Meeting Summary - 04/03/2025 ROS Meeting

▶️1 - Antitrust Admonition

▶️2 - Agenda Review

▶️3 - Approval of ROS Meeting Minutes (Possible Vote)

▶️3.1 - March 6, 2025

• Motion to approve March 6, 2025 meeting minutes added to the combo ballot.

▶️4 - Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Update

• Approval of Real Time Cooptimization NPRRs
• NPRR1268 was approved with IMM's comments.
• NPRR1269 was approved with TCPA comments.
• NPRR1270 was approved as filed.
• Voting Items Approval
• NOGGR274 related to eliminating the VDI approved.
• PGRR115 related to NPRR1234 with large load interconnection approved after significant discussion on interconnection load limit timing, set to mid-April, and concerns about isolating colocated load.
• PGRR119 related to stability constraint modeling assumptions approved.
• MDRPOC Change Discussions
• Discussions moved to WMS for alternative proposal development.
• Encouragement to attend next WMS meeting for those interested.

▶️5 - ROS Goals/Strategic Objectives (Possible Vote)

05.-2025-ROS-Goals.pdf

• Motion to approve the 2025 ROS strategic objectives as presented added to the combo ballot.
• Goals and objectives have been condensed, much of the original wording retained.
• No comments or questions from members, suggesting consensus on the proposed document.
• Intent to minimize the frequency of revisions, aiming for stability and longevity of the document.

▶️6 - ERCOT Reports - 9:45 a.m.

▶️6.1 - Operations Report

February-2025-ERCOT-Operations-Report-Public.pdf

• Peak demand in February was 80,525 MW, occurring on February 20.
• Six frequency events were all due to unit trips; frequency was restored in a few minutes.
• No ECRS or RRS events were reported.
• One OCN and three advisories issued, with advisories related to extreme cold weather or TSAT unavailability.
• One watch was issued for extreme cold weather.
• Record solar megawatt penetration occurred on February 28.
• 105 RUC commitments and several congestion events via GTCs were noted.
• Discussion about improving visibility on RUC reasons concerning GTC congestion, anticipated to be addressed in future WMS meetings.
• Possibility discussed of including large load trip performance and its impact on frequency in future operations reports.

▶️6.2 - System Planning Report

SystemPlanningROS_Feb2025.pdf

• No additional highlights were reported for this month's system planning report.
• No questions were raised by the attendees.

▶️6.3 - Generic Transmission Constraint (GTC) Update

06.-GTCUpdate_ROS_April2025.pdf

• Two GTC updates discussed: Kinney GTC and Panhandle GTC.
• Kinney GTC update: Based on 2025 Q1 QSA study. Minor changes; interface unchanged and no stability constraint for no product conditions.
• Updates to GTC limits for priority conditions; minor overall update.
• Kinney GTC update effective 04/02/2025.
• Updated GTC methodology document available on MIS.
• Panhandle GTC update: Based on study with additional generation resources in and near the Panhandle.
• Interface definition update to align with topology changes. Cutting stations on interface lines require updates.
• Overall GTC limit increase for outage and no problem conditions.
• Discussion with Jackson Guo about the contradiction between increased GTC limits and voltage stability issues suggested in a previous study.
• Explanation provided: Additional generation, including batteries, in the Panhandle and nearby areas provide reactive power support, allowing GTC limit increase.
• Questions and further clarifications addressed about GTC updates.

▶️7 - New Protocol Revision Subcommittee (PRS) Referrals (Vote)

▶️7.1 - NPRR1272, Voltage Support at Private Use Networks

• Motion to request PRS continue to table NPRR1272 for further review by PLWG and VPWG added to the combo ballot.
• NPRR1272 was voluntarily taken up and referred to the PLWG and Voltage Profile Working Group.
• Both groups have reviewed it and requested more time; further discussion may occur at the May ROS meeting.
• No immediate actions required beyond maintaining the topic as tabled until further notice.
• Erin Wasik-Gutierrez from ERCOT Market Rules suggests submitting comments to request PRS continue to table the item, for formal referral to PLWG and VPWG.
• Clarification was made that for NPRR1272, there was no need for a separate ballot as initially considered.
• The group acknowledges the item is still under PRS's purview, and they would recommend further action as discussions continue within working groups.

▶️7.2 - NPRR1274, RPG Estimated Capital Cost Thresholds of Proposed Transmission Projects

• Motion to request PRS continue to table NPRR1274 for further review by PLWG added to the combo ballot.
• NPRR1274 is new and aims to adjust capital cost thresholds for RPG project submissions.
• ERCOT proposes a 35% increase in capital cost based on inflationary data.
• A few sections in the documentation have been updated to include these changes.
• In 2025, four projects would have been recategorized from Tier 1 to Tier 3.
• No adjustments were noted for Tier 2 projects, while some Tier 3 projects would move to Tier 4.
• Further historical data would require additional time to compile.
• The change applies to projects submitted after the new threshold's effective date; projects under evaluation will retain their current classification.
• The last cost threshold adjustment was in June 2018.
• The proposal will be tabled and referred to PLWG for further review.

▶️8 - NPRR1278, Establishing Advanced Grid Support Service as an Ancillary Service (Waive Notice - Possible Vote)

• NPRR1278 proposal aims to create an advanced grid support service as an ancillary service, inspired by how Black Start works.
• The service will provide yearly contracts to enhance ERCOT's reliability requirements, particularly involving energy storage and IBRs.
• Key aspects include allowing various IBRs to participate and offering a dynamic ancillary service that can evolve with the grid's needs.
• Discussion on whether the proposal should be an ancillary service or a standard.
• No current position from the PUC on the matter was noted.
• Concerns raised on the compensation for conventional generators versus IBRs providing similar services.
• The proposal requires further clarification on the technical and cost implications, with some suggesting it might incur a cost.
• Potential referral to working groups like OWG and PDCWG for deeper technical discussions.

▶️9 - ROS Revision Requests (Vote) - 10:30 a.m.

▶️9.1 - NOGRR265, Related to NPRR1238, Voluntary Registration of Loads with Curtailable Load Capabilities

• NOGRR265 discussion was deferred until May.
• No action required at the current meeting.

▶️9.2 - NOGRR275, Eliminate Scheduling Center Requirements for QSEs That Are Not WAN Participants

• Motion to recommend approval of NOGRR275 as revised by ROS added to the combo ballot.
• Katherine Gross mentioned that NOGRR275 is updating the operating guide, aligning with protocol language approved last year in NPRR1206.
• This change is to incorporate missed edits from NPRR1206 and align the operating guide with current protocol language.
• Ted Hailu clarified the noncontroversial nature of changes, ensuring alignment with protocols and elimination of a reference in the operating guide regarding scheduling centers.
• Kristin Cook from Southern Power expressed support for the changes, noting advantages for non-WAN participant QSEs.
• A minor red line edit was suggested by Kristin Cook to add further clarification to the control or operation center responsibilities.
• The suggested edit was accepted, and the decision was made to include this change in the combo ballot with the desktop edit noted.

▶️10 - Revision Requests Tabled at ROS (Possible Vote)

• Discussion on revision requests that have been tabled.
• NPRR1264 is currently at PRS, with Eric Goff looking into an IA for it.
• ERCOT staff posed questions and received some responses from Constellation.
• Consensus to allow the processes to continue in other subcommittees before revisiting.

10.1 - 10.4

• Not discussed

▶️10.5 - NOGRR272, Advanced Grid Support Requirements for Inverter-Based ESRs & PGRR121, Related to NOGRR272, Advanced Grid Support Requirements for Inverter-Based ESRs

• NOGRR272 and PGRR121 were discussed together with NOGRR278.
• Discussion paused to address if there were any additional points on NOGRR272 and PGRR121.
• No further points were raised during this part of the meeting.

▶️11 - NPRR1264, Creation of a New Energy Attribute Certificate Program (Possible Vote)

• It was noted that the NPRR1264 will be observed as it progresses through PRS.
• Emphasis on initiating working group updates following NPRR1264 discussion.

▶️12 - Operations Working Group (OWG)

OWG_ROS_20250403.pdf

• Noted to take up NPRR1278 at the next meeting.

▶️12.1 - NPRR1070, Planning Criteria for GTC Exit Solutions (OWG, PLWG) (Possible Vote)

• ERCOT is still working on the rewrite of NPRR1070; the item is tabled at the OWG, but an update is expected soon.
• The 2025 UFLS survey indicates that the number of load set stages will increase from three to five.
• Twenty-five percent of the system load must be equipped with the UFLS.
• Further details can be found in the presentation on the OWG March 20 meeting page.
• There were no additional businesses discussed.
• Joint commenters are working on NPRR1270.

▶️13 - Network Data Support Working Group (NDSWG)

NDSWG-report-to-ROS-20250403x.pdf

▶️13.1 - NPRR1265, Unregistered Distributed Generator (NDSWG) (Possible Vote)

• A meeting took place on 03/18, but not all SMEs were able to attend.
• Further discussion is needed due to the absence of key personnel at the initial meeting.
• Important topics to address include the potential additional burden on TSPs regarding information related to unregistered distributed generation.
• There is concern about the consequences if DSPs fail to provide necessary information.
• Ensuring the quality and integrity of data post-initial information dissemination is a significant issue.
• Requirements for updates on the data need clarification.

▶️13.2 - SCR831, Short Circuit Model Integration (NDSWG, SPWG, SSWG) (Possible Vote)

• SCR831 was discussed focusing on short circuit parameters integration into the operations model.
• ERCOT provided a presentation on SCR831, which was helpful and seen for the first time by the members.
• There is a need for further discussion on the potential additional burdens on the TSP.
• Need for synchronization between operations and planning models and its impact on the SIM upload of operations models was discussed.
• The issue will be revisited in the next NDSWG meeting.
• ICCP handbook and its binding language was noted as an outstanding item, currently out of the hands of the group.

▶️14 - System Protection Working Group (SPWG)

▶️14.1 - SPWG Procedure Manual (Vote)

• No SPWG representatives were present to give the report.

▶️15 - Steady State Working Group (SSWG)

SSWG_Update_ROS_04032025.pdf

• Current status: Ongoing with 2025 SSWG case build.
• Load and Low topology deadline was 03/28/2025.
• Pre-dispatch tuning meetings took place in Houston.
• Deadlines are on track with a target posting for May 23.
• Meetings will continue in late April at the ERCOT Met Center to finalize cases.
• Encouragement for TSPs to send representatives in person to hybrid meetings to enhance tuning process and case quality.
• Formally referred to as SCR789, discussions are ongoing at a high level.
• Planning to schedule joint meetings with SPWG and DSWG to align on SCR789.
• Upcoming procedure manual updates expected by May or June ROS.

▶️16 - Planning Working Group (PLWG)

Planning-Working-Group-Update_040325.pdf

▶️16.1 - PGRR120, SSO Prevention for Generator Interconnection (PLWG) (DWG) (Possible Vote)

• The item remains tabled at PLWG.
• Awaiting comments from ERCOT.

▶️16.2 - PGRR122, Reliability Performance Criteria for Loss of Load (DWG) (PLWG) (Possible Vote)

• Comments on the LCRA draft were reviewed, and ERCOT proposed some changes.
• The PGRR remains tabled to allow for further discussions among TSPs.
• PGRR122 will be discussed at the upcoming DWG meeting in April as they did not meet in March.
• Bill Blevins presented on NPRR1272 regarding multi-supported privacy private use networks at the PLWG meeting.
• PLWG agreed to table NPRR1272 for further discussion.
• Ongoing discussions between ERCOT and Oxy, the sponsor of NPRR1272, are taking place.

▶️16.3 - PGRR124, ESR Maintenance Exception to Modifications (PLWG, DWG) (Possible Vote)

• The agenda item PGRR124 was tabled and not discussed.
• Tesla was unable to attend the March meeting.
• The item is scheduled for discussion in the April meeting.

▶️17 - Voltage Profile Working Group (VPWG)

• VPWG had a closed meeting on April 3 to discuss NPRR1272.
• Concerns were raised regarding current planning guidelines and regulations about the VSS.
• Request made to formally refer NPRR to VPWG.
• Plans to schedule a follow-up meeting and draft formal comments in the future.
• NPRR1272 was sent to PLWG and VPWG for further action.

▶️18 - Dynamics Working Group (DWG)

20250403_DWG-Report-to-ROS-April-2025.pdf

• Scheduled an upcoming Webex meeting for April 17 to discuss PGRR124 as requested in the March ROS meeting.
• Meeting details are posted on DWG and RS meeting pages and will be sent to the RS mailing list.
• Fahad Qureshi has reached out to Tesla, the sponsor for NPRR124, but has not received a response.
• Requested Tesla representatives to contact Eric Goff for discussion details prior to the meeting.
• Discussion on guidance needed if the sponsor is not present at the meeting; suggestion is to proceed with the discussion despite absence.

▶️19 - Inverter Based Resources Working Group (IBRWG)

IBRWG-Report-to-ROS-040325.pdf

• Discussion on performance issues with battery energy storage systems in WMS systems or territory.
• Curtis Holland addressed tripping events, PFR, AGC coordination issues, oscillation issues, and fires.
• Follow-up discussion on HRL in a single resource versus aggregated value for defined IRR group.
• Acciona and ERCOT to discuss and potentially bring follow-up items to future IBRWG meetings. Differing views on the usefulness of the self-limiting facility concept.
• Short updates provided on grid-forming battery deployment in the UK relevant to advanced grid support.
• Mention of useful resources available in the report.

▶️19.1 - IBRWG Scope (Vote)

IBRWG_Scope_ROS_Approved_20230706.pdf

• Motion to approve the IBRWG scope as revised by ROS added to the combo ballot.
• Review of ROS goals and the IBRWG scope.
• Clarification that all IBRWG meetings are open to the public to avoid confusion.
• Minor changes include removing references to closed sessions and correcting 'task force' to 'working group'.
• Updating language to reflect the technical nature of IBRWG's work, accommodating technical concept referrals.
• ERCOT recommends removing 'as requested' from the scope for clarity and alignment with other working groups.
• Discussions on how referrals work within ROS and its effects on working group responsibilities.
• Consensus to remove 'as requested' from the document and move forward with other changes.

▶️20 - Combo Ballot (Vote) -  12:40 p.m.

• Motion to approve the combined ballot as presented passed unanimously with no abstentions.

▶️21 - Black Start Working Group

• The group reviewed a NOGRR in draft status concerning communication.
• ERCOT is examining the draft NOGRR in more detail and will revisit the topic in the next meeting.
• The next meeting is scheduled for June 25.

▶️22 - Operations Training Working Group (OTWG)

April_OTWG_Updates.pdf

• The presentation was deferred to the next month.

▶️23 - Other Business

▶️23.1 - Review Open Action Items List

• Chris Koenig from Golden Spread suggested removing the action item as they have a path forward.
• Suzy Clifton from ERCOT mentioned the need to confirm with TAC before removing the item.
• The original TAC assignment was related to load shed in real time and connected to a previous Post-Uri recommendation.
• NPRR1238 has now progressed to PRS, and ROS has finished its work on it.
• Confirmation is needed that TAC has completed its review before striking it from the list.
• Nabaraj Pokharel clarified there is no action required from ROS until confirmation is received from TAC.
• Further updates and history will be reported to TAC to avoid confusion regarding NPRR1238.
• The approach is consistent with past actions, where changes are made post-TAC approval.

▶️24 - Adjourn