Meeting Summary – 11/07/24 ROS Meeting

0 – Validation for ROS Standing Representatives – ERCOT Staff

1 – Antitrust Admonition – Katie Rich

2 – Agenda Review – Katie Rich

3 – Approval of ROS Meeting Minutes – Possible Vote – Katie Rich

• Motion to approve October 3rd, 2024 ROS meeting minutes added to Combo Ballot

4 – Technical Advisory Committee TAC Update – Katie Rich

• Extensive discussion on NPRR1190 about HDL overrides; sent back from the board to TAC and tabled for more discussion next month.
• Lengthy discussion on NPRR1180.
• PGRR107 is on the agenda for today but tabled for next month along with discussion on NPRR1180.
• All revision requests brought to TAC were tabled, awaiting NPRRs at PRS.
• Follow-up on NOGRR245, with the Commission to conduct a rulemaking for subsequent issues.

5 – ERCOT Reports

5.1 – Operations Report – Alex Lee

• Unofficial October peak demand was 77,780 MW, which is 6,690 MW less compared to September of the previous year.
• A record for solar generation was set at 21,667 MW on September 8.
• One frequency event was mentioned, linked to a unit trip, but no ECRS or RRS deployments were needed.
• One DC tie curtailment occurred.
• There were 26 HRUC commitments, with nine due to congestion and 17 due to system capacity.
• ERCOT issued an OCN and an advisory for a potential tropical cyclone on September 9.
• Geomagnetic disturbance advisories of [K-7] or higher were issued.
• Frequency control issues began at the end of October, starting around October 27, causing reg exhaustion and additional operator actions.
• Incorrect HSL telemetry for many IRR resources at ERCOT affected SCED dispatch.
• Multiple RFIs were sent to correct the telemetry issues, to improve dispatch and enhance frequency control.
• A call for corrective actions and a quick turnaround on telemetry issues was made, with a week’s deadline for responsive actions.
• Follow-up discussion is anticipated at the December meeting if telemetry corrections are completed on time.

5.2 – System Planning Report – Ping Yan

• Ping Yin presented the monthly system planning report for ERCOT Grid Planning.
• An update on the extra High Voltage Infrastructure plan will be discussed at the upcoming RPG meeting next Tuesday.
• Ping Yin expressed willingness to address any questions, though none were raised during this segment.

5.3 – DWG Procedure Manual – Vote – Erin Wasik-Gutierrez

• Motion to approve the DWG Procedure as submitted added to combo ballot
• Erin Wasik-Gutierrez introduced changes to the DWG manual for approval.
• Previous changes related to NOGRR245 had inadvertently omitted existing language.
• The current proposal involves reinstating omitted text that was existing language.
• The reinstated text is visible in sections 3.4.1 through 4 of the manual.
• The request for approval is for transparency, ensuring all members had visibility into the changes.
• Suggestion to place the item on the combo ballot for voting.

6 – ROS Revision Requests – Vote – Katie Rich

• Three IAs,, all have no impact.

6.1 – PGRR107, Related to NPRR1180, Inclusion of Forecasted Load in Planning Analyses

• Motion to endorse and forward to TAC the 10/3/24 ROS Report and 10/16/24 Impact Analysis for PGRR107
  • There was a delay in releasing the IA because of ERCOT’s review of NPRR1180.
  • The review of NPRR1180’s IA led to revisions, but PGRR107’s IA remains unchanged.
  • No project required.

6.2 – PGRR118, Related to NPRR1246, Energy Storage Resource Terminology Alignment for the Single-Model Era

• Motion to endorse and forward to TAC the 10/3/24 ROS Report and 7/31/24 Impact Analysis for PGRR118.
  • No project required.

6.3 – NOGRR268, Related to NPRR1246, Energy Storage Resource Terminology Alignment for the Single-Model Era

• Motion to endorse and forward to TAC the 10/3/24 ROS Report and 7/31/24 Impact Analysis for NOGRR268.
  • No project required.

6.4 – PGRR120, SSO Prevention for Generator Interconnection

06-november_ros_sso_prevention_pgrr120

• Motion to table PGRR120 and refer the issue to PLWG and DWG added to combo ballot
  • Background information was provided on the series capacitors in the ERCOT system, initially installed to facilitate renewable energy transfer and other generation transfers.
  • Defined various types of subsynchronous oscillations  including SSR, SSCI, and SSFR, and discussed SSR mitigation strategies present in ERCOT protocols.
  • Highlighted historical SSO events and the continued occurrence of SSR events, despite existing mitigation measures, causing delays and equipment issues.
  • The proposal of PGRR120 aims to prevent new generation projects from interconnecting such that they are N-1 (one Credible Single Contingency) from being radial to a series capacitor(s) and includes measures for generator modifications and real-time SSO mitigation.
  • Clarified that the mitigation requirements primarily apply to new transmission-connected generators and addressed informal comments regarding distributed generation.
  • Cyrus Reed raised questions about the distribution of mitigation responsibilities between generators and TDUs, discovering that the generator community carries most of the financial responsibility for SSR mitigation.
  • It was revealed that fully mitigating SSR issues is complex and challenging, leading to the proposal to prevent new generators from connecting in high-risk configurations.
  • There was a suggestion to analyze and determine the impact on generators currently in the queue and understand how many projects might be affected by the proposed PGRR120.
  • Questions were raised by other participants on the SSO event list, the number of affected projects, and the handling of series capacitors.
  • Clarified that ERCOT requested PGRR120 be tabled and referred to PLWG and DWG, reflecting the complexity and need for further analysis.

6.5 – NOGRR271, Related to NPRR1257, Limit on Amount of RRS a Resource can Provide Using Primary Frequency Response

• Motion to table NOGRR271 and refer the issue to PDCWG added to combo ballot

7 – NPRR1257, Limit on Amount of RRS a Resource can Provide Using Primary Frequency Response – Possible Vote – Katie Rich

• Motion to request PRS to table NPRR1257 for further review by PDCWG added to combo ballot

8 – Revision Requests Tabled at PRS and Referred to ROS – Possible Vote – Katie Rich.

8.1 – NPRR1229, Real-Time Constraint Management Plan Energy Payment

• NPRR1229 is currently being reviewed by WMWG.
• No updates or discussions were conducted during this meeting on this agenda item.

8.2 – NPRR1234, Interconnection Requirements for Large Loads and Modeling Standards for Loads 25 MW or Greater – NDSWG

• NPRR1234 is under review by the NDSWG.
• A presentation on NPRR1234 is expected to be given today.

9 – Revision Requests Tabled at ROS – Possible Vote – Katie Rich

9.1 – PGRR073, Related to NPRR956, Designation of Providers of Transmission Additions

• PGRR073 will remain in its current status.
• The meeting will proceed with OWG’s presentation followed by a break.
• Eithar Nashawati from Oncor inquired about NPRR1229 and its expectation from ROS.
• The NPRR229 remains tabled to address questions from ERCOT to STEC, which are technical and market-related.
• The need for input from ROS is a reason for the item staying tabled.

10 – Operations Working Group – OWG – Rickey Floyd

10-owg_ros_20241107.pdf

10.1 – NPRR1070, Planning Criteria for GTC Exit Solutions – OWG, PLWG – Possible Vote

• NPRR1070 planning criteria for GTC exit solution is currently tabled at OWG.
• Awaiting follow-up comments from ERCOT regarding their approach to the planning criteria.

10.2 – NPRR1238, Voluntary Registration of Loads with Curtailable Load Capabilities – OWG – Possible Vote

• Waiting for ERCOT comments to be posted for NPRR1238.
• OWG will review the comments to try to reach consensus.
• Concerns about tracking Voluntary Early Curtailment Loads (VECLs).
• No recent update from ERCOT on the comments.
• Hopeful for comments to be filed before the next OWG meeting.

10.3 – NOGRR265, Related to NPRR1238, Voluntary Registration of Loads with Curtailable Load Capabilities – OWG – Possible Vote

• The agenda item relates to NPRR1238, and ERCOT comments are pending.
• ERCOT had hoped to file comments before the current meeting but received further input from their Legal department suggesting a different approach.
• ERCOT is having additional internal discussions and aims to submit comments before the next OWG meeting.
• Attendees are reminded to inform Ricky or Tyler if comments are delayed.
• Imani has questions that are best addressed at the next OWG meeting, where Agee and possibly Bill Blevins will be available.
• The current meeting has concluded with a 10-minute break scheduled before resuming with the PLWG update.

11 – Planning Working Group – PLWG – Dylan Preas

11-planning-working-group-report_10162024.pdf

• Discussion focused on the PLWG report.
• Dylan Preas and Mina Turner outlined the agenda for NPRR1247.
• Initial updates were provided before addressing specific slides on NPRR1247.
• Dylan Preas introduced himself as the PLWG Chair.
• The Planning Working Group meeting took place on October 16th.

11.1 – PGRR115, Related to NPRR1234, Interconnection Requirements for Large Loads and Modeling Standards for Loads 25 MW or Greater – PLWG – Possible Vote

• PGRR115 interconnection requirements for large loads were reviewed.
• Focus on modeling standards for loads 25 MWor greater.
• Reviewed comments from AEP on larger load rules and processes.
• Included discussion of new terms and applicable thresholds for large generator interconnection studies.
• Consideration of loads requested in neighboring TSPs within the same area.
• ERCOT plans to submit reply comments before the November 12th PLWG meeting.
• The item was tabled for further discussion.

11.2 – PGRR117, Addition of Resiliency Assessment and Criteria to Reflect PUCT Rule Changes – PLWG – Possible Vote

• Motion to recommend approval of PGRR117 as amended by the 10/11/24 ERCOT comments added to combo ballot
  • PGRR117 is being passed on to ROS for consideration.
  • The addition of resiliency assessment and criteria is introduced in Section 3 (regional planning) and Section 4 (transmission system criteria) of the Planning guide.
  • ERCOT’s 10/11/24 comments were reviewed.
  • There’s a concern about the lack of a clear process on using the results from the resiliency assessment.
  • ERCOT plans to propose an NPRR to address how to evaluate upgrades meeting the proposed resiliency criteria.
  • The recommendation to move forward to ROS is based on ERCOT’s comments.

11.3 – PGRR119, Stability Constraint Modeling Assumptions in the Regional Transmission Plan

• Introduction of PGRR119 regarding stability constraint modeling assumptions in the Regional Transmission Plan (RTP).
• First presentation of this item to PLWG.
• Review by ERCOT which formalizes the current practice of applying a reliability margin to stability constraints.
• Modeling of constraints takes place in RTP reliability and economic base cases.
• Request made to table the item for further discussion after an initial review.

11.4 – NPRR1247, Incorporation of Congestion Cost Savings Test in Economic Evaluation of Transmission Projects – PLWG – Possible Vote

• Motion to endorse NPRR1247 as amended by the 10/23/24 ERCOT comments
• Motion carries with 76.9% in favor, and 11 abstentions.
  • NPRR1247 was initially skipped and then reintroduced for discussion.
  • Discussion included NERC CIP-014-4 revisions and its ballot failure.
  • NERC TPL-008-1 on transmission planning for extreme weather was mentioned.
  • Review of load planning language from PGRR107 will be revisited in October or November.
  • Discussion about moving forward with PGRR117; added to the combo ballot.
  • Dylan presented NPRR1247’s purpose and outcome of the special October 29th meeting.
  • PLWG draft with luminant comments was highlighted featuring three main language changes.
  • ERCOT’s comments post-PLWG meeting were discussed, noting oppositions to incorporating certain white papers.
  • Option to consider and vote on ERCOT or PLWG versions of the NPRR based on white papers impact.
  • Concerns over voting urgency and procedural constraints were expressed.

12 – Network Data Support Working Group – NDSWG – Gerardo Escamilla

12-ndswg_report_to_ros_10312024.pdf

• Discussion on the ICCP handbook and NPRR1234 modeling for loads of 25 MW or greater.
• Clarification on identifying loads as large customers, commercial, or residential.
• Consideration of identifying if a station has single or multiple load owners.
• Pending discussion and decision on the ICCP handbook linked with RTC+B Project.
• Reiteration of the urgency for the NPRR1247 IA at PRS to meet the end-of-year timeline.
• Confirmation that either NPRR1247 version wouldn’t require changes to the IA.
• Acknowledgment that no changes to IA would ensure keeping the urgent timeline.

13 – Combo Ballot – Vote – Katie Rich

• Motion to approve the combo ballot as presented passes with 100% in favor with no abstentions.
  • Motion to approve October 3, 2024 ROS Meeting Minutes.
  • Motion to approve the DWG Procedure Manual as submitted.
  • PGRR107 – Motion to endorse and forward to TAC the 10/3/24 ROS Report and 10/16/24 Impact Analysis.
  • PGRR118 – Motion to endorse and forward to TAC the 10/3/24 ROS Report and 7/31/24 Impact Analysis .
  • NOGRR268 – Motion to endorse and forward to TAC the 10/3/24 ROS Report and 7/31/24 Impact Analysis.
  • Motion to table PGRR120 and refer the issue to PLWG and DWG
  • Motion to table NOGRR271 and refer the issue to PDCWG
  • Motion to request PRS to table NPRR1257 for further review by PDCWG
  • Motion to recommend approval of PGRR117 as amended by the 10/11/24 ERCOT comments

14 – Dynamics Working Group (DWG)

• Not Discussed

15 – Inverter Based Resources Working Group (IBRWG)

• Not Discussed

16 – Steady State Working Group (SSWG) 

• Not Discussed

17 – Operations Training Working Group (OTWG)

• Not Discussed

18 – Other Business – Katie Rich

18.1 – Review Open Action Items List

• Discussion on NOGRR245 and upcoming related work.
• EEA 2 event on September 6th, 2023 reviewed by working groups. No lingering issues reported.
• No immediate actions required on parking lot items.
• Next meeting scheduled for December 5th..

18.2.1 – Black Start Working Group (BSWG)

• Not Discussed

18.2.2 – PDCWG

• Not Discussed

18.2.4 – System Protection Working Group – SPWG

• SPWG conducted a survey with TDSPs regarding the system protection topic.
• The item will be brought up again in the November Agenda.
• Next steps include deciding on the need for a subsequent PGRR or any binding document drafts.
• Topic is still actively being worked on.
• Update received on the ICCP handbook from NDSWG.
• Awaiting feedback from ERCOT for further review.

18.2.5 – Not Discussed

19 – Adjourn