Meeting Summary - Project No. 53911 , Aggregate Distributed Energy Resource (ADER) ERCOT Pilot Project

Grid Monitor AI | Posted 10/22/2024

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1 - Opening Remarks - Chair

  • Introduction by Jason Ryan and co-chair Joel Yu from Enchanted Rock.
  • Reminder that the session is being recorded and will be available on YouTube.
  • For new participants, questions can be asked via the raise hand feature and chat function.
  • Slides will be posted in project 53911 along with the YouTube recording link.
  • Acknowledgment of work and time dedicated by task force members and partners at PUC, OPUC, and ERCOT.
  • Agenda overview by Joel Yu including discussions on interoperability and feedback from last meeting's slides.
  • Discussion on technical expertise follow-up and roadmap to 80 MW for the ADER program expansion.
  • Plan to recap open action items from the previous meeting.

2 - Cmsr Glotfelty Memo item #1 Discussion - Scott Hinson, Pencan Street Institute

  • Scott Hinson, CTO of Pecan Street, Inc., shared insights on interoperability and accessibility in energy systems.
  • Emphasized the importance of adopting industry standards as a whole, particularly citing IEEE 1547 for renewable energy devices.
  • Discussed the issues surrounding standards that may conflict internationally and the need to choose comprehensive standards.
  • Highlighted risks of not adopting full standards, leading to outdated and non-standard equipment on the grid.
  • Explained that interoperability does not automatically mean accessibility; manufacturers must ensure device access.
  • Suggested that cybersecurity concerns should not hinder accessibility and recommended strong encryption practices.
  • Discussed the potential challenges of requiring accessibility in device regulations.
  • Outlined issues with older equipment using unencrypted Modbus, suggesting secure gateways as a solution.
  • Addressed concerns about compatibility of interoperability standards with NERC CIP requirements.
  • Expressed a need for continuous learning and adaptation as regulations and standards evolve.
  • Concluded with recommendations to automatically adopt revised standards with a grace period and ensure rules require accessibility.

3 - ERCOT Recap and Listening Session - 20 min

  • Plans to discuss task force recommendations at the next meeting and draft changes to the governing document.
  • Review of the blocky load concept as part of phase three of the pilot, with limited system changes required.
  • Discussion on the aggregated NCLR concept and its benefits, including enabling residential participation.
  • Clarification on choosing a VPP provider independent of a retail electric provider under the NCLR concept.
  • Connections between residential demand participation and ERCOT's broader efforts to incentivize residential engagement.
  • Separateness of ongoing discussions and potential broader integration of residential aggregation in the future.
  • Discussion on potential changes to protocol requirements related to ALR, LSE, and QSE representations.
  • Clarification on whether the NCLR model addresses issues in the commissioner's memo and its primary objectives.
  • Exploration of blocky loads as net injection and potential adjustments to requirements for aggregated resources.
  • Continuing development of governing document markups with consensus support and openness to further discussions.

4 - Technical Expertise/Institutions - Effort to map MW potential for ADERs - Update 20 min

  • Effort to map potential for ADERs with a focus on the 80 MW goal.
  • Carmen Best discussed existing research and the need to communicate progress in achieving the 80 MW target.
  • Joel Yu referenced discussions about utilizing existing research and notes related to ADER potential.
  • Exploration of primary vs. secondary research and the prioritization of tasks.
  • Suggestions included surveying companies or using existing comments to ascertain resource potential.
  • Acknowledgment of using annual reports and modeling tools for primary research.
  • Importance of aligning task force efforts with commission interests and overall market objectives.
  • Discussion on classification and relevance of different studies concerning ADERs.
  • Rajiv Shah emphasized potential usefulness of the exercise for internal and external purposes.
  • Carmen highlighted the educational aspect rather than a marketing focus.
  • Talks around participation models and integrations with existing pilot programs were highlighted by discussion members.
  • Discussion of timely deliverables with suggestions that align with the end of year or the first quarter report of 2025.
  • Recommendations to collate existing resources and avoid duplicative work were emphasized.

5 - Review issues inventory

  • Revisiting ongoing inventory of items from the last discussion on roadmap to 80 MW.
  • Clarification received to remove injection requirement for ADER.
  • Need to improve understanding of potential MW available, especially for systems behind the meter.
  • Discussion on better reporting and interconnection reports for smaller systems.
  • Consideration of potential federal funding impact on solar and storage systems.
  • Addressing technical requirements in RFP processes for ADER participation.
  • Evaluating information on residential solar installations reported by TDUs to commission.
  • Discussion on possible need for more granular data reporting by utilities.
  • Acknowledgment of a lack of data on available systems and the need to address this.
  • Action items to plan addressing pending issues effectively by the end of the year.

6 - Discuss next workshop scheduling and agenda

  • A November workshop is planned, with a Doodle poll sent out to task force members to schedule the date.
  • The workshop will focus on items two and four from Commissioner Glotfelty's memo, which haven't been fully discussed yet.
  • Presentations are expected on these topics and the goal is to develop consensus on all four questions in the memo by the end of the year.
  • ERCOT aims to make progress on revising the governing document.
  • More than one meeting in December may be required to address all issues.
  • Accommodating as many schedules as possible is a priority.
  • Participants agreed on the proposed approach.
  • Slides from the meeting and a link to the recording will be posted in the project.
  • The next meeting is planned for the first half of November, before the holidays.

7 - Adjourn

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