ERCOT Delays Release Of Report On Summer Capacity, Demand And Reserves

November 21, 2013

The ERCOT board decided to delay the December release of an annual report that updates the state’s electric supply outlook for the summer after criticism from Public Utility Commissioner Ken Anderson. ERCOT normally issues its Capacity, Demand and Reserves (CDR) report in early December to give the market its first look at the upcoming summer’s supply and demand outlook. ERCOT President H.B. “Trip” Doggett initially told the board the agency planned to issue “parallel” reports in early December showing two forecasts for future power use: One would be similar to previous ERCOT reports based on economic projections from Moody’s Investors Service while a second would use new methodology still being developed by ERCOT staff. Anderson criticized that idea, saying the forecast based on Moody’s economic data has been “wildly off.” He added: “Putting out a CDR with bad numbers is meaningless. The commission as a whole expected the CDR to have the new methodology in order to inform us in our discussion and debate.” The report will now be delayed until after a Dec. 10 board meeting to make sure ERCOT leaders are comfortable with the new load forecasting methodology.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/21/utilities-ercot-reserve-idUSL2N0J522L20131121