Texas PUC Chair Stresses Real-Time Co-optimization Should Not Be Drawn Out

DeAnn Walker, Chair of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, said during yesterday's open meeting that while she wishes to afford stakeholders an ample opportunity to review real-time co-optimization (RTC) of energy and ancillary services in ERCOT, she was not comfortable with a protracted process that would result in RTC not being implemented until six or seven years from now

Citing the efficiency from RTC, Walker said of implementation, "the sooner the better"

Walker noted that she's already hearing chatter about the process needing to adopt the rules and protocols for RTC, with the time seeming to keep being pushed out further.

Walker said that, while a transparent opportunity for comment should be provided, it should not be drawn out such that RTC would not be implemented until six or seven years from now.

Walker suggested a Commission workshop on RTC, with Commissioners in attendance, to be held in early June after the legislative session

As previously reported, ERCOT is holding an RTC workshop on March 6

The PUCT also adopted a series of questions on RTC for comment. See the questions here

Notably, one question asks: Which market rules established in the commission's rules and in ERCOT protocols, such as prohibitions on withholding of capacity or the "small fish" rule, should apply to the offer of ancillary services in the Real-Time Market? Why or why not?

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