PJM MRC/MC Preview: May 28, 2020

May 25, 2020

A summary of the issues scheduled to be brought to a vote at the PJM Markets and Reliability and Members committee meetings on May 28, 2020.

Below is a summary of the issues scheduled to be brought to a vote at the PJM Markets and Reliability and Members committee meetings on Thursday. Each item is listed by agenda number, description and projected time of discussion, followed by a summary of the issue and links to prior coverage in RTO Insider.

RTO Insider will be covering the discussions and votes. See next Tuesday’s newsletter for a full report.

Markets and Reliability Committee

Consent Agenda (9:05-9:10)

Members will be asked to endorse the following manual changes:

B. Manual 01: Control Center and Data Exchange. Periodic review, including revisions to Attachment A: Data Specification and Collection and Attachment B: Schedule of Data Submittals.

C. Manual 03: Transmission Operations. The manual will be split into a public version, including sections 1-4 and attachments and a secured Manual 03B on transmission operating procedures containing critical energy/electricity infrastructure information.

D. Manual 03: Transmission Operations. Biannual review to update operating procedures.

E. Manual 18: PJM Capacity Market. Revisions to conform with FERC orders on price-responsive demand (ER20-271).

F. Manual 36: System Restoration. Annual update includes revisions to Attachment B: Restoration Forms and Attachment G: Coordination of Restoration Plan with PJM Internal and External Neighboring Entities – PJM Approval Process for TO Restoration Plans.

Endorsements/Approvals (9:10-11:30)

1. Surety Bonds (9:10-9:35)

Members will be asked to endorse a proposal to allow market participants to use surety bonds as collateral in addition to letters of credit, which can be more expensive. (See “Surety Bonds,” PJM MRC Briefs: April 30, 2020.)

2. PMA Credit Requirements (9:35-9:50)

Members will vote on a “quick fix” Tariff revision to address a regulatory change in Ohio concerning the billing of network integration transmission service (NITS). PJM requires load-serving entities to sign NITS agreements and post collateral based on their peak market activity. (See “‘Quick Fix’ for NITS Rule,” PJM MIC Briefs: May 13, 2020.)

3. Integration of HVDC Converter Problem Statement (9:50-10:10)

Members will be asked to approve an issue charge to investigate the integration of HVDC converters as a new type of capacity resource. The initiative is being proposed by Direct Connect Development Co., which is planning the SOO Green HVDC Link, a 350-mile, 2,100-MW, 525-kV underground HVDC transmission line to deliver Iowa wind power to Illinois.

4. Transparency and End-of-life Planning (10:10-11:10)

The committee will be asked to choose between transmission planning changes proposed by multiple stakeholders and favored by load interests, and a PJM proposal backed by transmission owners. The proposals could open end-of-life transmission projects to competition and regional planning. (See related story, TOs: PJM ‘At a Crossroads’ on Eve of EOL Vote.)

5. Capacity Capability Senior Task Force Issue Charge (11:10-11:20)

Members will be asked to vote on revisions to the Capacity Capability Senior Task Force i ssue c harge on effective load-carrying capability for limited-duration resources and intermittent resources. The change will incorporate revisions in response to FERC’s April 10 order granting PJM’s motion to hold a paper hearing on the capability of energy storage resources in abeyance to allow stakeholder negotiations (ER20-584 and EL19-100). (See PJM MRC Moves Forward on Storage, Hybrids.)

6. Fuel Requirements for Black Start Resources Issue Charge (11:20-11:30)

Members will be asked to endorse a revised i ssue c harge on fuel requirements for black start resources to remove minimum tank suction level from the key work activities. The issue is being considered instead under the recently approved issue charge on black start unit involuntary termination and substitution rules.