RMR Costs Soar

AI generated summary

The costs associated with Reliability Must Run (RMR) have surged significantly, with estimates for keeping the CPS Braunig 3 gas plant operational rising from $30 million to approximately $68 million. This increase is attributed to ongoing inspections and unforeseen costs, raising concerns about the necessity and reliability of the aging plant. In contrast, battery developers have rapidly expanded capacity in the region, adding significant power without additional costs to ratepayers, highlighting a shift towards more efficient energy solutions.

ERCOT is also considering new regulations regarding battery energy storage systems, which could limit their participation in ancillary services, potentially undermining grid reliability. Meanwhile, ERCOT is preparing to launch a residential demand response program aimed at enhancing energy efficiency during peak load times, with a cap of 500 megawatts and a budget of $70 million. Additionally, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) is seeking stakeholder feedback on a new firming requirement, which has raised numerous questions due to its complexity and potential inefficiencies in the energy market.