Electronic extension requests to extend electronic bidding for qualified bidders for computer-based auctioning of basic generation services

• US 9,811,855 B1
• Filed: 07/10/2012
• Issued: 11/07/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Rockland Electric Co. (Consolidated Edison Incorporated), Atlantic City Electric Company (Constellation Energy Corp. (Maryland)), Jersey Central Power & Light Company (Firstenergy Corporation), Public Service Electric & Gas Company (Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Rockland Electric Co. (Consolidated Edison Incorporated), Atlantic City Electric Company (Constellation Energy Corp. (Maryland)), Jersey Central Power & Light Company (Firstenergy Corporation), Public Service & Gas Company
• Inventors: Robinson, Anthony R., Lark, Frederick W., Meehan, Eugene, LaCasse, Chantale, Salant, David, Loxley, Colin J., Schirra, Gerald W., Taylor, Robert
• Primary Examiner(s): Garg, Yogesh C
• Application Number:
  US13/545,367
• Time in Patent Office: 1,946 Days
• Field of Search: 705 263, 705 37
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/00 Administration; Management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/08 Auctions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/04 Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange

Abstract

A system and method of conducting a computer-based, simultaneous, multiple round, descending clock auction for basic generation services (BGS) includes receiving bids by an application server host application for processing bids according to auction rules, for tranche units of BGS products, calculating next round prices, and sending round results to bidders, the subsequent round prices and a notice of the number of tranches bid during the previous round and/or the amount of excess supply offered. When available to a bidder, an extension request may be automatically granted extending the duration of the round and allowing all qualified bidders to submit new bids, and thereafter deducting the number of extensions available to the bidder. When the number of tranches bid are equal to or less than a certain threshold for each of the products, the auction may end and bidders are awarded an ending price for each of the products won.

Claims

1. A computer implemented method of conducting a computer-based simultaneous, multiple round, descending clock auction for basic generation services, the method comprising the sequential, non-sequential, and sequence-independent steps of:

(A) electronically receiving, using secure technology and a computer processor of a computer system to execute a web server computer system, bid data from a plurality of users at the web server computer system, wherein the bid data was entered using secure and encrypted procedures, wherein at least one code key is used for support or backup bidding, wherein the bid data comprises at least one bid for at least one tranche of at least one of a plurality of products at a specified starting price set by an Auction Manager during multiple rounds of bidding, wherein each of the at least one of the plurality of products comprises a basic generation service load of an electric distribution company for at least one of a given period, time, or term and wherein each of the at least one tranche represents a portion of the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic generation service load, wherein the at least one bid includes a time-stamp, the time-stamp being the time at which the at least one bid is logged into the web server computer system, wherein the validity of the bid data is based on a maximum number of allowable tranches that the plurality of users can bid on in a given round, for each EDC, for the auction, or pursuant to state and local rules;

(B) calculating, using the computer processor to execute an application server computer system hosting auction software for the simultaneous, multiple round, descending clock auction for basic generation services, wherein the application server computer system is in data communication with the web server computer system and the application server computer system and the web server computer system are maintained separately from an auction database server to maintain the physical security of the systems and server and provide server and network security for the auction software being executed on the application server computer system, wherein a plurality of client browsers, the application server computer system, the web server computer system, the auction software, and the auction database server provide a multi-tier architecture and field-level database access control in combination with a constituent hierarchy, wherein the bid data is communicated over a plurality of tiers of the multi-tier architecture using secure technology, a second round price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products for a second round of bidding based on the specified starting price and a number of tranches bid for each of the at least one of the plurality of products during a first round of bidding, wherein the second round price is lower than the specified starting price for any of the at least one of the plurality of products that received a number of tranches bid greater than a tranche target for that product during the first round of bidding and wherein the second round price is equal to the specified starting price for any of the at least one of the plurality of products that received a number of tranches bid one of equal to and less than the tranche target for that product during the first round of bidding;

(C) electronically transmitting, using the computer processor to execute the web server computer system, a first round result of the first round of bidding to qualified bidders, the first round result comprising the second round price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products and at least one of a notice of the number of tranches bid during the first round for each of the at least one of the plurality of products and an amount of excess supply offered during the first round of bidding for each of the plurality of products;

(D) determining, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, when the second round price for at least one of the plurality of products is less than the first round;

(E) constantly repeating steps (B)-(D), using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, for at least one subsequent round of bidding following the second round, wherein a subsequent round price for each of the plurality of products for the at least one subsequent round of bidding is based on a previous round price of an immediately previous round of bidding and a number of tranches bid for each of the at least one of the plurality of products during the immediately previous round of bidding, wherein said application server computer system determines that the subsequent round price is lower than the previous round price for any of the at least one of the plurality of products that received a number of tranches bid greater than the tranche target for that product during the immediately previous round of bidding, wherein said application server computer system determines that the subsequent round price is equal to the previous round price for any of the at least one of the plurality of products that received a number of tranches bid one of equal to and less than the tranche target for that product during the immediately previous round of bidding, and wherein a round result is sent during step (C), the round result comprising the subsequent round price for each of the plurality of products and at least one of a notice of the number of tranches bid during the immediately previous round of bidding for each of the plurality of products and an amount of excess supply offered during the immediately previous round of bidding for each of the plurality of products;

(F) electronically receiving, using the computer processor to execute the web server computer system, an extension request from at least one of the qualified bidders before the round of bidding has ended;

(G) automatically, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, granting and extending a duration of the round of bidding responsive to the extension request before the round of bidding has ended, and wherein during the extension, all of the qualified bidders are capable of submitting new bids, and wherein a number of extensions remaining for the at least one of the qualified bidders who was granted the extension request is decremented;

(H) repetitively determining, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, when the number of tranches bid during a round of bidding are one of equal to and less than the tranche target for each of the at least one of the plurality of products; and

(I) when the number of tranches bid for the round of bidding are one of equal to and less than a certain threshold for each of the at least one of the plurality of products such that no further bidding can take place under auction rules, ending the auction, using the computer processor, after the round of bidding and awarding winning bidders at least one tranche having an ending price comprising one of a final price from a final round of bidding and a named exit price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products won by the winning bidders, wherein the winning bidders fulfill the at least one tranche associated with the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic service load by supplying energy requirements including at least one of capacity, energy, ancillary, and transmission services to be distributed to a customer requiring electricity via the basic generation services, wherein the winning bidders are determined based on the named exit price and, where bidders submitted the same named exit price, the bidders that submitted their bids earlier, based on the time-stamps of the bids, are the first to be allocated tranches.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein if a communication failure occurs such that electronic bids cannot be submitted, implementing at least one communication failure procedure, which enables the qualified bidders to submit bids manually using confidential identification information, and wherein the at least one communication failure procedure enables the Auction Manager to submit a round result manually by means comprising at least one of sending the round result orally using telephonic means, sending the round result through postal mail, and sending the round result by facsimile.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the specified starting price is within a range of a maximum starting price and a minimum starting price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products, which are announced before the start of the auction.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the specified starting price for one of the at least one of the plurality of products is different from the specified starting price for a different one of the plurality of products.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the bidding eligibility for the first round of bidding is equal to an initial number of tranches for which the single one of the qualified bidder applied before the auction started.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the bidding eligibility for subsequent rounds of bidding is equal to a total number of tranches bid placed by the single one of the qualified bidders during the immediately previous round of bidding.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein a maximum number of tranches bid which is capable of being made by a single one of the qualified bidders for a particular product of the at least one of the plurality of products is one of equal to and less than a load cap for that particular product.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the notice of the number of tranches bid and the excess amount of supply offered, which is reported in a round result, is one of a total number of tranches available in the auction and a range of numbers, the range having between five and ten integers, wherein an exact number of tranches bid during an immediately previous round falls within the range of numbers, and wherein a largest integer of the range of numbers is divisible by five.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein during one of the second round and subsequent rounds of bidding, further comprising receiving, from at least one of the qualified bidders a withdrawal request indicating a desire of the at least one of the qualified bidders to remove a first indicated number of tranches from at least one particular product of the at least one of the plurality of products and to reduce a maximum number bids that the at least one of the qualified bidders is capable of making in future rounds of the auction, and further comprising the at least one qualified bidder performing one of (1) naming an exit price for the first indicated number of tranches in the withdrawal request, and (2) abstaining from naming an exit price for the first indicated number of tranches.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the withdrawal request is at least partially refused for a refused number of tranches when accepting the withdrawal request in full would cause the number of tranches bid for the at least one particular product from which the bid would be withdrawn to fall below the tranche target for that at least one particular product, wherein at least one of the refused number of tranches is retained on the at least one of the plurality of products on which the refused number of tranches was bid, and wherein the refused number of tranches is reported to the at least one qualified bidder.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, when the qualified bidder names an exit price, the at least one of the refused number of tranches for which withdrawal is refused is retained on the at least one of the plurality of products on which the refused number of tranches was bid at a price equal to the named exit price.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, when the bidder abstains from naming an exit price, the at least one of the refused number of tranches for which withdrawal is refused is retained on the at least one of the plurality of products on which the refused number of tranches was bid at a price equal to a price of a last round during which the refused number of tranches was freely bid before the withdrawal request was made.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein a bidder eligibility of the at least one qualified bidder is lowered by the first indicated number of tranches even when the withdrawal request is refused.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein, when if at least two qualified bidders make withdrawal requests and named an exit price and the withdrawal requests are refused, bids of a bidder having a lower named exit price is retained first.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein, when if at least two qualified bidders make withdrawal requests and named an identical exit price and the withdrawal requests are refused, a decision on which tranches to be retained comprises one of an earlier confirmed bid in the round of bidding and a decision made on a random, tranche by tranche basis.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one of the refused number of tranches retained on the at least one of the plurality of products are released and allowed to be withdrawn during a first subsequent round during which a sufficient number of new bids are entered for the at least one of the plurality of products such that a total number of tranches bid for that product for the first subsequent round is one of equal to and greater than the tranche target for that product, and wherein the release of the retained bids is reported to the at least one bidder.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein during one of the second round and subsequent rounds of bidding, further comprising receiving bids further comprises receiving, from at least one of the qualified bidders, at least one of a withdrawal request and a switch request, wherein the withdrawal request indicates a desire of the at least one of the qualified bidders to remove a first indicated number of tranches from at least one particular product of the at least one of the plurality of products and to reduce a maximum number bids that the at least one of the qualified bidders is capable of making in future rounds of the auction, and wherein a switch request indicates a desire of the at least one of the qualified bidders to switch a second indicated number of tranches from one of the at least one of the plurality of products to at least one different one of the at least one of the plurality of products.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the switch request is at least partially refused for a refused number of tranches when accepting the switch request in full would cause the number of tranches bid for the one of the at least one of the plurality of products from which the bid would be switched to fall below the tranche target for that product, wherein at least one of the refused number of tranches is retained on the at least one of the plurality of products on which the refused number of tranches was bid, and wherein the number of refused bids is reported to the at least one bidder.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one of the refused number of tranches for which switching is refused is retained on the at least one of the plurality of products on which the refused number of tranches was bid at a price equal to a price of a last round during which the refused number of tranches was freely bid before the switching request was made.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one of the refused number of tranches retained on the at least one of the plurality of products are released and allowed to be switched during a first subsequent round during which a sufficient number of new bids are entered for the at least one of the plurality of products such that a total number of tranches bid for that product for the first subsequent round is one of equal to and greater than the tranche target for that product, and wherein the release of the retained bids is reported to the at least one bidder.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the released bids are deemed to be bid for the at least one of the plurality of products from which they were released at a bidding price for the at least one of the plurality of products for the first subsequent round of bidding after the bids are released.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein, if the switching request is made to switch the second indicated number of tranches into at least two different ones of the at least one of the plurality of products, the at least one bidder specifies a switching priority, wherein the switching priority indicates a preference among the at least two different ones of the at least one of the plurality of products into which the at least one bidder desires to switch.

23. The method of claim 17, wherein, when both a withdrawal request and a switching request are made for a particular product of the at least one plurality of products, and the withdrawal request and the switching request are both at least partially refused for a refused number of withdrawn bids and a refused number of switched bids because accepting the withdrawal request and the switching request would cause a total number of tranches bid for the particular product to fall below the tranche target for that particular product, the refused number of withdrawn bids is retained first, and the refused number of switched bids is retained when retaining the refused number of withdrawn bids still fails to raise the total number of tranches bid to at least equal the tranche target.

24. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

denying the switch request when the number of tranches bid during the previous round for each of the at least one of the plurality of products is greater than the tranche target for that product and when the bid during the current round for that product is less than the tranche target for that product;

determining when at least one of a plurality of denied switches from at least one particular product in the previous round is released for bidding, and when the at least one of the plurality of denied switches in the previous round is released for bidding, reports the tranche target for that product, wherein at least one of the tranches to fill that product is obtained from at least one of;

(i) bidding at current round charges and (ii) denying switches; and

accepting the withdrawal of the tranches from at least one of the plurality of denied switches when at least one of the denied switches from at least one particular product in the previous round is outbid, wherein the at least one of the plurality of denied switches in the previous round is released for bidding.

25. A system for conducting a computer-based, simultaneous, multiple round, descending clock auction for basic generation services, the system comprising:

a web server for receiving bid data from a plurality of users, wherein the bid data was entered using secure and encrypted procedures, wherein at least one code key is used for support or backup bidding, wherein the bid data comprises at least one bid for at least one tranche of at least one of a plurality of products at a specified starting price set by an Auction Manager during multiple rounds of bidding, wherein each of the at least one of the plurality of products comprises a basic generation service load of an electric distribution company for a given period of time or term and wherein each of the at least one tranche represents a portion of the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic generation service load;

an application server, in data communication with the web server, wherein the application server hosts application software, the application server and the web server are maintained separately from an auction database server to maintain the physical security of the servers and provide server and network security for the auction software being executed on the application server, wherein a plurality of client browsers, the application server, the web server, the auction software, and the auction database server provide a multi-tier architecture and field-level database access control in combination with a constituent hierarchy, wherein the bid data is communicated over a plurality of tiers of the multi-tier architecture using secure technology, and wherein the application software is configured to be executed by at least one computer and includes the following computer executable instructions;

(A) electronically receiving, using a computer processor of a computer system to execute a web server computer system, bid data from a plurality of users at the web server computer system, wherein the bid data comprises at least one bid for at least one tranche of at least one of a plurality of products at a specified starting price set by an Auction Manager during multiple rounds of bidding, wherein each of the at least one of the plurality of products comprises a basic generation service load of an electric distribution company for at least one of a given period of time or term and wherein each of the at least one tranche represents a portion of the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic generation service load;

(B) calculating, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system hosting the application software for simultaneous, multiple round, descending clock auction for basic generation services, wherein the application server is in data communication with the web server computer system, a second round price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products for a second round of bidding based on the specified starting price and a number of tranches bid for each of the at least one of the plurality of products during a first round of bidding, wherein the second round price is lower than the specified starting price for any of the at least one of the plurality of products that received a number of tranches bid greater than a tranche target for that product during the first round of bidding and wherein the second round price is equal to the specified starting price for any of the at least one of the plurality of products that received a number of tranches bid one of equal to and less than the tranche target for that product during the first round of bidding,

(C) electronically transmitting, using the computer processor to execute the web server computer system, a first round result of the first round of bidding to qualified bidders, the first round result comprising the second round price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products and at least one of a notice of the number of tranches bid during the first round for each of the at least one of the plurality of products and an amount of excess supply offered during the first round of bidding for each of the plurality of products;

(D) determining, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, when the second round price for at least one of the plurality of products is less than the first round;

(E) constantly repeating steps (B)-(D), using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, for at least one subsequent round of bidding following the second round, wherein a subsequent round price for each of the plurality of products for the at least one subsequent round of bidding is based on a previous round price of an immediately previous round of bidding and a number of tranches bid for each of the at least one of the plurality of products during the immediately previous round of bidding, wherein the subsequent round price is lower than the previous round price for any of the at least one of the plurality of products that received a number of tranches bid greater than the tranche target for that product during the immediately previous round of bidding, wherein the subsequent round price is equal to the previous round price for any of the at least one of the plurality of products that received a number of tranches bid one of equal to and less than the tranche target for that product during the immediately previous round of bidding, and wherein a round result is sent during step (C), the round result comprising the subsequent round price for each of the plurality of products and at least one of a notice of the number of tranches bid during the immediately previous round of bidding for each of the plurality of products and an amount of excess supply offered during the immediately previous round of bidding for each of the plurality of products;

(F) electronically receiving, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, an extension request from at least one of the qualified bidders before the round of bidding has ended;

(G) automatically, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, granting and extending a duration of the round of bidding responsive to the extension request before the round of bidding has ended, and wherein during the extension, all of the qualified bidders are capable of submitting new bids, and wherein a number of extensions remaining for the at least one of the qualified bidders who was granted the extension request is decremented;

(H) repetitively determining, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, when the number of tranches bid during a round of bidding are one of equal to and less than the tranche target for each of the at least one of the plurality of products; and

(I) when the number of tranches bid for the round of bidding are one of equal to and less than a certain threshold for each of the at least one of the plurality of products such that no further bidding can take place under auction rules, ending the auction after the round of bidding and awarding winning bidders at least one tranche having an ending price comprising one of a final price from a final round of bidding and a named exit price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products won by the winning bidders, wherein the winning bidders fulfill the at least one tranche associated with the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic service load by supplying energy requirements including at least one of capacity, energy, ancillary, and transmission services to be distributed to a customer requiring electricity via the basic generation services.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein said application server is furthered configured to execute, by the computer, the following instructions:

receiving a switching request to switch the second indicated number of tranches into at least two different ones of the at least one of the plurality of products, receiving from the at least one bidder a switching priority, wherein the switching priority indicates a preference among the at least two different ones of the at least one of the plurality of products into which the at least one bidder desires to switch.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein said application server is furthered configured to execute, by the computer, the following instructions:

when both a withdrawal request and a switching request are made for a particular product of the at least one plurality of products, and the withdrawal request and the switching request are both at least partially refused for a refused number of withdrawn bids and a refused number of switched bids because accepting the withdrawal request and the switching request would cause a total number of tranches bid for the particular product to fall below the tranche target for that particular product, the refused number of withdrawn bids is retained first, and the refused number of switched bids is retained when retaining the refused number of withdrawn bids still fails to raise the total number of tranches bid to at least equal the tranche target.

28. The system of claim 25, wherein said application server is furthered configured to execute, by the computer, the following instructions:

during one of the second round and subsequent rounds of bidding, receiving, from at least one of the qualified bidders, at least one of a withdrawal request and a switch request, wherein the withdrawal request indicates a desire of the at least one of the qualified bidders to remove a first indicated number of tranches from at least one particular product of the at least one of the plurality of products and to reduce a maximum number bids that the at least one of the qualified bidders is capable of making in future rounds of the auction, and wherein a switch request indicates a desire of the at least one of the qualified bidders to switch a second indicated number of tranches from one of the at least one of the plurality of products to at least one different one of the at least one of the plurality of products.

29. The system of claim 25, wherein said application server is furthered configured to execute, by the computer, the following instructions:

denying the switch request when the number of tranches bid during the previous round for each of the at least one of the plurality of products is greater than the tranche target for that product and when the bid during the current round for that product is less than the tranche target for that product;

determining when at least one of a plurality of denied switches from at least one particular product in the previous round is released for bidding, and when the at least one of the plurality of denied switches in the previous round is released for bidding, reports the tranche target for that product, wherein at least one of the tranches to fill that product is obtained from at least one of;

(i) bidding at current round charges and (ii) denying switches; and

accepting the withdrawal of the tranches from at least one of the plurality of denied switches when at least one of the denied switches from at least one particular product in the previous round is outbid, wherein the at least one of the plurality of denied switches in the previous round is released for bidding.

30. The system of claim 25, wherein said application server is furthered configured to execute, by the computer, when the second round price for the at least one of the plurality of products is less than the first round, electronically receive by the computer processor a switch request from at least one of the qualified bidders, wherein a switch request indicates a request from the at least one of the qualified bidders to switch a second indicated number of tranches from one of the at least one of the plurality of products to at least one different one of the at least one of the plurality of products.

31. The system of claim 25, wherein said application server is furthered configured to execute, by the computer, if a communication failure occurs such that electronic bids cannot be submitted, implement at least one communication failure procedure, which enables the qualified bidders to submit bids manually using confidential identification information, and wherein the at least one communication failure procedure enables the Auction Manager to submit a round result manually comprising at least one of sending the round result orally using telephonic means, sending the round result through postal mail, and sending the round result by facsimile.

32. The system of claim 25, further comprising a plurality of client browsers, wherein the plurality client browsers enable the plurality of users to submit the bid data to the web server.

33. The system of claim 25, further comprising a wide-area network, wherein the wide-area network enables communication between the plurality of client browsers and the web server.

34. The system of claim 25, wherein the web server and the application server are integrated into a single server.

35. The system of claim 25, wherein the web server and the application server are maintained on separate servers.

36. The system of claim 25, further comprising a system login computer, wherein the system login computer logs all hits to at least one of the web server and the application server.

37. The system of claim 25, further comprising a back-up server, wherein the back-up server provides back-up support and maintenance for at least one of the web server, the application server, and the database server.

38. The system of claim 25, further comprising:

a client browser in a first tier;

the application server computer and the web server computer in a second tier, wherein the client browser in the first tier communicates with the application server and the web server in the second tier over a secure network;

the application server computer of the second tier configured to implement application software in a third tier having computer executable instructions to control the computer-based auction including tracking, monitoring, and determining when to end the auction;

an auction database server in a fourth tier configured to store bidder data obtained through an application and qualification process and the information regarding the plurality of products being auctioned in an auction database, wherein the application software of the application server is configured to write bidder and product data to the database server and to read the data from the auction database server; and

wherein the auction database server is controlled separately from the web server and the application server to maintain the security of the information stored in the auction database.

39. A computer implemented method of conducting a computer-based simultaneous, multiple round, descending clock auction for basic generation services, the method comprising the sequential, non-sequential, and sequence-independent steps of:

(A) electronically receiving, using secure technology and a computer processor of a computer system to execute a web server computer system, bid data at the web server computer system from a plurality of users located at a client browser in a first tier, wherein the bid data was entered using secure and encrypted procedures, wherein at least one code key is used for support or backup bidding, wherein the web server computer system is in a second tier in data communication with an application server computer system having application software for the simultaneous, multiple round, descending clock auction for basic generation service in a third tier, and wherein the application server computer system is configured to read and write electronic bids submitted from the plurality of users to an auction database server in a fourth tier, wherein the bid data is communicated over the tiers using secure technology, and wherein the bid data comprises at least one bid for at least one tranche of at least one of a plurality of products at a specified starting price set by an Auction Manager during multiple rounds of bidding, wherein each of the at least one of the plurality of products comprises a basic generation service load of an electric distribution company for at least one of a given period of time or term and wherein each of the at least one tranche represents a portion of the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic generation service load;

(B) generating, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system hosting auction software for the simultaneous, multiple round, descending clock auction for basic generation services, a second round price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products for a second round of bidding based on the specified starting price and a number of tranches bid for each of the at least one of the plurality of products during a first round of bidding, wherein the application server computer system and the web server computer system are maintained separately from an auction database server to maintain the physical security of the systems and server and provide server and network security for the auction software being executed on the application server computer system, wherein a plurality of client browsers, the application server computer system, the web server computer system, the auction software, and the auction database server provide a multi-tier architecture and field-level database access control in combination with a constituent hierarchy;

(C) electronically transmitting, using the computer processor to execute the web server computer system, a first round result of the first round of bidding to qualified bidders, the first round result comprising the second round price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products and at least one of a notice of the number of tranches bid during the first round for each of the at least one of the plurality of products and an amount of excess supply offered during the first round of bidding for each of the plurality of products;

(D) determining, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, when the second round price for at least one of the plurality of products is less than the first round;

(E) constantly repeating steps (B)-(D), using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, for at least one subsequent round of bidding following the second round, and wherein a round result is sent during step (C), the round result comprising the subsequent round price for each of the plurality of products and at least one of a notice of the number of tranches bid during the immediately previous round of bidding for each of the plurality of products and an amount of excess supply offered during the immediately previous round of bidding for each of the plurality of products;

(F) electronically receiving, using the computer processor to execute the web server computer system, an extension request from at least one of the qualified bidders before the round of bidding has ended;

(G) repetitively determining, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, when the number of tranches bid during a round of bidding are one of equal to and less than the tranche target for each of the at least one of the plurality of products; and

(H) when the number of tranches bid for the round of bidding are one of equal to and less than a certain threshold for each of the at least one of the plurality of products such that no further bidding can take place under auction rules, ending the auction, using the computer processor, after the round of bidding and awarding winning bidders at least one tranche having an ending price comprising one of a final price from a final round of bidding and a named exit price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products won by the winning bidders, wherein the winning bidders fulfill the at least one tranche associated with the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic service load by supplying energy requirements including at least one of capacity, energy, ancillary, and transmission services to be distributed to a customer requiring electricity via the basic generation services.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein if a communication failure occurs such that electronic bids cannot be submitted, implementing at least one communication failure procedure, which enables the qualified bidders to submit bids manually using confidential identification information, and wherein the at least one communication failure procedure enables the Auction Manager to submit a round result manually by means comprising at least one of sending the round result orally using telephonic means, sending the round result through postal mail, and sending the round result by facsimile.

41. The method of claim 39, further comprising determining the bidding eligibility for subsequent rounds of bidding responsive to a total number of tranches bid placed by the single one of the qualified bidders during the immediately previous round of bidding.

42. The method of claim 39, further comprising determining a maximum number of tranches bid which is capable of being made by a single one of the qualified bidders for a particular product of the at least one of the plurality of products responsive to one of equal to and less than a load cap for that particular product.

43. The method of claim 39, wherein during one of the second round and subsequent rounds of bidding, further comprising receiving, from at least one of the qualified bidders a withdrawal request indicating a desire of the at least one of the qualified bidders to remove a first indicated number of tranches from at least one particular product of the at least one of the plurality of products and to reduce a maximum number bids that the at least one of the qualified bidders is capable of making in future rounds of the auction, and further comprising the at least one qualified bidder performing one of (1) naming an exit price for the first indicated number of tranches in the withdrawal request, and (2) abstaining from naming an exit price for the first indicated number of tranches.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the withdrawal request is at least partially refused for a refused number of tranches when accepting the withdrawal request in full would cause the number of tranches bid for the at least one particular product from which the bid would be withdrawn to fall below the tranche target for that at least one particular product, wherein at least one of the refused number of tranches is retained on the at least one of the plurality of products on which the refused number of tranches was bid, and wherein the refused number of tranches is reported to the at least one qualified bidder.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein, when the qualified bidder names an exit price, the at least one of the refused number of tranches for which withdrawal is refused is retained on the at least one of the plurality of products on which the refused number of tranches was bid at a price equal to the named exit price.

46. The method of claim 44, wherein, when the bidder abstains from naming an exit price, the at least one of the refused number of tranches for which withdrawal is refused is retained on the at least one of the plurality of products on which the refused number of tranches was bid at a price equal to a price of a last round during which the refused number of tranches was freely bid before the withdrawal request was made.

47. The method of claim 44, wherein, when if at least two qualified bidders make withdrawal requests and named an exit price and the withdrawal requests are refused, bids of a bidder having a lower named exit price is retained first.

48. The method of claim 44, wherein, when if at least two qualified bidders make withdrawal requests and named an identical exit price and the withdrawal requests are refused, a decision on which tranches to be retained comprises one of an earlier confirmed bid in the round of bidding and a decision made on a random, tranche by tranche basis.

49. The method of claim 44, wherein the at least one of the refused number of tranches retained on the at least one of the plurality of products are released and allowed to be withdrawn during a first subsequent round during which a sufficient number of new bids are entered for the at least one of the plurality of products such that a total number of tranches bid for that product for the first subsequent round is one of equal to and greater than the tranche target for that product, and wherein the release of the retained bids is reported to the at least one bidder.

50. The method of claim 39, wherein during one of the second round and subsequent rounds of bidding, further comprising receiving bids further comprises receiving, from at least one of the qualified bidders, at least one of a withdrawal request and a switch request, wherein the withdrawal request indicates a desire of the at least one of the qualified bidders to remove a first indicated number of tranches from at least one particular product of the at least one of the plurality of products and to reduce a maximum number bids that the at least one of the qualified bidders is capable of making in future rounds of the auction, and wherein a switch request indicates a desire of the at least one of the qualified bidders to switch a second indicated number of tranches from one of the at least one of the plurality of products to at least one different one of the at least one of the plurality of products.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the switch request is at least partially refused for a refused number of tranches when accepting the switch request in full would cause the number of tranches bid for the one of the at least one of the plurality of products from which the bid would be switched to fall below the tranche target for that product, wherein at least one of the refused number of tranches is retained on the at least one of the plurality of products on which the refused number of tranches was bid, and wherein the number of refused bids is reported to the at least one bidder.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the at least one of the refused number of tranches for which switching is refused is retained on the at least one of the plurality of products on which the refused number of tranches was bid at a price equal to a price of a last round during which the refused number of tranches was freely bid before the switching request was made.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the at least one of the refused number of tranches retained on the at least one of the plurality of products are released and allowed to be switched during a first subsequent round during which a sufficient number of new bids are entered for the at least one of the plurality of products such that a total number of tranches bid for that product for the first subsequent round is one of equal to and greater than the tranche target for that product, and wherein the release of the retained bids is reported to the at least one bidder.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the released bids are deemed to be bid for the at least one of the plurality of products from which they were released at a bidding price for the at least one of the plurality of products for the first subsequent round of bidding after the bids are released.

55. The method of claim 50, wherein, if the switching request is made to switch the second indicated number of tranches into at least two different ones of the at least one of the plurality of products, the at least one bidder specifies a switching priority, wherein the switching priority indicates a preference among the at least two different ones of the at least one of the plurality of products into which the at least one bidder desires to switch.

56. The method of claim 50, wherein, when both a withdrawal request and a switching request are made for a particular product of the at least one plurality of products, and the withdrawal request and the switching request are both at least partially refused for a refused number of withdrawn bids and a refused number of switched bids because accepting the withdrawal request and the switching request would cause a total number of tranches bid for the particular product to fall below the tranche target for that particular product, the refused number of withdrawn bids is retained first, and the refused number of switched bids is retained when retaining the refused number of withdrawn bids still fails to raise the total number of tranches bid to at least equal the tranche target.

57. The method of claim 50, further comprising:

denying the switch request when the number of tranches bid during the previous round for each of the at least one of the plurality of products is greater than the tranche target for that product and when the bid during the current round for that product is less than the tranche target for that product;

determining when at least one of a plurality of denied switches from at least one particular product in the previous round is released for bidding, and when the at least one of the plurality of denied switches in the previous round is released for bidding, reports the tranche target for that product, wherein at least one of the tranches to fill that product is obtained from at least one of;

(i) bidding at current round charges and (ii) denying switches; and

accepting the withdrawal of the tranches from at least one of the plurality of denied switches when at least one of the denied switches from at least one particular product in the previous round is outbid, wherein the at least one of the plurality of denied switches in the previous round is released for bidding.

58. The method of claim 50, further comprising:

automatically, using the computer processor, granting and extending a duration of the round of bidding responsive to the extension request before the round of bidding has ended, and wherein during the extension, all of the qualified bidders are capable of submitting new bids, and wherein a number of extensions remaining for the at least one of the qualified bidders who was granted the extension request is decremented.

59. A system for conducting a computer-based, simultaneous, multiple round, descending clock auction for basic generation services, the system comprising:

a web server for receiving bid data from a plurality of users, wherein the bid data was entered using secure and encrypted procedures, wherein at least one code key is used for support or backup bidding, wherein the bid data comprises at least one bid for at least one tranche of at least one of a plurality of products at a specified starting price set by an Auction Manager during multiple rounds of bidding, wherein each of the at least one of the plurality of products comprises a basic generation service load of an electric distribution company for a given period of time or term and wherein each of the at least one tranche represents a portion of the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic generation service load;

a plurality of client browsers, wherein the plurality client browsers enable the plurality of users to submit the bid data to the web server over a wide-area network, wherein the wide-area network enables communication between the plurality of client browsers and the web server;

an application server, in data communication with the web server, wherein the application server hosts application software, wherein the application server and the web server are maintained separately from an auction database server to maintain the physical security of the servers and provide server and network security for the auction software being executed on the application server, wherein a plurality of client browsers, the application server, the web server, the auction software, and the auction database server provide a multi-tier architecture and field-level database access control in combination with a constituent hierarchy, wherein the bid data is communicated over a plurality of tiers of the multi-tier architecture using secure technology, and wherein the application software is configured to be executed by at least one computer and includes the following computer executable instructions;

(A) electronically receiving, using a computer processor of a computer system to execute a web server computer system, bid data from a plurality of users at the web server computer system, wherein the bid data comprises at least one bid for at least one tranche of at least one of a plurality of products at a specified starting price set by an Auction Manager during multiple rounds of bidding, wherein each of the at least one of the plurality of products comprises a basic generation service load of an electric distribution company for a given period of time or term and wherein each of the at least one tranche represents a portion of the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic generation service load;

(B) generating, using the computer processor to execute an application server computer system hosting auction software for the simultaneous, multiple round, descending clock auction for basic generation services, wherein the application server computer system is in data communication with the web server computer system, a second round price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products for a second round of bidding based on the specified starting price and a number of tranches bid for each of the at least one of the plurality of products during a first round of bidding,

(C) electronically transmitting, using the computer processor to execute the web server computer system, a first round result of the first round of bidding to qualified bidders, the first round result comprising the second round price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products and at least one of a notice of the number of tranches bid during the first round for each of the at least one of the plurality of products and an amount of excess supply offered during the first round of bidding for each of the plurality of products;

(D) determining, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, when the second round price for at least one of the plurality of products is less than the first round;

(E) constantly repeating steps (B)-(D), using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, for at least one subsequent round of bidding following the second round, wherein a subsequent round price for each of the plurality of products for the at least one subsequent round of bidding is based on a previous round price of an immediately previous round of bidding and a number of tranches bid for each of the at least one of the plurality of products during the immediately previous round of bidding;

(F) electronically receiving, using the computer processor to execute the web server computer system, an extension request from at least one of the qualified bidders before the round of bidding has ended;

(G) automatically, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, granting and extending a duration of the round of bidding responsive to the extension request before the round of bidding has ended, and wherein during the extension, all of the qualified bidders are capable of submitting new bids, and wherein a number of extensions remaining for the at least one of the qualified bidders who was granted the extension request is decremented;

(H) repetitively determining, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, when the number of tranches bid during a round of bidding are one of equal to and less than the tranche target for each of the at least one of the plurality of products; and

(I) when the number of tranches bid for the round of bidding are one of equal to and less than a certain threshold for each of the at least one of the plurality of products such that no further bidding can take place under auction rules, ending the auction after the round of bidding and awarding winning bidders at least one tranche having an ending price comprising one of a final price from a final round of bidding and a named exit price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products won by the winning bidders, wherein the winning bidders fulfill the at least one tranche associated with the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic service load by supplying energy requirements including at least one of capacity, energy, ancillary, and transmission services to be distributed to a customer requiring electricity via the basic generation services;

a system login computer, wherein the system login computer logs all hits to at least one of the web server and the application server;

a back-up server, wherein the back-up server provides back-up support and maintenance for at least the web server and the application server.

60. The system of claim 59, wherein said application server is furthered configured to execute, by the computer, the following instructions:

receiving a switching request to switch the second indicated number of tranches into at least two different ones of the at least one of the plurality of products, receiving from the at least one bidder a switching priority, wherein the switching priority indicates a preference among the at least two different ones of the at least one of the plurality of products into which the at least one bidder desires to switch.

61. The system of claim 59, wherein said application server is furthered configured to execute, by the computer, the following instructions:

during one of the second round and subsequent rounds of bidding, receiving, from at least one of the qualified bidders, at least one of a withdrawal request and a switch request, wherein the withdrawal request indicates a desire of the at least one of the qualified bidders to remove a first indicated number of tranches from at least one particular product of the at least one of the plurality of products and to reduce a maximum number bids that the at least one of the qualified bidders is capable of making in future rounds of the auction, and wherein a switch request indicates a desire of the at least one of the qualified bidders to switch a second indicated number of tranches from one of the at least one of the plurality of products to at least one different one of the at least one of the plurality of products.

62. The system of claim 59, wherein said application server is furthered configured to execute, by the computer, the following instructions:

denying the switch request when the number of tranches bid during the previous round for each of the at least one of the plurality of products is greater than the tranche target for that product and when the bid during the current round for that product is less than the tranche target for that product;

determining when at least one of a plurality of denied switches from at least one particular product in the previous round is released for bidding, and when the at least one of the plurality of denied switches in the previous round is released for bidding, reports the tranche target for that product, wherein at least one of the tranches to fill that product is obtained from at least one of;

(i) bidding at current round charges and (ii) denying switches; and

accepting the withdrawal of the tranches from at least one of the plurality of denied switches when at least one of the denied switches from at least one particular product in the previous round is outbid, wherein the at least one of the plurality of denied switches in the previous round is released for bidding.

63. The system of claim 59, wherein said application server is furthered configured to execute, by the computer, if a communication failure occurs such that electronic bids cannot be submitted, implement at least one communication failure procedure, which enables the qualified bidders to submit bids using confidential identification information, and wherein the at least one communication failure procedure enables the Auction Manager to submit a round result comprising at least one of transmitting the round result using telephonic means and transmitting the round result by facsimile.

64. The system of claim 59, further comprising:

the client browser in a first tier,

the application server computer and the web server computer in a second tier, wherein the client browser in the first tier communicates with the application server and the web server in the second tier over a secure network;

the application server computer of the second tier configured to implement application software in a third tier having computer executable instructions to control the computer-based auction including tracking, monitoring, and determining when to end the auction;

.

an auction database server in a fourth tier configured to store bidder data obtained through an application and qualification process and the information regarding the plurality of products being auctioned in an auction database, wherein the application software of the application server is configured to write bidder and product data to the database server and to read the data from the auction database server; and

wherein the auction database server is controlled separately from the web server and the application server to maintain the security of the information stored in the auction database.

65. A system for conducting a computer-based, simultaneous, multiple round, descending clock auction for basic generation services, the system comprising:

a web server for receiving bid data from a plurality of users, wherein the bid data was entered using secure and encrypted procedures, wherein at least one code key is used for support or backup bidding, wherein the bid data comprises at least one bid for at least one tranche of at least one of a plurality of products at a specified starting price set by an Auction Manager during multiple rounds of bidding, wherein each of the at least one of the plurality of products comprises a basic generation service load of an electric distribution company for a given period of time or term and wherein each of the at least one tranche represents a portion of the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic generation service load;

a plurality of client browsers, wherein the plurality client browsers enable the plurality of users to submit the bid data to the web server over a wide-area network, wherein the wide-area network enables communication between the plurality of client browsers and the web server;

an application server, in data communication with the web server, wherein the application server and the web server are maintained separately from an auction database server to maintain the physical security of the servers and provide server and network security for the auction software being executed on the application server, wherein a plurality of client browsers, the application server, the web server, the auction software, and the auction database server provide a multi-tier architecture and field-level database access control in combination with a constituent hierarchy, wherein the bid data is communicated over a plurality of tiers of the multi-tier architecture using secure technology, wherein the application server hosts application software executed by at least one computer and includes computer executable instructions, and wherein;

(A) said application server electronically receiving, using a computer processor of a computer system to execute a web server computer system, bid data from a plurality of users at the web server computer system, wherein the bid data comprises at least one bid for at least one tranche of at least one of a plurality of products at a specified starting price during multiple rounds of bidding, wherein each of the at least one of the plurality of products comprises a basic generation service load of an electric distribution company for a given period of time or term and wherein each of the at least one tranche represents a portion of the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic generation service load;

(B) said application server including means for generating a second round price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products for a second round of bidding based on the specified starting price and a number of tranches bid for each of the at least one of the plurality of products during a first round of bidding,

(C) said application server including means for electronically transmitting a first round result of the first round of bidding to qualified bidders, the first round result comprising the second round price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products and at least one of a notice of the number of tranches bid during the first round for each of the at least one of the plurality of products and an amount of excess supply offered during the first round of bidding for each of the plurality of products;

(D) said application server including means for determining when the second round price for at least one of the plurality of products is less than the first round;

(E) said application server including means for constantly repeating steps (B)-(D) for at least one subsequent round of bidding following the second round, wherein a subsequent round price for each of the plurality of products for the at least one subsequent round of bidding is based on a previous round price of an immediately previous round of bidding and a number of tranches bid for each of the at least one of the plurality of products during the immediately previous round of bidding;

(F) said application server electronically receiving, using the computer processor to execute the web server computer system, an extension request from at least one of the qualified bidders before the round of bidding has ended;

(G) said application server automatically, using the computer processor to execute the application server computer system, granting and extending a duration of the round of bidding responsive to the extension request before the round of bidding has ended, and wherein during the extension, all of the qualified bidders are capable of submitting new bids, and wherein a number of extensions remaining for the at least one of the qualified bidders who was granted the extension request is decremented;

(H) said application server including means for repetitively determining when the number of tranches bid during a round of bidding are one of equal to and less than the tranche target for each of the at least one of the plurality of products; and

(I) when the number of tranches bid for the round of bidding are one of equal to and less than a certain threshold for each of the at least one of the plurality of products such that no further bidding can take place under auction rules, said application server including means for ending the auction after the round of bidding and awarding winning bidders at least one tranche having an ending price comprising one of a final price from a final round of bidding and a named exit price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products won by the winning bidders, wherein the winning bidders fulfill the at least one tranche associated with the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic service load by supplying energy requirements including at least one of capacity, energy, ancillary, and transmission services to be distributed to a customer requiring electricity via the basic generation services;

a system login computer, wherein the system login computer logs all hits to at least one of the web server and the application server;

a back-up server, wherein the back-up server provides back-up support and maintenance for at least the web server and the application server.

66. A system for conducting a computer-based, simultaneous, multiple round, descending clock auction for basic generation services, the system comprising:

a means for receiving bid data from a plurality of users using secure technology, wherein the bid data was entered using secure and encrypted procedures, wherein at least one code key is used for support or backup bidding, wherein the bid data comprises at least one bid for at least one tranche of at least one of a plurality of products at a specified starting price set by an Auction Manager during multiple rounds of bidding, wherein each of the at least one of the plurality of products comprises a basic generation service load of an electric distribution company for a given period of time or term and wherein each of the at least one tranche represents a portion of the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic generation service load;

a means for enabling the plurality of users to submit the bid data to the means for receiving bid data over a wide-area network, wherein the wide-area network enables communication between the means for enabling and the means for receiving bid data;

a means for hosting application software executed by at least one computer and in data communication with the means for receiving bid data, wherein the means for hosting and the means for receiving bid data are maintained separately from an auction database server to maintain the physical security of the systems and servers and provide server and network security for the auction software being executed on the means for hosting, wherein a plurality of client browsers, the means for hosting, the means for receiving bid data, the auction software, and the auction database server provide a multi-tier architecture and field-level database access control in combination with a constituent hierarchy, wherein the bid data is communicated over a plurality of tiers of the multi-tier architecture using secure technology, wherein the means for hosting includes computer executable instructions wherein;

(A) said means for hosting electronically receives bid data from a plurality of users at the web server computer system, wherein the bid data comprises at least one bid for at least one tranche of at least one of a plurality of products at a specified starting price during multiple rounds of bidding, wherein each of the at least one of the plurality of products comprises a basic generation service load of an electric distribution company for a given period of time or term and wherein each of the at least one tranche represents a portion of the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic generation service load;

(B) said means for hosting includes means for generating a second round price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products for a second round of bidding based on the specified starting price and a number of tranches bid for each of the at least one of the plurality of products during a first round of bidding;

(C) said means for hosting includes means for electronically transmitting a first round result of the first round of bidding to qualified bidders, the first round result comprising the second round price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products and at least one of a notice of the number of tranches bid during the first round for each of the at least one of the plurality of products and an amount of excess supply offered during the first round of bidding for each of the plurality of products;

(D) said means for hosting includes means for determining when the second round price for at least one of the plurality of products is less than the first round;

(E) said means for hosting including means for constantly repeating steps (B)-(D) for at least one subsequent round of bidding following the second round;

wherein a subsequent round price for each of the plurality of products for the at least one subsequent round of bidding is based on a previous round price of an immediately previous round of bidding and a number of tranches bid for each of the at least one of the plurality of products during the immediately previous round of bidding;

(F) said means for hosting electronically receives an extension request from at least one of the qualified bidders before the round of bidding has ended;

(G) said means for hosting automatically grants and extends a duration of the round of bidding responsive to the extension request before the round of bidding has ended; and

wherein during the extension;

all of the qualified bidders are capable of submitting new bids; and

wherein a number of extensions remaining for the at least one of the qualified bidders who was granted the extension request is decremented;

(H) said means for hosting includes means for repetitively determining when the number of tranches bid during a round of bidding are one of equal to and less than the tranche target for each of the at least one of the plurality of products; and

(I) when the number of tranches bid for the round of bidding are one of equal to and less than a certain threshold for each of the at least one of the plurality of products such that no further bidding can take place under auction rules, said means for hosting includes means for ending the auction after the round of bidding and awarding winning bidders at least one tranche having an ending price comprising one of a final price from a final round of bidding and a named exit price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products won by the winning bidders, wherein the winning bidders fulfill the at least one tranche associated with the electric distribution company'"'"'s basic service load by supplying energy requirements including at least one of capacity, energy, ancillary, and transmission services to be distributed to a customer requiring electricity via the basic generation services;

a means for logging all hits to at least one of the means for receiving bid data and the means for hosting,

a means for providing back-up support and maintenance for at least the means for receiving bid data and the means for hosting.