NOTICE DATE:  April 29, 2011

NOTICE TYPE:  W-A042911-01 Operations

SHORT DESCRIPTION:  Drought conditions raising operational concerns for possible contaminants on transmission system equipment

INTENDED AUDIENCE:  ERCOT Market Participants

DAY AFFECTED:  April 29, 2011

LONG DESCRIPTION:  Due to ongoing drought conditions, there have been elevated, and in some cases unprecedented, levels of contaminants found on transmission system equipment. This has led to an increase in instances of insulator flash-overs and equipment damage.

ERCOT is urging Market Participants to pay special attention to the condition of transmission system equipment, including insulators, particularly in coastal areas and in western ERCOT as these areas have been most prone to impact by drought conditions. The 345 kV and 138 kV stations with the greatest transmission capability should be considered as high priority stations in geographic areas where contamination risk is highest.

Additionally, Resource Entities and TSPs are urged to coordinate efforts for switchyards and power stations in drought affected areas.

Activities such as risk identification, increased inspections and maintenance activities in response to the drought conditions are strongly urged in order to mitigate future impacts to the ERCOT transmission system.

ACTION REQUIRED:  ERCOT requests Market Participants to notify ERCOT Operations if concerns arise about their transmission system equipment in which conditions could result in failure. Notifications should be made by following the normal process for reporting unplanned outages.

CONTACT:  If you have any questions, please contact your ERCOT Account Manager. You may also call the general ERCOT Client Services phone number at (512) 248-3900 or contact ERCOT Client Services via email at [log in to unmask].

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