Citation:
 | ercot_market_guide.pdf | 826 KB |
Abstract:
Excerpt from the Introduction:
The ERCOT Independent System Operator (ISO) is the independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for the reliable transmission of electricity across Texas' interconnected 37,000-mile power grid. The ERCOT ISO has the responsibilities of ensuring reliable power grid operations in the ERCOT region jointly with the electrical energy industry organizations that operate within that region, ensuring open access to transmission ERCOT wide and distribution systems in areas permitting competition, ensuring the timely conveyance of market information to market participants, and ensuring accurate accounting of power produced and delivered.
To support these roles the ERCOT ISO focuses on the development, implementation, and ongoing management of reliable market and operating systems, transmission planning, retail mechanics supporting retail choice, accountable and reliable wholesale settlement and billing systems, and financial risk strategies. 4 ERCOT members serve about 85% of the electrical load in Texas, and have an overall generating capacity of approximately 75,000 Megawatts (MW). Because ERCOT is located entirely within Texas, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is the principal regulatory authority. As of January 2005, ERCOT membership consists of 17 Industrial Consumers, 3 Retail/Commercial Consumers, 41 Electric Cooperatives, 16 Independent Generators, 19 Independent Power Marketers, 36 Independent Retail Electric Providers, 8 Investor Owned Utilities, and 19 Municipal Owned Utilities.