The Status Of The Electric Grid In ERCOT

The Electric Reliability Council Of Texas

Sam R. Jones, P.E.ERCOT – Retired

As a retiree of ERCOT this presentation represents my personal thoughts and is not a presentation from ERCOT.

What Is ERCOT?

• The ERCOT Grid– 75% of Texas land area– 85% of Texas electric load– Over 40,000 miles of high

voltage transmission lines– 550+ electric generating units– 68,379 MW peak demand set

August 3, 2011– Physical assets are owned by

transmission providers and generators

– ERCOT staff performs planning and system operations 24/7

The Worst of Times/The Best of Times

ERCOT is a high electric load growth area and has been for many years

1996 – Wholesale electric competition began in ERCOT – Transmission was an immediate concern2000 – Transmission improvements underway Generation was becoming critical for peak loads2003 – Generation OK due to new units coming on line Transmission improvements continued but rapid expansion of wind generation in remote areas caused serious transmission issues and the need for further expansion2007 – Commercial Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) project initiated with support of the Texas Legislature and Public Utility Commission to build significant new 345 kV lines to pre identified zones to accommodate new generation projects of any type, but especially wind

• Mostly West Texas to the load centers• Extended into the Panhandle outside of ERCOT to connect developing wind• Approximately 2,000 miles of new 345 kV complete or under construction

2011 – Several thousand miles of new and upgraded transmission is in place in ERCOT Generation is now becoming a critical issue for peak loads Drought is becoming a serious concern due to need for water for cooling reservoirs

Generation Fuel Mix In ERCOT

Wind Statistics

• Approximately 10,000 MW of installed wind generation– Highest in the US– Three times that of #2 Iowa– If Texas were a separate country we

would be #6 in the world

• Over 18,000 MW of proposed new wind capacity under study

• Wind generation instantaneous record:

7,917 MW – represents 24% of the 33,373 MW load at 4:13 pm on March 18,2012

Taft, Texas – North of Corpus Christi

ERCOT May, 2011 Capacity, Demand And Reserve Report

Current Status Of The ERCOT Grid

• Distribution – OK – up to the individual providers

• Transmission – Vastly better but continuing need for improvement to accommodate new projects and new technology– The Rio Grand and Valley area is now

a priority due to growing load and new wind projects

– New technology such as compressed air storage generation is emerging

• Generation – significant new firm generation needed for the future– Continue Solar Development

• Energy conservation and efficiency improvements are always needed and welcome – “negawatts”

• Continuing drought is a growing concern