Impact of wind generation on system operations in the deregulated environment: ERCOT experience

ERCOT has been experiencing an increase in installed wind capacity over the past several years. At present, there is approximately 7500 MW of installed wind capacity in the ERCOT Interconnect and there are observed instances of significant wind generation variation (approximately 27% of installed wind capacity over two hour periods). Additionally, the rapid rate of wind generation installation has easily outpaced the up-gradation of transmission facilities in the region. These things, along with the high variability in wind generation, have imposed several challenges to ERCOT Operations. Voltage regulation utilizing inductive generators is a new experience for ERCOT, and new requirements have been placed on frequency control and ancillary service in the ERCOT system. This paper will address current operational challenges observed by ERCOT during high wind output and extreme wind variation conditions and will share some of the experience gained by ERCOT Operations during such scenarios.