On April 21st, PUCT Commissioners continued to discuss and make decisions on ERCOT market redesign efforts. Three primary issues surfaced in the course of that meeting:
- Commr. McAdams filed a memo asking for public comment on distributed energy resources (DER – smaller-scale electric resources typically installed by businesses) with comments due June 15th. Significant additions were made to DER in 2021, and PUCT is eager to add more and keep track of the amount and location of these smaller resources. Link to memo by Commissioner Will McAdams
- Commr. Cobos submitted her request for public comment on Firm Fuel Supply Service (FFSS – essentially backup fuel supplies for electric generators during critical periods). Discussion ensued as to the types of fuels (onsite gas vs firm offsite gas vs coal piles) and the amount of reserves needed. Link to memo by Commissioner Lori Cobos
- Commr. McAdams asked that the PUCT consider allowing retail electric providers (REPs) to pass through the FFSS costs on bills. Chmn. Lake echoed the need to consider this. Bills would increase for all competitive areas for this reliability-driven service.
Although the issue of firm fuel supplies falls to PUCT, the regulation of natural gas supplies, pipelines and storage facilities falls to the Railroad Commission. See below for a link to the HillCo client hearing report.