Texas PUC Staff Seek Stakeholder Comment On Interconnections Between ERCOT, Other Grids; Issue Questions

Staff of the Texas PUC have issued a request for stakeholder comment on several questions related to interconnections between ERCOT and other grids

In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 1, 87th Regular Session, which required the Commission to detail in the Biennial Report required under Sec. 12.203, Utilities Code, whether Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) interconnection to Eastern and/or Western Interconnects and/or Mexico would protect and further the interest of the public. The Commission is required to submit its Biennial Report to the Texas Legislature by no later than January 15, 2023.

Commission Staff seeks public comment on the following five questions:

(1) the utilization of current direct current ties between ERCOT and other interconnects, including reliability benefits provided and costs;

(2) the potential of expanded direct current ties between ERCOT and other interconnection, including reliability benefits, costs, and economic development benefits;

(3) the potential of establishing alternating current ties between ERCOT and other interconnects for specific reliability purposes;

(4) the impact of any additional interconnections on ERCOT's ability to remain independent of federal regulation; and

(5) any other relevant information that commenters believe is neces

Project 54163