NOTICE DATE:  March 14, 2012

NOTICE TYPE:  W-A031412-01 Legal

SHORT DESCRIPTION:  EPRI/NREL request for 2011 Summer Peak ERCOT Dynamics Data

INTENDED AUDIENCE:  Resource Entities

DAY AFFECTED:  March 23, 2012

LONG DESCRIPTION:  The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have requested from ERCOT a copy of the 2011 Summer Peak ERCOT Dynamics Data. EPRI and NREL are presently working together on a research project looking at the impact of wind generation on system frequency response and how wind generation can actively play a role in frequency response and provide some of the required services such as inertial response, primary frequency control and even secondary frequency control. Study work will investigate (i) how a growing percentage of wind generation will affect system frequency response, and (ii) how wind generation can be augmented with supplemental controls to play a part in system frequency control and response.

As such, ERCOT supports the efforts of EPRI and NREL to further understand the impacts of wind generation on system frequency response and therefore would like to provide the requested data to these Entities in order to assist in their research project. ERCOT will provide assistance in developing realistic test scenarios and review of the final study report. The requested data would be provided under a Confidentiality Agreement (CA) between the Parties and would have all the protections afforded under Section 1 of the ERCOT Protocols. Furthermore, only EPRI and NREL Staff will have access to the requested data; no data will be shared with Market Participants or manufacturers.

However, in order to satisfy ERCOT’s obligations under the ERCOT Protocols to disclose Protected Information to another Entity, ERCOT would like to know if any Resource Entity has a specific objection to releasing this data to EPRI and NREL.

ACTION REQUIRED:  For any Resource Entity that has a specific objection, ERCOT requests that the Resource Entity submit its specific objections in writing to the ERCOT Legal Department by no later than Close of Business on Friday, March 23, 2012. ERCOT will evaluate any objections and may speak directly with those Entities (along with EPRI and NREL Staff) to address their concerns.

Specific objections may be submitted to the ERCOT Legal Department via facsimile at (512) 225-7079 or via email to Chad V. Seely at [log in to unmask]. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: EPRI is an independent, non-profit company performing research, development and demonstration in the electricity sector for the benefit of the public (www.epri.com).

NREL is the only federal laboratory dedicated to the research, development, commercialization and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies (www.nrel.gov).

Project details: http://www.nrel.gov/wind/systemsintegration/projects_modeling_interconnection.html

CONTACT:  If you have any legal questions, please contact Chad V. Seely, Assistant General Counsel, at (512) 225-7035 or [log in to unmask]. For technical questions, please contact José Conto, Principal Dynamic Studies, at (512)248-3241 or [log in to unmask].

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