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Meeting Summary - 02/24/2025 RPG Meeting
Grid Monitor AI▶️ 1 - Antitrust Admonition - 9:30 a.m. ▶️ 2 - Miscellaneous Updates
No miscellaneous updates were provided by the group.
▶️ 3 - EIR Status Update – Baytown Area Load Addition Project EIR -CNP - Baytown_Area_Load_Addition_Project_February_RPG.pdf
The Baytown area load addition is a tier one project by CNP with an estimated cost of $141.65 million, expected to be operational by January 2028. The project involves adding approximately 500 MVA of load at a new customer-owned 138 kV substation. CNP presented a project overview and scope initially in November. ERCOT provided updates on assumptions and data used. Load flow case updates were discussed, highlighting that a 2029 case was used to simulate higher loads. Transmission projects from the RTP that were not approved have been removed from consideration. ERCOT reviewed generating units and dispatched those consistent with 2024 RTP methodology. Preliminary reliability analysis (n-1, g-1, x-1) indicated one thermal overload at a substation but no additional voltage violations or power flow issues were identified. ERCOT is working on evaluating n-1 maintenance violations observed by CNP but requires more time to complete maintenance results.
Status updates to be made in upcoming RPG meetings. Final recommendation to be presented in Q2 of 2025.
▶️ 4 - EIR Status Update – Southwest Houston 345-kV Reliability Project EIR - CNP - Southwest Houston 345-kV Reliability Project_February_RPG.pdf
The project, CNP Southwest Houston 345-kV, was submitted for planning group review in October 2024. It is classified as a Tier 1 project with an estimated cost of $569,300,000. The estimated in-service date is summer 2028. The project aims to address thermal overloads identified by CNP and 2023 RTP. CNP presented the project scope in December at the RPG meeting. The project is currently under ERCOT independent review. Recap given on CNP study, presenting a map of observed violations. 2023 RTP 2029 summer peak case for East and Coast (EC) weather zones used as the start case. No thermal voltage or unsolved power violations found in the preliminary reliability results. No questions from attendees after the presentation. Future updates to be provided in RPG meetings.
▶️ 5 - EIR Status Update – Aransas Pass to Rincon 69-kV Line Rebuild Project
The project updates are postponed and will be presented in the March RPG.
▶️ 6 - Galveston Region Project Overview TNMP Galveston Region Transmission Improvement Project - EIR.pdf
Preferred options include 345-kV source into the Seminole station with additional 138-kV rebuilds. Plans to tap CNP’s 345-kV PH Robinson-Meadow line, creating a new CenterPoint 345-kV switching station. New 345-kV/138-kV TMNP Nighthawk station with two 345-kV tie lines connecting to the CenterPoint station. Installation of two 345-kV/138-kV transformers at Nighthawk station, each with 800 MVA/1067 MVA for Normal/Emergency ratings. Reconfiguration of 138-kV lines from Seminole-Friendswood and Seminole-Magnolia routed through the 138-kV bus at Nighthawk. Plan to reconductor series path of 138-kV circuits up to 3,000 amps. The project is categorized as Tier one with an estimated cost of $133,730,000, with an in-service date around June 2028. Primary reasons include voltage security enhancements and addressing long-term load serving capabilities amid increasing energy demands. Significant load growth expected due to large spot load interconnection request increases and regional expansion. Numerous BESS projects are meeting ERCOT's planning guide requirements section 6.9. Annual transmission planning studies by TNMP highlight vulnerability to P6 events, mainly voltage security in the Galveston 138-kV loop. Study concluded the preferred option enhances long-term load serving capabilities and voltage security. The presence of a 345-kV source into Seminole via Nighthawk offers robust voltage performance and greater flexibility.
▶️ 7 - ERCOT Independent Review Scope: Galveston Region Project EIR - TNMP - Galveston Region Project - Scope - RPG Feb 2025.pdf
The project is classified as Tier one with an estimated cost of $133.73 million and an estimated in-service date of June 2028. The study area map shows overloads and violations observed by TMNP in several areas. A new 345-kV source will be brought to the Seminole area and the existing 100-kV line will be rebuilt. Study assumptions will focus on transmission elements in the coastal weather zone, specifically in the Galveston county and surrounding areas. Base cases include the final 2024 RTP 2030 summer peak and maintenance outage cases. Transmission projects identified in the 2024 RTP will be included in the RTP case, while some projects will be removed as detailed in appendices. New generation additions will be based on satisfaction of 6.9(1) conditions, using data from the January GIS report posted in February. The load forecast in the study area increased in the Galveston region, will be updated for the study. Reserve requirements are expected to be met with the addition of new generation. Consistent planning studies will be carried out, including contingency analyses including P3 and P6-2 studies. The deliverable timeline includes a status update to future RPG meetings with final recommendations by Q2 of this year. Monica Jha from Vistra inquired about the inclusion of the HB5066 load, substantiated contracted load, and TSP substantiated load in the forecast. Ying Li confirmed the inclusion of these loads in the 2024 RTP.
▶️ 8 - Roscoe Area Upgrades Project Overview
Roscoe Area Upgrades RPG Overview for ERCOT.pdf
Presentation by Ian Adams from Oncor on the Roscoe area upgrades project. Project located in Nolan County, part of the West weather zone. Identified need for project due to post-contingency low voltages. Proposal includes 15 miles of new greenfield 138-kV transmission line, 25 miles of line conversion, and a new 138-kV substation. Total cost estimated at $83,000,000. Prerequisite upgrades presented from the Permian Basin study, approved by the PUC in October of the previous year. Scope of proposed project involves establishing the Kilgore Substation and building the Oak Spring to Kilgore 138-kV line. Additional work includes converting and rebuilding existing lines to 138-kV. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026 and take two to three years. ERCOT independent review expected to complete in May after submission cleared the RPG comment period in January. No questions were raised following the presentation.
▶️ 9 - ERCOT Independent Review Scope: Roscoe Area Upgrades Project EIR - Oncor -Roscoe Area Upgrades Project_SCOPE_February_RPG.pdf
ERCOT submitted the Roscoe area grid project in December 2024 as a Tier 2 project. Project estimated cost: $83 million, requires a CCN, with an estimated in-service date of June 2028. Main objective: To address voltage violations as identified by Oncor. Oncor plans to upgrade the 69-kV line from Eskota switch to Sweetwater to 138-kV and decommission the Oak Creek load. A new substation and load at Kilgore is proposed, along with transmission reopening from Oak Springs to Sweetwater. Study assumptions involve several counties in the study region for transmission monitoring. Using the 2024 RTP 2029 summer peak case for West and far West weather zones as the study base case. Transmission and generation projects with specific conditions will be added or removed from the study base case. Contingency analysis based on TPL-001-5.1 and ERCOT planning criteria will be performed. Overview of reliability analysis to assess load serving capability and test project alternatives. The Transmission Service Provider (TSP) will provide cost and feasibility assessment. Tentative timelines and status updates to be provided in future meetings. Final recommendations expected in Q2 2025. No questions or comments were presented at the end of the meeting.
▶️ 10 - Adjourn 