Meeting Summary - 12/03/2024 - MCT and Texas SET Joint Meeting

Grid Monitor AI | Posted 12/04/2024

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▶️ 1 - Antitrust Admonition

▶️ 2 - Introductions/Agenda Review

Flight_Testing_Update_to_TXSET_20241203 .pdf

  • Agenda focused on three main discussions: production, cutover, and testing with lessons learned.
  • Encouragement for open discussions on the Texas SET Project; agenda is flexible to accommodate productive conversations.
  • Overview of flight testing: 28 new CRs tested, with one withdrawal; scheduled dates for future flights announced.
  • Acknowledgement of successful implementation of Texas Set five; gratitude expressed towards participants and leadership.

▶️ 3 - TEXAS SET 5.0 Production Open Discussion

▶️ 3.1 - Issues Identified?

  • Speaker: Rob Bevil, TNMP
    Initially observed issues with validations in the power outage segment, including punctuation rules. However, these were resolved within a couple of weeks and no longer pose a problem.

  • Speaker: Kyle Patrick, NRG
    Discussion on whether the guide for the power outage segment was clear enough and acknowledged that initial confusion might have been caused by market circumstances and last-minute rulemaking.

  • Speaker: Sheri Wiegand, Vistra
    Reassured that the confusion around the power outage segment was not ongoing, and any initial errors have been resolved. Emphasized the importance of ensuring PCs (production change requests) remain hassle-free.

  • Speaker: Kathy Scott, CNP
    Noticed challenges with backdated move-ins and IA/CR indicators but clarified that these issues were isolated and not market-wide, suggesting they resulted from overlooked development considerations.

  • Speaker: Various Utilities
    Utilities including Centerpoint Energy, Oncor, and AEP confirm that the IA/CR code processes are functioning well as anticipated, and there are no significant systematic issues.

  • Speaker: Kyle & Sheri
    Agreed that RMTTF will address any confusion in training with revisions accommodating Texas SET 5.0 and SCR817 changes, ensuring clarity on transaction rejects and the encouragement for using IA codes.

  • Speaker: Kathryn Thurman, ERCOT
    Provided insights on the volume of IA and CR transactions in recent weeks, which are being tracked for alignment with historical averages.

  • Speaker: Stephen Wilson, Vistra
    ERCOT's reject numbers have stabilized, and producers are encouraged to continually check mapping statuses to avoid transaction issues with customers.

  • Speaker: Kyle Patrick, NRG
    Changes in the MIS interface were unexpected and came as a surprise, resulting in some confusion. There is ongoing discussion regarding feedback and potential adjustments.

▶️ 4 - TEXAS SET 5.0 Cutover Discussion

  • The call related to the cutover process went well according to initial feedback.
  • Discussion on whether Friday should be a non-operational day during cutover.
  • Acknowledgment that Sunday serves as a beneficial buffer day for backed-up transactions.
  • Debate on the necessity of blocking off Friday, considering potential impact on operations.
  • Retailers and TDSPs must evaluate the impact of blocking Friday on operations and customer service.
  • Cutover impacts discussed in terms of transaction version changes and operations timing.
  • ERCOT finds Sunday beneficial for preparation, while real-world impact on TDSPs due for consideration.
  • Feedback from TDSPs indicated minimal misuse of the cutover protocol, specifically regarding emergency reconnections.
  • Ensured communication helped in keeping service call volumes in check during the cutover period.
  • The strategic decision to avoid cutovers at the start of the month to minimize inconvenience to customers.
  • Overall, positive feedback on the execution of cutover, noting good timing and alignment among participating entities.

▶️ 5 - TEXAS SET 5.0 Testing Discussion

  • Discussion about initial thoughts on how to conduct testing.
  • Testing methods are something the group can control immediately.

▶️ 5.1 - Lessons Learned

  • TDSP and CR need to clarify if they are unable to support specific segments in testing ahead of time, possibly by obtaining waivers, if they aren’t going to send specified codes as a required prescription.

  • Scripts should clearly indicate optional segments to avoid confusion during testing.
  • Numerous rejections occurred in production due to failure in testing optional fields correctly.
  • Recommendation to revisit and possibly update the scripts used for testing to ensure clarity on optional fields.
  • Importance of having a test environment as close to production as possible was emphasized.
  • Observations that FlighTrak, while useful, isn't specifically designed for SET release testing and has room for improvement.
  • Need for tools and environments that facilitate additional testing outside of standard scripts.
  • Desire for more advanced access to test beds to better prepare for testing phases.
  • Consideration for a more coordinated communication process, such as a day-one call during large-scale testing, to quickly address issues or updates.
  • Suggestions to revisit the scripts prior to the next flight and make necessary updates post-February flight.
  • Discussion on the use of FlighTrak and ways to improve its accessibility and functionality for new and infrequent users.
  • Emphasized the need for users to refer to the available user guide for better navigation of FlightTrack.

▶️ 6 - Meeting Dates 2025

  • Proposed preliminary meeting dates starting Tuesday, January 14th, 2025.
  • Meetings are flexible; adjustments can be made throughout the year.
  • Open discussion on whether more face-to-face meetings are desirable.
  • Consideration of holding quarterly in-person meetings for efficiency.
  • For sequential meetings, Kyle proposed SET starts afternoon of 18th, TDTMS morning of 19th.
  • Election of leadership roles to occur in January, a chair and two vice chairs format.
  • Open floor for comments or questions regarding the proposed schedule and meeting format.

▶️ 7 - Other Business

  • No other business was discussed.
  • Meeting was adjourned for 2024.

 



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