The ERCOT Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting on August 28, 2024, covered several key updates, revision requests, and reports on ongoing projects. The meeting focused on stakeholder engagement, market impacts, and system planning, with discussions spanning from board decisions to detailed technical updates.
Approval of TAC Meeting Minutes
The meeting began with the approval of the July 31 meeting minutes. The motion to approve these minutes was included in the combo ballot, which was later unanimously approved.
Meeting Updates
Caitlin Smith provided updates on the August ERCOT Board and Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) meetings. The Board approved most revision requests recommended by TAC, though NPRR1190 was tabled due to concerns over ERCOT assuming roles traditionally managed by TAC. Plans were discussed to allow stakeholders to present their positions directly to the Board, with future workshops to flesh out process details and gather stakeholder input.
IBR Bifurcated NOGRR Related to NOGRR245
NOGRR245 was approved by the Board after receiving comments from ERCOT and joint commenters. The Board designated a subsequent NOGRR as a priority to address exemption process details and hardware requirements. ERCOT is awaiting commission approval of NOGRR245 before filing the subsequent NOGRR, with the possibility of it becoming a rulemaking, which will be discussed by the PUC on September 26, 2024.
Board Remand of NPRR1215
Austin Rosel discussed NPRR1215, which had been remanded to the Board due to a formula error. Further investigation into questions raised after the formula correction led to the decision to table NPRR1215, which was also added to the combo ballot.
Review of Revision Request Summary
Ann Boren and the Independent Market Monitor (IMM) reviewed eight revision requests on the TAC agenda, all of which received support from ERCOT. The IMM had no opinion on these requests, and the Credit Finance Sub Group (CFSG) found no credit implications. The requests included system process improvements, regulatory requirements, and one Board and PUC directive.
PRS Report
Diana Coleman presented the August PRS report, highlighting two key revision requests:
- NPRR1221 (Related to NOGRR262, Provisions for Operator-Controlled Manual Load Shed): The motion to recommend approval as per the PRS report was added to the combo ballot.
- NPRR1236 (RTC+B Modifications to RUC Capacity Short Calculations): Similarly, this motion was added to the combo ballot.
An update was also given on ERCOT ISO’s final readiness process relating to the NERC reliability standard EOP 11 Version 4, which will be enforceable from October 1, 2024.
Revision Requests Tabled at TAC
Caitlin Smith led the discussion on revision requests tabled at TAC:
- OBDRR046 (Related to NPRR1188, Implement Nodal Dispatch and Energy Settlement for Controllable Load Resources): This request remains tabled.
- NPRR1227 (Related to RMGRR181, Alignment of Defined Term Usage and Resolution of Inconsistencies): The motion to recommend approval of NPRR1227, as well as RMGRR181, was added to the combo ballot.
OBDRR052 (Related to NPRR1246, Energy Storage Resource Terminology Alignment for the Single-Model Era)
The motion to table OBDRR052 was added to the combo ballot.
RMS Report
Debbie McKeever provided an update on RMGRR181, which was unanimously approved and added to the combo ballot. She also briefed the committee on Texas SET 5.0 and MarkeTrak SCR817, which are set for implementation on November 9. These changes are expected to improve management of inadvertent gains and enhance visibility during extreme weather events.
ROS Report
Katie Rich presented NOGRR262 (Provisions for Operator-Controlled Manual Load Shed), recommending its approval as per the ROS report. This recommendation was added to the combo ballot.
WMS Report
Eric Blakey provided a summary of the August 7 WMS meeting, including reports on the state of the market, settlement stability, and unregistered DG. Key points included:
- VCMRR041: Rejected in favor of VCMRR042, which is tabled and referred to the Resource Cost Working Group (RCWG).
- NPRR1242: ERCOT expressed concerns over setting precedents for parsing out fees.
- NPRR1226: Endorsed despite concerns about new dashboards.
- NPRR1238: Tabled and referred to the Wholesale Market Working Group (WMWG).
Credit Finance Sub Group (CFSG) Report
Brenden Sager discussed changes to the estimated aggregate liability and an administrative update on NPRR1215. The focus was on improving credit monitoring and liability calculations, with discussions on potential adjustments to reduce market costs. The motion to add new membership to the CFSG was included in the combo ballot.
RTC+B Task Force Report
Matt Mereness provided an update on the RTC+B project schedule, emphasizing the importance of market trials and resolving outstanding issues. The project is expected to go live by the end of 2025, with ongoing work on aligning business requirements and updating technical specifications.
ERCOT 2025 Membership Application and Agreement Updates
Katherine Gross discussed the 2025 membership application process, which begins on September 20 and ends on November 20. Issues from the previous year’s online application process have been addressed, and ERCOT will ensure clear communication and instructions for applicants.
9/5/24 TAC Workshop for Stakeholder Process
Caitlin Smith highlighted the upcoming TAC workshop on September 5, which will address performance issues and stakeholder feedback. The consensus was for an in-person meeting with a clear agenda.
Combo Ballot Vote
The meeting concluded with the unanimous approval of the combo ballot, which included all discussed motions and recommendations.
