Meeting Summary - 07/16/24 PLWG Meeting

1 - Antitrust Admonition - Chair

2 - Agenda Review - Chair

3 - Review of PLWG Meeting Minutes - June 11 - Chair

• Minutes were distributed for comments.
• No comments were received back.
• Meeting minutes are considered final and memorialized on the events page.

4 - General updates - Chair

4.1 - PGRR106 Clarify Projects Included in TPIT Report approved by TAC

• PGRR106, which clarifies projects included in TPIT reports.
• PGRR106 was approved by TAC during the last ROS.

4.2 - ROS referred PGRR115 to PLWG

• PGRR115 was reviewed at the ROS meeting and referred to PLWG.
• No other general updates were provided from the ROS meeting.

5 - PGRR107 - related to NPRR1180 - Inclusion of Forecasted Load in Planning Analyses - PLWG

• ERCOT posted late-breaking comments; revisions since December.
• Worked with TSPs, particularly Oncor, to produce this version with comments for both PGRR107 and NPRR1180.
• December version raised concerns about loads proposed by TDSPs not meeting standards in existing PUC rules.
• ERCOT's new simplified approach focuses on whether load is supported by quantifiable evidence.
• Introduction of terms "substantiated load" and "unsubstantiated load" in protocols and planning guide.
• Definition of substantiated load includes loads with interconnection agreements, credible third-party forecasts, or officer letters attesting to load.
• Revised procedures to exclude projects based on unsubstantiated load from RTP and RPG processes.
• Concerns raised about double counting and confidentiality of officer letters.
• Discussion on clarifying the inclusion of "native load" and its relationship to other terms.
• Decision to proceed through further discussions and comments before finalizing protocol changes.

6 - PGRR115 - related to NPRR1234 – Interconnection Requirements for Large Loads and
Modeling Standards for Loads 25 MW or Greater - ERCOT

• Discussion on interconnection requirements for loads of 25MW or greater.
• Presentation slides were sent and reviewed by participants.
• Main focus was on NPRR1234 and PGRR115.
• Purpose: To address the large load interconnection process and modeling standards.
• Background on the interim large load interconnection process started in 2019.
• Specific criteria under market notice for adding more than 75MW in less than two years.
• Introduction of load commissioning plan to provide insight into load levels.
• Criteria for loads connecting to transmission systems and relevant studies.
• Discussion on significant loads, SSR study requirements, and timelines.
• Emphasis on the need for accurate modeling and updating of information.
• Clarification of requirements for different scenarios including colocated loads and loads near GTCs.
• Feedback received on existing language and proposed new sections.
• ERCOT's role and responsibilities in reviewing studies and updating reserves.
• Concerns about modeling and updating model data for significant load changes.
• Questions from participants regarding thresholds, processes, and modeling requirements addressed.

6.1 - ERCOT Steel Mills comments to PGRR115 - ERCOT Steel Mills

• Comment from Steel Mills: Substation operators should manually coordinate and operate necessary devices; remote control is deemed unnecessary and can cause fatalities.
  
  
• ERCOT's Response: ERCOT acknowledges the safety concerns; however, the ability to remotely control loads might be necessary if the entire grid is at risk. Efforts will be made to address safety concerns before using such measures.
  
  
• Follow-up Comment from Steel Mills: Remote control should not be applied to existing loads that are critical, due to the potential for human and equipment harm. Manual intervention should be used instead.
  
  
• Discussions on Ordinance Language: Martha Henson from Oncor mentioned that the language reflects current connection practices with Oncor, and there's openness to offline discussions for potential tweaks.
  
  
• Concerns About Remote Control: It was reiterated that remote control is not seen as necessary and could be very dangerous, potentially leading to millions of dollars in equipment damage.
  
  
• Planning and Operations Interface: Discussion around whether specific requirements belong in planning or operations sections.
  
  
• Continued Need for Flexibility: Potential solutions and compromises around language to cater to both reliability and safety concerns were suggested.
  
  
• Study Procedures Overview: Detailed explanation of the study process, including steady state and stability studies, scoping processes, and coordination among various stakeholders.
  
  
• Clarifications and Intentions: Clarifications made on sections regarding N-1-1 review for large load studies, posting study reports for stakeholder visibility, and the requirement for interconnection agreements to finalize study results.
  
  
• Pending Comments and Review: Acknowledge the significant amount of feedback and pending comments from entities like Oncor, with plans to continue offline discussions to refine the draft.
  
  

7 - Draft PGRR Addition of Resiliency Assessment and Criteria to Reflect PUCT Rule Changes - ERCOT

• Discussion about the draft PGRR addition on resiliency assessment and criteria.
• Aimed to reflect PUC rule changes.
• Intended to present the draft PGRR to PLWG before ROS next month.
• Draft material was not available for the current meeting as planned.
• Objective is to make everyone aware that the criteria will go to ROS next month.
• Acknowledgement of not having the draft language ready for this meeting.
• Need to get the process moving after previous discussions.

8 - NERC Topics Roundtable - Mina Turner

8.1 - CIP-014-4

• Presentation based on original language by drafting team.
• Ballot and comments were due by July 3.
• Drafting team met last week and made many changes.
• Reviewed almost 400 pages of comments.
• Still working on it, aiming to have new language by next month.
• Next ballot scheduled for August.
• No changes posted yet.
• Important for planners at 14.

9 - Review Open Action Items - Chair

• ERCOT is working with PUC staff to finalize NPRR1070 draft language for stakeholder discussion.
• Another PGRR is planned to address items in NPRR1070.
• Stakeholders will review and decide how to move forward with NPRR1070 after discussions.

10 - Other Business

• Introduction of new supervisor for the large load team, Julie.
• Julie previously worked in the planning department, specifically in economic analysis.
• Julie will be leading the team and reporting to Agee.
• Meeting concluded with no additional business.

11 - Adjourn - Chair