The ERCOT Planning Working Group (PLWG) met on September 24, 2024, to review the progress on planning-related topics, revision requests, and upcoming regulatory requirements. The meeting included key discussions on load terminology, large load interconnection requirements, resiliency assessments, and economic evaluation methods for transmission projects.
General Updates
- PGRR107 Related to NPRR1180: At its September 9 meeting, ROS voted to endorse PGRR107 related to NPRR1180. PGRR107 pertains to the inclusion of forecasted load in planning analyses, with desktop edits reflecting changes in load terminology (capital ‘L’ and small ‘l’). The planning guide will be reviewed and revised to accommodate these changes across the broader document.
- 2025 PLWG Meetings: There was a discussion on whether PLWG meetings should continue to be held jointly with RPG or as standalone sessions. Some members raised concerns about the length of agendas for both RPG and PLWG meetings, and whether joint meetings allow for adequate discussion time. It was suggested that joint meetings could be scheduled on adjacent days (before or after) to optimize travel, though room availability remains a challenge. Discussions on adjusting the 2025 meeting structure will continue, including the possibility of canceling and rescheduling meetings based on agenda size. Additionally, leadership nominations for 2025 PLWG will begin in November, with transitions expected in February.
PGRR115 Related to NPRR1234 – Interconnection Requirements for Large Loads and Modeling Standards
- CenterPoint Energy Comments (08/29/24): Jim Lee from CenterPoint Energy discussed PGRR115 and its focus on clarifying the Load Commissioning Plan (LCP). Key updates included the definition of the load facility and load point, which will be capitalized throughout the document. The interconnection process for generators and large loads was separated, with a new section specifically for large loads. Changes to the timeline of large load interconnection studies were made, extending the scoping process to 10 days. The terminology “lead TSP” was standardized, and further clarifications were provided on the responsibility for modeling data.
- Oncor Comments (09/09/24): Martha Henson from Oncor provided additional feedback, focusing on separating load-related provisions from Quarterly Stability Assessment (QSA). Oncor proposed to strike a paragraph that created inconsistencies around capacity increases. Clarifications were made regarding the Load Commissioning Plan (LCP) and the role of the TSP in managing these processes.
PGRR117 – Addition of Resiliency Assessment and Criteria Reflecting PUCT Rule Change
A second presentation was provided on PGRR117, which aims to add resiliency assessment criteria to reflect changes in the PUC rules. The document will include contingency sets, including P0, P1, and P2.1 as defined by NERC TPL-001, and will strike unnecessary language around power supply. Discussion ensued about the inclusion of load loss duration as a factor, with stakeholders debating whether this is necessary. ERCOT plans to incorporate feedback and update its study approach to include more resiliency scenarios in future assessments.
NPRR1247 – Incorporation of Congestion Cost Savings Test in Economic Evaluation of Transmission Projects
The group discussed NPRR1247, which involves incorporating a congestion cost savings test in the economic evaluation of transmission projects. Laurie Block raised concerns about timeline consistency, while Ping Yang clarified ERCOT’s approach, noting that the test compares annual savings with revenue requirements for projects. There was further discussion about the need for a white paper to add transparency to this process. Stakeholder questions centered on economic benefit calculations and the legal nature of the white paper. The issue was tabled for the next meeting, pending further discussion from ROS.
NERC Topics Roundtable
- CIP-014-4 Physical Security: A new draft of CIP-014-4 was posted by NERC Project 2023-06, and stakeholders were encouraged to submit comments. A webinar is scheduled for October 17.
- TPL-008 Transmission System Planning for Extreme Temperature Events: Sun Wook from ERCOT discussed the development of a new draft of TPL-008, which focuses on planning for extreme weather events. Transmission planners were urged to pay attention to this significant revision.
