Maximum solar generation impact will occur at 1:40 p.m., with solar capacity levels reducing to 7.6 percent of maximum clear sky output
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The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the state’s primary grid operator, has begun preparing for the April 8 solar eclipse. During a March 6 meeting of ERCOT stakeholders, grid officials said they plan to operate the grid in a slightly more conservative fashion during the event, and they otherwise expect a relatively normal operational day. They said the real time market should incentivize generation resources to come online to replace any solar losses during the event.
ERCOT officials also provided other details about their planning:
- The eclipse will occur between 12:10 and 3:10 p.m., with sun coverage ranging from 81-99 percent throughout Texas. Maximum solar generation impact will occur at 1:40 p.m., with solar capacity levels reducing to 7.6 percent of maximum clear sky output
- On Saturday, April 6, ERCOT will review ancillary service requirements to ensure adequate procurement in the April 6 day-ahead market.
- On Sunday, April 7, ERCOT will review day-ahead market transactions and determine necessary levels of real-time ancillary service procurement during the day of the eclipse.
- On Monday, April 8, ERCOT will monitor Generation to be Dispatched (GTBD) values and, if the real time market does not adequately address the solar ramp down, deploy ancillary services to maintain system stability.