vSPD stands for vectorised Scheduling, Pricing and Dispatch. The vSPD model is a precise replica of SPD. It is written and solved using the GAMS software and is based on the published SPD formulation.
vSPD takes advantage of the computational efficiency of modern linear programming and mixed integer programming solvers by vectorising many SPD schedules prior to solving. Vectorisation involves reformulating the sequential and independent problems as a single optimization and therefore requires just a single solve for the entire vectorised set of schedules. In the case of final pricing prior to the advent of real-time pricing on 1 November 2022, this meant that all 48 trading periods from a single day were solved as a single optimization. Post 1 November 2022, the sequential and independent problems comprise all real-time dispatch SPD cases from a single day, i.e. approximately 250 sequential and independent problems are solved at once.
The input data for vSPD is provided in the form of GDX files. Daily GDX files for use in vSPD can be found here or here for GDX files for dates prior to 1 November 2022
vSPD output is generated as a collection of GDX and CSV files that report on the key model outputs such as generation, prices, branch flows and reserves. Some inputs to the model, for example load, are also included in the output reports.
An online version of vSPD called vSPD-online is available for use from within a web browser and without the need to learn GAMS or acquire the GAMS software. Under the hood, vSPD-online is identical to vSPD, it uses the same input GDX files, and will generate an identical solution to an equivalently configured run of vSPD. However, the range of what-if scenarios that can be explored, while still quite substantial, is less than can be undertaken by users that have access to vSPD.
vSPD is regularly audited by the same independent auditors contracted by the system operator to audit SPD each time a change to the SPD formulation is implemented.
The most recent audit of vSPD was undertaken in August 2019 by Robinson Bowmaker Paul (RBP). The RBP approach to testing and their statement of vSPD's fitness for use are explained in the vSPD certificate of compliance.
vSPD v3.0.4 certificate of compliance.pdf (PDF, 75 KB)
Last updated: 29 August 2019
Development of vSPD follows that of SPD – each time a change is made to SPD, an equivalent change is made to vSPD. Consequently, soon after vSPD has been audited, it is likely to be modified. At all times, however, vSPD will replicate SPD for all published schedules. vSPD will next be audited in 2023 following the implementation of the dispatch notification product, the final phase of the real-time pricing project. Be aware that with the release of v4.0.0, vSPD is no longer backward compatible. GDX files for dates later than 31 October 2022 will require v4.0.0 or later whereas GDX files prior to 1 November 2022 will require v3.1.0.
All three versions of vSPD available below are also downloadable from the vSPD GitHub repository:
HLY run September 22 base no overri
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HLY run September 22 with 100 MW so
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HLY simulation JLY solar HLY1 overr
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