Texas grid operator allows Monticello coal plant retirement
Texas generation mix is changing, a fact evidenced by the grid operator preparing to strike about 4,000 MW of generation from its books but still expects to meet peak demand without a problem.
“Given these capacity reductions, ERCOT still expects to have sufficient systemwide operating reserves for the winter season,” Resource Adequacy Manager Pete Warnken said in a statement. “Our studies show this would be the case even with a much higher-than-expected peak demand.”
In addition, the anticipated capacity reductions include a long-term forced outage of a gas-fired plant in the Houston area, and delays in the projected in-service dates for two wind projects.
According to ERCOT’s Seasonal Assessment of Resource Adequacy (SARA) report for the upcoming winter season, there will be almost 81,000 MW available for peak demand this winter. And additional planned resources for the winter season include nearly 1,400 MW of new capacity, mostly wind and solar projects.
