Distributed Generation Resources

 

By ERCOT's definition, a Distributed Generation (DG) resource is an electrical generating facility located at a customer's point of delivery (point of common coupling) of ten megawatts (MW) or less and connected at a voltage less than 60 kilovolts (kV) which may be connected in parallel operation to the utility system.

A DG resource is required to register with ERCOT in accordance with Section 16 of ERCOT Protocol if one (1) MW in size or greater or if the resource production is to be accounted for in wholesale market settlements.  For purposes of settlement ERCOT defines a premise with DG by a single meter and not an aggregation of DG resources across multiple settlement meters. For more information, view the FAQ site under Distributed Generation.

Metering requirements and reporting are the responsibilities of the host transmission/distribution service provider (TDSP).  In accordance with Section 10.2.2 of ERCOT Protocol, meter data is not required from renewable generation, interconnected to a TDSP, with a design capacity less than fifty (50) kW.

If an ERCOT Polled Settlement Meter (EPS) is to be used, the DG resource owner is responsible for insuring that the host TDSP completes the EPS Generation Load Metering Point(s) and TDSP Read Generation Registration Form (available in TDSP registration) and submits it to ERCOT.

If the DG Resource is >1 MW or Chooses to Schedule Power and Settle at Wholesale Level with ERCOT ISO

The owner of the DG resource needs to complete the following steps:

  • Submit the Resource Entity Registration Form to ERCOT. The generator must designate a qualified scheduling entity (QSE).
  • Arrange with interconnecting distribution service provider (DSP) required metering.
  • If applicable, complete the design and installation of an ERCOT-polled settlement meter. Refer to the Settlement Metering Operating Guide.
  • Designate a registered load serving entity (LSE) to serve the generation facility during "net load" conditions. ERCOT and the host transmission/distribution service provider will coordinate in creating the electric service identifier (ESI) ID upon receiving the Resource Asset Registration Form.
  • Designate a Qualified Scheduling Entity to financially settle with ERCOT.


If the DG owner and designated qualified scheduling entity (QSE) intend to submit energy schedules to ERCOT, please contact Client Services for details (Call assigned ERCOT Account Manager or send email to Client Servces). 

If the DG is within a Non-Opt In Entity’s (NOIE) boundary, the DG Resource owner will need to coordinate with the NOIE to properly report the impact of the DG generation on the NOIE’s exchange onto the ERCOT System.   

Settlement Metering Option I: TDSP Read Generation Meter

The DG resource arranges for the TDSP to submit a Generation Load Metering Point(s) and TDSP Read Generation form. Meter readings are submitted monthly by TDSP for wholesale settlement.

Settlement Metering Option 2: ERCOT Polled Settlement Meter

The DG resource arranges for ERCOT Polled Settlement (EPS) Metering with the TDSP. EPS Meters are polled by ERCOT daily to acquire settlement meter readings.