Meeting Summary - 07/11/24 ROS Meeting

1 - Antitrust Admonition - Katie Rich

2 - Agenda Review - Katie Rich

3 - Meeting Minutes - Katie Rich

3.1 - June 6, 2024 - Katie Rich

• Minutes added to combo ballot

4 - TAC Update - Katie Rich

• Approval of PGRR106.
• Two discussions on ancillary services.
• Kickoff discussion of the 2025 AS methodology to start at PDCWG's first meeting in July.
• Follow-up on the 2025 AS methodology to come back for the September ROS.
• PUC ancillary service study update.
• TAC workshop scheduled for August 28.

5 - ERCOT Reports - Katie Rich

5.1 - Operations Report - Alex Lee

• Unofficial peak load for May was 77 GW on May 26-27, an increase of almost 9 GW from the previous year's peak demand for the same month.
• Three frequency events occurred in May, all related to unit trips.
• One instance of ECRS deployment due to installation capacity for netload ramp.
• No responsive users deployment events.
• Nine DC tie curtailments and ten HRUC commitments.
• One reserve capacity shortage watch with no market solutions.
• One transmission emergency notice due to the South Texas import interface.

5.2 - System Planning Report - Robert Golen

• Robert Golen presented ERCOT's system planning monthly status.
• Reviewed proposed transmission projects totaling over $2.8 billion.
• ERCOT has endorsed over $1.1 billion in projects this year as of May 31.
• Discussed ongoing work on the Permian Basin reliability plan study as directed by HB5066.
• Updated on 2024 RTP large load types and generation hubs presented at the May 2024 RPG meeting.
• Prabhu Niram brought up the generation assumptions for the 2024 RTP and highlighted the following points:
• Presented generation assumptions in April where 60 gigawatts of additional load were added.
• Received several comments on these assumptions, categorized into four main themes regarding generation hubs and modeling.
• ERCOT's intent is to balance the load flow case to meet projected load.
• Plans to submit a revision request to capture future generation assumptions before the end of the year.
• Will add clarifying language in the 2024 RTP to address comments received.
• Future clarifications will be presented at RPG or other stakeholder meetings if needed.
• Commitment to submit PGRR before the end of the year, aiming for approval in the next RTP.

5.3 - GTC Update - Yunzhi Cheng

• Hamney Organ GTC update: minor limit changes, interface remains the same.
• Wiley Aerial GTC update: updated for new circuit and recent QSA units, limit increased slightly, interface remains the same.
• McKamey GTC update: updated for new circuit and recent QAC units, limit increased slightly, interface remains the same.
• SCR819 implementation: confirmed fully implemented and productionalized in the ERCOT EMS as of July 1.

5.4 - Outage Coordination - Chris Azeredo

• Chris Azeredo presented issues in outage coordination related to the increase in the number of registered PUNS (points of unaccountability).
• The increase in PUNS impacts the coordination as it reduces the number of generation resources subject to MDRPOC methodology.
• A new enumeration type called 'netted network' will be introduced in ERCOT model applications.
• This change should have minimal impact on resource entities and ERCOT systems.
• Industrial generation facilities will remain as PUNS, while non-industrial generation facilities will be referred to as netted networks internally.
• Plans include starting co-testing and providing an information plan in Q4 2024.
• An RFI will be issued to existing PUNS to identify industrial generation facilities.
• A process for new PUNS claiming exemption from MDRPOC to be developed.
• Market notice will be issued before implementation, with potential updates to RoS as needed.
• Timeline for sending out RFIs is tentatively late summer or early fall (Q3/Q4).
• Feedback collection and response timelines are still being decided.
• The proposed solution aims to internally better recognize non-industrial generation facilities without impacting existing processes or stakeholders.
• Updates on progress will be provided in August or September.

6 - Urgency Vote(s) (Vote)

• NOGRR265, Related to NPRR1238, Voluntary Registration of Loads with Curtailable Load Capabilities

6.1 - NPRR1238, Voluntary Registration of Loads with Curtailable Load Capabilities - Possible Vote

• NPRR1238 hasn't been referred from PRS yet but will be referred to OWG to keep those together.

7 - PRS Referrals - Katie Rich

7.1 - NPRR1229 - Katie Rich

• Referred to ROS and WMS
• NPRR1229 is settlement related, aiming for make-whole payments when ERCOT actions trip a resource offline.
• Issue came up last summer during an operating instruction for reliability.
• Questions from ERCOT mainly about settlements and policy decisions on costs.
• Discussion whether ROS or another group should review.
• General consensus to table at ROS till more questions and issues are developed.
• Acknowledgement this is more operational policy and cost issues than just settlements.
• Plan to discuss these issues at WMWG and get further opinions from ROS.

7.2 - NPRR1234, Interconnection Requirements for Large Loads and Modeling Standards for Loads 25 MW or Greater

• NPRR1234 and PGRR115 intended to work together
• New requirements based on comments related to operations model
• NPRR1234 recommended to be reviewed by NDSWG
• Planning Guide Revision suggested to be reviewed by Planning Working Group
• Proposal discussed with task force and TSPs
• Removal of registered curtailable load requirement from original concept
• Removal of controversial items, including some ride-through requirements
• General focus on interconnection and modeling of large loads
• Aim to accelerate the process for NPRR1234 and related proposals e.g., NPRR1238
• Comments filed about ensuring load information is protected as confidential and critical infrastructure
• Overall positive reception towards improvement and acceptability of NPRR1234

7.3 - NPRR1235 - Katie Rich

• NPRR1235 introduces a new ancillary service called DDRS.
• DRRS is mandated by the PURA act, requiring resources that can start within 2 hours and sustain for 4 hours.
• Several workshops were conducted to discuss the implementation and draft of NPRR1235.
• Initially, a broader range of resources was considered, now focusing on offline generation resources.
• A new resource status for DRRS in real-time has been added for tracking.
• DRRS will be awarded and paid for in the day-ahead market, not optimized in the real-time market.
• Deployment of DRRS will be prioritized within the RUC engine before committing other units.
• Qualification and performance requirements for DRRS will be similar to offline non-spin services.
• Discussion on including ESRs in future phases through phased NPRRs.
• PDCWG is the appropriate group for review.

8 ROS Revisions 

8.1 - PGRR115, Related to NPRR1234, Interconnection Requirements for Large Loads and Modeling Standards for Loads 25 MW or Greater

• Clarifications were made to PGRR115 to specify it is referring to new large loads over 75 MW for planning purposes.
• Section 9 of the protocol confirms reference to new large loads only.
• Concerns about safety led to the removal of language adding remote control on feeder breakers in industrial stations.
• PGRR115 will be discussed in the PLWG's next meeting for further clarifications.
• Discussion on whether PGRR115 affects the annual load data request (ALDR) process; current stance is no specific changes.
• Debate on sending PGRR115 to SSWG reviewed; decided to refer to PLWG.
• Potential addition of NPRR1234 to the combo ballot approved for referral to NDSWG.

8.2 - NOGRR264 - Katie Rich

• Mention of sending both NPRR1235 and its matching NOGRR264.
• No objections or further questions from the meeting participants.
• Confirmation that everything is paired together properly.

8.3 - NOGRR265, Related to NPRR1238, Voluntary Registration of Loads with Curtailable Load Capabilities

• Golden Spread requested urgent status for NOGRR265 initially but it may no longer apply.
• Discussion held at LFLTF regarding this topic; need to confirm current urgency status.
• Golden Spread representative Chris Conan agreed urgency status might not be necessary and preferred tabling the matter to file additional comments.
• Request to refer the matter to OWG for further examination and progress.
• Concern noted about increasing load since the inception of LFLTF two years ago.
• Chris Conan and Katie discussed appropriateness of current deployment trigger (3100 MW PRC) and suggested OWG review this.
• Brett questions penalty structure for non-performance by a queasy with a curtailed load, suggested this be addressed by OWG.
• Plan to table and refer NOGRR and NPRR to OWG to start work on the fundamental issues.
• Agreed to add both NOGRR and NPRR to the combo ballot without opposition.

9 - Revision Requests Tabled at ROS

• Reviewed items currently tabled at ROS.
• No reasons identified to pull any of these items.
• No additional opinions or comments from the participants.

10 - Operations Working Group - Rickey Floyd

• Operations working group updates by Tyler.
• ERCOT reported unofficial peak demands: 77,122 MW on 5/27 HE 1700 (Previous peak for May was 68,169 MW)
• Solar penetration was 19,387 MW on 5/18 at 11:40.
• Texas RE reports NERC alert from June 4th acknowledged by 99% of participants.
• The alert was about inverter-based resource model quality deficiencies.
• Annual report posted on NERC website; NERC requesting participants to join the National Standards group.

10.1 - NPRR1070 - Rickey Floyd

• Comments filed on 6/27 were discussed.
• OWG reached consensus on NPRR1221 filed on 3/20/24 for NPRR1070.
• ERCOT is finalizing language on congestion cost savings criteria with UC staff, no specific time available yet.
• The item remains tabled at the OWG.
• No OTWG update was provided.
• Reminder of the timeline for public and private submissions.
• Acknowledgment of OWG's work on NPRR1221 and NOGRR262.
• Both items added to the combo ballot without opposition.

10.2 - NPRR1221 - Related to NOGRR262, Provisions for Operator-Controlled Manual
Load Shed - Rickey Floyd

• Discussion on NOGRR262 provisions for operator-controlled load shed.
• Golden Spread provided their comments filed on 5/30.
• Phrase added to address situations where some GSDC members' TSP cooperatives lack load shed data control.
• AEP raised concerns about the phrasing not allowing enough flexibility for SCADA-controlled commercial load.
• OWG made edits on paragraph seven.
• OWG preferred to utilize SCADA-controlled load shed by the TDSP.
• OWG reached consensus on the edits and formally submitted the comments.

10.3 - NOGRR262 - Rickey Floyd

• 1221 in NOGRR262 was discussed.
• Decision to move along with 1221 after review of NOGRR and IA.
• Approval of SSWG procedural manual.
• NOGRR262 added to combo ballot.

11 - Planning Working Group - Dylan Preas

11.1 - PGRR107 - Dylan Preas

• Tracking on PGRR107 has been ongoing for a couple of months.
• Item involves inclusion of forecasted load in planning analysis and has been tabled for June follow-up discussion.
• Comments on PGRR107 will be posted soon, with review and discussion to occur at next Tuesday's meeting.
• Discussion on new South Texas GTC and ERCOT RTP, which stemmed from a February ROS question and was discussed in PLWG in March.
• ERCOT plans to revise planning assumptions, particularly around load scaling and resource adequacy.
• PGRR related to planning assumptions is under development and is expected by the end of the year.
• Confirmation that this topic won't be carried forward on the ROS action items list unless there are questions.

12 - Steady State Working Group - Zach Walker

• 24SSWG cases have been posted along with TPIT and CR reports.
• These cases are the first set of no breaker cases.
• Contingencies and data dictionary have been updated and posted on MIS.
• 24SSWG U1, is scheduled to be posted in October.

12.1 - SSWG Procedure Manual - Zach Walker

• Procedure manual update requiring ROS approval.
• Changes Addressed:
• PGRR113: Added language to remove temporary configurations for congestion mitigation in SSWG cases.
• FAC-014-3 R6: Updated language and added Appendix F to comply with new FAC requirements, necessitating TSPs and ERCOT to provide technical rationale for less limiting facility ratings in the SSWG cases.
• Minor changes involving extraordinary dispatch reordering and data field requirements in the ERCOT planning database.

Next Steps:

• Reviewed for questions or comments.
• Proposition to add the updates to the combo ballot for voting.

13 - Combo Ballot - Katie Rich

14 - Black Start Working Group - Michael Dieringer

• The Black Start Working Group will not be discussed this month.
• The group agrees to reschedule for the next month instead.

15 - Dynamics Working Group - Paul Koberlein

• Paul Koberlein introduced the Dynamics Working Group meeting.
• Reviewed June 20 meeting topics including 2024-2025 black start update using SWG cases released in June.
• Discussed draft procedure manual update for NOGRR245, targeting August approval.
• Discussed feedback on self-limiting facilities (SLS) and readiness to post on the resource integration page.
• Requested TSPS to provide a list of MOD-026 and MOD-027 reviews by July 12, 2024.

16 - Inverter Based Resources Working Group - Julia Matevosyan

• Meeting held on June 14, starting with DWG-IBRWG collaboration.
• Focused on dynamic modeling manual language changes due to NOGRR245.
• Discussed transient over voltage and related conformity assessment presented by IEEE 2800.2 working group.
• Recommendations on transient over voltage capabilities based on OEM equipment capability.
• ERCOT continued working on the DWG procedure manual update, targeting August approval.
• Discussed high voltage and low voltage write-through requirements, and active power reduction during voltage write-through events.
• Next, focused on main IBRWG meeting topics with updates on NOGRR245.
• Stevens gave an update on progress and remand from the board to TAC.
• Discussion on PRC-029, a new IBR write-through standard, and its relation to existing standards.
• NERC alert level two updates and other industry updates were presented.
• FERC approved MISO's tariff for implementation of IEEE 2800 standards.
• MISO seeking comments on GFM capabilities for battery energy storage.
• ENTSO-E working on implementation guide for grid-forming capabilities.
• ESIG created a web page tracking grid-forming technology development.

• Ongoing DOE i2x FIRST forum focuses on understanding and adopting updated standards related to inverter-based resources.
• Forum is U.S.-wide, not specific to ERCOT.
• Focus Areas: IEEE 2800 adoption and changes at NPRR standards, specifically related to forequarter 901.
• Forum Monthly Meetings: Includes sign-up links and recorded presentations.
• Materials and agenda for meetings are posted.

17 - Network Data Support Working Group - Gerardo Escamilla

• Presentation on NPRR1234 covering different scenarios.
• ICP handbook content is being evaluated to determine which parts are binding or non-binding.
• Presentation on downstream stream production changes with provided statistics.

18 - Operations Training Working Group - Manual Sanchez

• Updates on training coming up in the next few weeks and months.
• ERCOT Blackstart training scheduled from October 14 through November 21.
• The training includes a computer-based training (CBT) as a prerequisite and an in-person session.
• Market notification from ERCOT expected by the first week of September.
• Contact John Jarmon or Manuel Sanchez for more information.
• Aircraft operations training seminar planned for March-April timeframe next year, will include CEHs.
• ERCOT issued notification for annual severe weather drill; market participants are highly encouraged to participate.
• ERCOT is working on grid forming requirements and will provide an update in tomorrow’s meeting.
• Presentation for the update has already been posted for advance review.
  
  

19 - Other Business - Katie Rich

• Discussion on PRS meeting times: No changes in date and time for next year.
• Continuing with PRS meetings on the first Thursday or thereabouts.
• Proposal for PRS to shift to Wednesday meetings.
• Potential procedural issue: PRS actions on an NPRR may need to waive notice requirements if delayed to Wednesday, but no concerns raised at PRS.
• Next meeting is scheduled for August 1, via Webex only.

19.2 - Review Open Action Items List - Katie Rich

• Discussion on congestion cost test implementation and NPRR1070, which has been an ongoing agenda item.
• Topic remains tabled as ERCOT staff drafts revision requests for planning criteria for GT exit solutions.
• Mention of PGRR115 assignment to PLWG to be included in the next agenda.
• Next PLWG meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 16.

20 - Adjourn - Katie Rich