This Nodal Protocol Revision Request (NPRR) establishes a limit on the number of MW that ERCOT can test for Emergency Response Service (ERS) at any particular point in time. As ERS grows in MW, types, distribution, and use by ERCOT, the potential impact created by testing ERS grows. The intent of this NPRR is to balance the needs for testing to validate parameters for ERS as set forth in the Protocols and Other Binding Documents, while recognizing that ERCOT-instructed interruption of Load for testing purposes can impact Real-Time energy price formation.
Reason:
ERS requires participating Loads to meet availability and performance requirements. ERCOT tests ERS and this testing reduces Load on the ERCOT System thereby potentially impacting price formation. The expansion of ERS to include weather sensitive Loads, which may be available only over peak periods, could result in unintended consequences if testing occurs over peak periods. By limiting the MW that can be tested at a particular time, this NPRR ensures that testing, even if over peak, will not have a tremendously adverse effect on Real-Time price formation. Testing ERS is different than testing Generation Resources because testing Generation Resources does not change the overall amount of Load on the ERCOT System. Testing ERS reduces the overall Load on the ERCOT System.