ERCOT Control Center experience in using Real-Time Contingency Analysis in the new Nodal market

Managing congestion in the ERCOT system has significantly progressed in the last several years. Using its breaker model as a backbone, the ERCOT ISO has implemented the use of its State Estimator and a Transmission Constraint Manager to mitigate congestion by analyzing contingencies and potential Remedial Action Plans. Defining contingencies requires close communication and coordination between ERCOT and the TSPs or resource owners. This provides an efficient means to balance reliability and economics and has improved the effectiveness of identifying, analyzing and managing contingencies for the Control Room Operator. Operations Support staff must also be vigilant in ensuring that the models and all input data into the ERCOT systems and network applications are accurate to ensure proper monitoring of the grid to prevent inefficiencies in the dispatch of generation to relieve post-contingency overloads. This paper discusses the implementation of Real-Time Contingency Analysis in ERCOT Control Center for Nodal Market.