Texas to Further Study Subsynchronous Oscillation, While Taking Steps on Cost Allocation

The Public Utility Commission of Texas intends to tackle issues related to subsynchronous oscillation (SSO) on parallel tracks, agreeing to further study technical issues, while intending to make progress on cost allocation (to the extent possible) while such studies are ongoing.

Commissioners agreed at Friday's open meeting to further study the scope, magnitude, and solutions to SSO, particularly on an ERCOT-wide basis as implicated by future topology changes (not just with respect to CREZ lines)

However, the Commission will also proceed with a rulemaking solely on cost allocation issues, though Commissioner Kenneth Anderson said he would prefer to have more information from ERCOT and the stakeholders, particularly regarding solutions to SSO, prior to making any "big cuts" in the cost allocation proceeding. The Commission noted that it may hold back on publication of a proposed rule if issues in the rulemaking need to be informed by issues arising out of the further study.