple engineering judgement, it could be safely concluded that the effects of these unique but smaller facilities on system reliability would be negligible. Now, with individual wind generation facilities approaching the output rating of conventional power plants, a deeper understanding of their potential impacts on the interaction with the bulk electric power system is needed.