ERCOT: ERS program criteria to remain in 2020 – Market Minute (Video)

April 16, 2020

In a recent letter to Qualified Scheduling Entities in Texas, ERCOT asserted that while the grid operator is sensitive to the distress organizations are feeling due to the current pandemic, ERCOT does NOT have the authority to alter the criteria applicable to Emergency Response Service (ERS) resources currently under contract.

If your organization is currently participating in the ERS program in 2020, you will be contractually obligated to perform under the program’s established criteria.

Some organizations in Texas are asking what happens if they can’t perform DR due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ERCOT has stated that it DOES have the discretion to “consider mitigating factors, including Force Majeure Events, that may have impacted ERS event performance or availability when determining whether to suspend a QSE or ERS Resource that fails to meet performance or availability criteria.”

ERS participants who think they may be unable to adequately provide ERS resources as contracted should contact their Curtailment Service Provider to discuss their situation.

If you have any questions about this or any other Texas related energy question, contact CPower and we’ll help you in any way we can.

Published by

Mike Hourihan

Mike Hourihan is market development manager and analyst for the ERCOT market. He is a long-time advocate for demand-side resources participation as a reliable low-cost alternative to traditional generation assets. He has extensive experience in analyzing and developing market rules in multiple energy markets across North America. View all posts by Mike Hourihan