Members of the Primary Frequency Response Senior Task Force will be voting this week on three proposals that look at how best to incorporate primary frequency response into existing resources on the PJM system.
The vote will close on Dec. 3 and stakeholders will review the results at the task force’s Dec. 5 meeting.
The task force has been discussing the implementation of FERC Order 842, Essential Reliability Services and the Evolving Bulk-Power System—Primary Frequency Response, which requires all new generation to provide primary frequency response as a condition of the Interconnection Service Agreement.
At the Nov. 27 task force meeting, stakeholders debated the primary frequency response exception document and the options and package matrix. Glen Boyle, manager – Operation Analysis & Compliance, reviewed a high-level summary of the packages before discussing the vote timetable.
Primary frequency response is essential to ensure system reliability and stability both in real-time operations and during system restoration events. Generators providing primary frequency response automatically respond to large changes in system frequency.
For example, if the frequency goes too high, the generator will automatically reduce output; if the frequency goes too low, the generator will automatically increase output. As the first line of defense in frequency disturbance events, primary frequency response is also critical for controlling frequency in system restoration events.
The PJM package would require existing units greater than 20 megawatts (with an exception process) to have primary frequency response capability. It also contains a one-time capital recovery opportunity and performance measurement to ensure capability.
Existing units are in commercial operation, have a signed Interconnection Services Agreement or pseudo-tie agreement, or entered the Interconnection queue prior to Oct. 1, 2018.
Boyle said that PJM has received information from equipment manufacturers indicating that the needed equipment modifications should be available to resources at a relatively low cost.
The package from PJM’s independent market monitor, Monitoring Analytics, agrees with the PJM package with the exception of unit size (10 MW instead of 20 MW) and the one-time capital recovery option. Calpine’s package includes an obligation for all new resources that entered the PJM queue after Oct. 1, 2018, to provide primary frequency response and includes a bilateral market option for primary frequency response.
