PUCT Sets Goal to Modify Non-Spin By End of Year, Schedules Workshop

The PUCT will hold a workshop on August 22 regarding issues related to non-spin in ERCOT, and various proposed modifications.

Commissioners said that they wish to have changes to non-spin put in place by the end of the year to ensure that the impact of non-spin does not discourage investment in new generation (such as through the depressing impact non-spin deployments have on prices).

PUCT Chair Donna Nelson stressed that it is clear that the Commission is serious about moving forward with revisions to ensure resource adequacy, and said that market participants should move forward with whatever projects they have on the board.

Commissioner Kenneth Anderson noted that one of the complaints from generators has been low prices in the ERCOT market not sustaining new build. However, citing real-time energy prices due to heat-driven demand the last 10-14 days, Anderson said that if generators cannot make money and invest in new generation with average real-time prices of $400/MWh, "they need new management."