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ERCOT Planning Working Group Meeting Notes - 1/25

Grid Monitor - staff writer
01/26/2023

Agenda            1.     Antitrust Admonition   2.     General Update: a.     PLWG received referrals at the last ROS meeting, but those items are farther down on today’s agenda.   3.     PLWG Leadership Nominations a.     Chair – Alex Miller b.     Vice Chair – Kiran Kota, Dylan Preas c.     The option for vice chair will be presented to ROS for selection. It was noted that, historically, one leader comes from the generation sector and the other from transmission.   4.     PGRR103 Establish Time limit for Generator Commissioning Following Approval to Synchronize a.     ERCOT presented this revision which intends to set time limits on the generator commissioning process. After completion of the interconnection phase the process to be fully commissioned has three parts. The 180-day time limit is intended to capture the time for testing and movement from part 2 to part 3. If a facility doesn’t complete that transition in 180 days they will be referred to ERCOT Compliance. b.     While some stakeholders agreed that generators should not take 2 years to complete this process, they were reluctant to accept the 180-day time frame. Generators spoke to assert that some of the delays in completing the testing and  steps to be incorporated into the planning models are out of the generator’s control. ERCOT asserts that they DO need a number to qualify a time limit, but they are flexible on what the number should be. c.     Solar generators spoke to say that the size of solar plants are increasing, and that the larger the solar plant the longer the testing time frame. For their part, they already have financial incentives to complete this process, but length to complete the test is the constraint. d.     Stakeholders asked whether the issues are technical or administrative, and interested parties will bring back information on the technical challenges. Impacted stakeholders are working to write joint comments. e.     This will remain tabled and will be discussed next month.   5.     NPRR 1070 – Planning Criteria for GTC Exit Solutions a.     The sponsor (EDFR) asked ERCOT for the status the ERCOT. They stated that they need to create the CCS test. They intend to hire an independent consultant to help develop that test, and to work with stakeholders. They are working on the RfP and hope to have the study completed expeditiously. This will inform the NPRR’s that will be necessary. This time line for this process to occur is not yet specified. b.     Stakeholders expressed a desire to complete the development of the CCS this year, and in advance of the next RTP cycle. c.     A stakeholder asked whether the consultant would focus on the existing GRR test in working to form the new CCS test. ERCOT answered that they intends for the GRR to be used as the basis for the CCS test.   6.     Review of Status of Parking Lot Items a.     KTC- 15-6 RMR and MRA Services analysis for Batteries                                                i.     ERCOT was asked what they’re expectations were as far as timing of this work. ERCOT does not expect to include batteries in the RMR in the short-term. They have other higher priorities, but will provide an update when they have one. b.     NERC Standard FAC-002-4: Qualified Change for the purpose of Facility Interconnection                                                i.     NERC completed a rulemaking to define Qualified Change. ERCOT stated that the new standard is going to be effective next January, and they are working to implement this change. They will bring the discussion back up next month so that the necessary changes can be in place before the effective date. c.     DC Ties – identify planning criteria changes that may be needed to realize potential reliability benefits                                                i.     This was passed to PLWG at a ROS meeting. PLWG leadership suggested that the group needs to specify someone that will work on advancing this issue. This may be discussed at a future PLWG, or the group can ask ROS to remove the topic or help scope the discussion.   7.     Other Items a.     None   8.     Adjourn