PUCT Delays Action On Adopting Operating Reserves Demand Curve For ERCOT
August 12, 2013
The Public Utility Commission of Texas deferred until its next open meeting a decision on adopting an operating reserves demand curve (ORDC) for ERCOT. The move came over objections from Commissioner Kenneth Anderson, who opposed the delay, saying: “I believe that if we adopt the ORDC in some form, that there are more than 1,000 MW of quick start units that will close on financing this fall.” Accordingly, Anderson favored moving forward on an ORDC at this past Friday’s open meeting, proposing that the PUCT agree on the direction to provide ERCOT. Commission Chair Chairman Donna Nelson, however, was not convinced that directing ERCOT to implement the ORDC, in the absence of a PUCT rule, would be speedier than first conducting a rulemaking where specific language is adopted. Nelson cited the tendency of controversial matters to languish at the ERCOT stakeholder process, though Anderson countered that when commission direction is clear, such matters are quickly resolved. But Nelson wanted to study how quickly a rulemaking could be conducted, so she would not join a vote to approve the ORDC.