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Generation Interconnection
Overview
Jonathan Rose
Planning Engineer
New Generation Information Forum
ERCOT Public
November 4, 2014
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Starting the GINR Process
• Generation Interconnection or Change Request
(GINR) process described in Planning Guide Section
5: http://www.ercot.com/mktrules/guides/planning/current
• Interconnecting Entity (IE) sends an email to
GINR@ercot.com
• An unique “INR” tracking number is assigned.
• Please include this number on all submissions.
2
ERCOT Studies
• ERCOT performs the initial Screening Study
• Full Interconnection Study (FIS) is performed by the
Transmission Service Provider (TSP)
• The Screening Study and FIS can be done
concurrently
• FIS fees vary by TSP and are set by the TSP
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Starting the GINR Process
• Forms needed to begin the process:
http://www.ercot.com/services/rq/re/newgen-steps.html
• Cover Letter including project description.
• Signed Generation Entity Information Sheet.
• Resource Asset Registration Form (RARF) includes
•
Transmission_Form_Pivoted, General Site ESIID
Information, and a technology-specific form, either
Combined_Cycle, Wind , or Gen_Form
• Please do not move or delete the tabs in the RARF.
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How Much Do the Studies Cost?
• ERCOT Study Costs
• Currently, Screening studies cost $5000 to $7000
• Cost to initiate FIS is $15/MW.
• ERCOT Fee schedule can be found at
http://www.ercot.com/services/rq/re/newgen-steps.html
• Required Non-ERCOT Studies
• TSP determines cost of FIS studies.
Can be $40k - $130k*, but depends on scope, factors, etc.
• Subsynchronous cost adder varies widely but can be $30k-$60k*.
• Reactive power study (self-procured by developer).
• Additional studies may be required.
• ERCOT Fees may be mailed or wired (preferred); wire details
are provided upon request.
• Please reference the project INR number to ensure proper crediting.
* These fees typical, however studies may cost more.
* Subynchronous study may not be required.
10/30/2014
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Timeline summary (Days)
Interconnection
Request
Submission
Schedule
FIS
scoping
meeting
Screening
Study
Complete
10 90
Initiate Screening
Study
•
•
180
5
FIS
Notice
FIS
Complete
60
(~300)
FIS
Scope
Set
10
IA
Signed
180
Study
review
Complete
60
NPRR 408
Compliance
Check
Per ERCOT Planning Guide Section 5. Also see Interconnection Handbook.
Typical time from start to energization: 2.5 - 3 years.
–
Many factors influence, and problems with submitted models often creates delays.
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Deadlines to Watch For
• After Screening Study, 180 days to request FIS.
• After FIS kickoff meeting, 60 days to sign study
agreement and fund study.
• After FIS, 180 days to sign IA.
• Twice a year Sept and March, RARF attestation due.
• Before energize:
• TSP may need 1 – 2 yrs to build facilities.
• Resource registration and modeling may require 180 days.
• All studies should be completed minimum 140 days prior.
• Study issues may introduce delays. Highly recommend completing
studies 1 year prior to energization.
• See Interconnection Handbook.
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FAQ
• Can I speed up the process?
•
•
•
•
•
Yes, submit all documentation in a timely manner.
You can request simultaneous screening study / FIS.
Some TSPs willing to make a temporary tap before building station.
After sign IA, ask TSP about securitizing long-lead items.
Developer procures land for POI station then signs over to TSP.
• Can I study more than 1 Point of Interconnection?
– Yes, we typically accommodate up to two in the same study.
• Must intend to build “either or” but not both!
• I have a project with multiple phases.
– Treated as one request as long as same POI.
• I’m concerned about nearby projects
– See monthly Generation Interconnection reports – these show the county
location of non-public projects http://www.ercot.com/gridinfo/resource/
– Some TSPs can perform a sensitivity where nearby non-public projects
modeled in FIS. Report will not reveal locations.
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FAQ
• I need help filling out the RARF.
• Form generally requires someone with engineering / power experience.
• Many third part consultants can and do help.
• ERCOT available for specific questions but please check RARF Guide
and RARF Glossary first (these are posted on the Steps to Register page).
• I’m considering an equipment vendor.
• Refer to Section 2 of screening study. Make sure you choose a vendor
that can comply with Protocol requirements.
• Changing equipment later may require one or more FIS studies to be
redone, esp. stability.
• I don’t know my exact size.
• Err towards larger. Easier to downsize a project later than upsize.
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FAQ – Transmission Improvements
• These are generalizations. Always talk to the TSP to get
specific information for a project.
• Security: TSPs require security for all work performed.
Once project energizes, and assuming work is
reimbursable by rate base, TSP will release the security.
• TSPs can generally build a gen tie line that is under a
mile.
• Bulk system improvements generally reimbursable
through rate base.
– If over $25M, ERCOT independent economic analysis required
per Protocols Section 3.11.6.
– More information, see Planning Guide 5.4.7.
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Protocol Sections Regarding Electrical Capability
• Reactive Power / Voltage Support: Protocol Section 3.15
• 0.95 power factor reactive power capability (rectangle when graphed
PQ) available at POI when POI voltage is 95% to 105%.
• Core capability must be dynamic (excludes switchable shunts except
when used to compensate collector system losses.)
• Automatic voltage regulation at Point of Interconnection (POI).
• Governor:
Operating Guide 8.5.1
• Respond to frequency changes according to droop characteristic.
• Required for renewables and fossil alike.
• Voltage Ride Through: Operating Guide 2.9
• Power System Stabilizers: Operating Guide 2.2.6
• Subsynchronous Oscillations (SSO): Nodal Protocol Revision (NPRR)
562
•
Also see Interconnection Handbook and Section 2 of screening study for
relevant sections.
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Common Mistakes
• Rush into screening study / FIS.
• ERCOT doesn’t have a “queue” nor firm transmission rights.
• Wait until months before energize to complete reactive power /
subsynchronous / HVRT study.
• May require equipment changes / expensive retrofits.
• Wind / solar farms almost always need on load tap changing
transformer (OLTC).
• Delays may render FIS studies stale. Require redo.
• Engineering design work increases rapidly with FIS.
• Developers often unprepared, delaying studies.
• Read carefully ERCOT protocols.
• Overly optimistic timelines.
• Really does take 1.5 – 3 years.
• FIS studies often take 1 year (assuming all data available).
• Delays often caused by developer not submitting data in timely manner.
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Improvements Coming
• Everything received (emails, forms, $) must have INR
number for faster processing.
• No RARF for screening studies (being replaced by
simplified form).
• (Full interconnection studies still require detailed RARF.)
• Simplified flat fee for ERCOT GINR work.
• Subsynchronous study, if required, will be
coordinated by TSP.
13
Handy References
• Slides from earlier New Resource Workshop
• http://www.ercot.com/calendar/2014/05/20140528-NEWRESOURCE
• http://www.ercot.com/calendar/2014/05/20140529-NEWRESOURCE
• Steps to Register webpage.
• http://www.ercot.com/services/rq/re/newgen-steps.html
• http://www.ercot.com/services/rq/re
• Download Interconnection Handbook.
• Screening Study report Section 2.
• Received at completion of screening study.
• http://www.ercot.com/ for Protocols.
• Monthly GINR Reports
• http://www.ercot.com/gridinfo/resource/
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