ERCOT unveils 60-point improvement plan for power capacity, reliability

In response to directives from the governor’s office to take steps to increase power generation capacity and ensure reliability of the Texas power grid, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) released a 60-point plan on July 13.

The “Roadmap to Improving Grid Reliability” addresses operational improvements to the Texas power grid, including legislative changes, objectives outlined in Gov. Greg Abbott’s letter issued July 6, and other reforms.

It includes initiatives such as:

• Changing ERCOT’s operations to bring more generation online sooner if it is needed to balance supply and demand. The grid operator also is purchasing more reserve power, especially on days when the weather forecast is uncertain.  
• Requiring chief executive officer (CEO) certifications. After a rule change, all market participants who own or operate generation resources and/or transmission/distribution power lines will be required to submit a letter signed by their CEO twice a year certifying their companies have completed their weatherization preparations to protect the electric grid for the summer and winter seasons.  
• Adding new requirements for generation owners. ERCOT is proposing a new market rule that requires generators to provide operational updates more frequently.  
• Assessing on-site fuel supplies. ERCOT is reviewing the need for on-site fuel supplies for some generators.  
• Performing unannounced testing of generation resources. This testing helps verify that generators have provided accurate information about their availability.  
• Addressing transmission constraints in Rio Grande Valley. ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) are initiating a process to address transmission limitations and provide increased market access for resources in the Valley. This will improve reliability for customers during normal conditions and high-risk weather events.

The ERCOT team worked with the PUC, customers, former regulators, retired industry executives, environmental advocates, and market participants to develop the plan.