Bringing a new generation resource online in the ERCOT region is a complex, multi-stage process that demands precise modeling, rigorous documentation, and coordinated engagement with ERCOT. The challenge isn’t just meeting technical requirements; it’s moving through each interconnection milestone within submission timelines and evolving modeling expectations.
This post outlines PSC’s comprehensive approach to navigating the ERCOT interconnection path from the Security Screening Study (SSS) review through to Full Registration Application preparation. The goal is to help developers move efficiently through the ERCOT process with confidence in their technical foundation.
Security Screening Study Review – Establishing your project’s interconnection baseline
ERCOT conducts the Security Screening Study (SSS), but navigating its implications can be challenging. That’s where PSC adds real value. We independently review ERCOT’s findings to spot potential issues early, such as subsynchronous resonance (SSR) risks, and translate technical outcomes into clear, actionable insights. By identifying these challenges before they impact cost or schedule, we help clients stay ahead, make confident decisions, and progress smoothly through the ERCOT process.
ERCOT’s Security Screening Study provides a high-level evaluation of how a proposed generation resource may impact the transmission system. ERCOT performs steady-state power-flow and transfer analyses based on the project’s expected in-service year to identify potential dispatch limitations and system constraints associated with the proposed Point of Interconnection.
A critical component of the SSS is ERCOT’s assessment of SSR risk and its determination of whether more detailed SSR analysis is required. This evaluation considers system conditions and credible contingencies that could expose the project to subsynchronous oscillations. The findings help inform both the interconnecting entity and ERCOT about potential reliability concerns early in the process.
How PSC can help with Security Screening Study Reviews
PSC proactively reviews ERCOT’s assumptions, inputs, and results, helping you avoid downstream complications and strengthen the technical foundation of your submission.
PSC’s review focuses on validating study assumptions, identifying potential gaps or risks, and clarifying how the project is expected to operate alongside other generation in the area. Addressing these issues early helps developers avoid surprises later in the Full Interconnection Study and supports more efficient progression through ERCOT’s interconnection process.
Full Interconnection Study (FIS) Request Application – Building a complete, compliant application
As your project progresses to the next stage, the Full Interconnection Study becomes the pivotal checkpoint where ERCOT assesses the true reliability implications of your resource. A well-prepared FIS request is essential to meeting ERCOT standards and ensuring the study proceeds on time and with minimal revisions. The FIS evaluates the reliability impacts of a new or modified generator through steady-state, stability, short-circuit, and facility studies. Its focus is on identifying the transmission facilities required for reliable interconnection, not market deliverability or congestion risk.
How PSC can help with Full Interconnection Study (FIS) Requestion Applications
PSC develops and validates models, simulation files, and registration data to ensure your application is accurate and compatible with planning software. We also support kickoff meetings and coordinate technical discussions throughout the study cycle.
PSC supports clients by developing and organizing all required materials, including Resource Registration data, steady-state and dynamic models, Model Quality Test results, and associated simulation files in ERCOT-approved formats. This preparation helps ensure models are compatible with current planning software and meet ERCOT technical requirements.
Once the FIS request is accepted, ERCOT assigns the responsible Transmission Service Provider (TSP) and convenes a kickoff meeting with the Interconnecting Entity. We assist clients in preparing for and participating in this meeting, supporting technical discussions and data coordination throughout the study. The stage concludes as the TSP submits study results and recommendations for each FIS element to ERCOT through the RIOO system.
Quarterly Stability Assessment – Staying on schedule with ERCOT’s planning review
Once your project enters ERCOT’s Quarterly Stability Assessment cycle, timing becomes critical. Missing a quarterly submission window can push your plans back by months, making high-quality, ready-to-submit modeling essential.
Following acceptance of the Full Interconnection Study, the next phase is ERCOT’s Quarterly Stability Assessment, conducted every three months to evaluate the system impacts of planned large generators and large loads. The assessment schedule is tied to the project’s Initial Synchronization Date, making timely participation critical.
How PSC can help with your Quarterly Stability Assessment
PSC can deliver generator data packages, dynamic model benchmarking, and reactive power capability studies that meet ERCOT’s requirements, helping you navigate the QSA process with confidence.
We support this phase by preparing and submitting all required generator data in accordance with the Resource Registration Glossary and the Planning Model requirements. Additionally, we provide development and submission of PSCAD and TSAT models, along with PSS®E/TSAT/PSCAD benchmarking to confirm consistent dynamic responses across platforms.
In addition, we perform reactive power compensation studies based on ERCOT’s Reactive Power Guide. These studies evaluate the full reactive capability of the resource across anticipated operating conditions and confirm compliance with ERCOT Voltage Support Service requirements. This integrated support helps projects move through the Quarterly Stability Assessment with confidence and minimal risk of delay.
Full Registration Application – Closing out the process and securing your Production Load Date
The Full Registration stage requires the project’s design and models to accurately reflect the Issued-for-Construction configuration. Meeting the approved Production Load Date (PLD) is crucial, as any delays can affect commissioning schedules and commercial readiness.
Full Registration marks the final step in ERCOT’s interconnection process, where the project transitions from planning and study into execution readiness. At this stage, ERCOT requires confirmation that all technical studies, models, and design details accurately reflect the Issued-for-Construction (IFC) configuration of the facility.
A key outcome of Full Registration is achieving an approved Production Load Date (PLD), which determines when the resource is incorporated into ERCOT’s Network Operations Model. The PLD establishes the earliest point at which the facility may be energized and considered available for system operations. Missing the targeted PLD can result in delays to energization, commissioning, and commercial operation. As a result, timely and accurate completion of Full Registration activities is critical to maintaining the overall project schedule.
How PSC can help with Full Registration Applications
PSC updates study models to IFC conditions, coordinates ERCOT registration review, resolves technical comments, and supports project closeout to ensure your project reaches PLD smoothly.
We support this phase by updating all study models to reflect the IFC data and the finalized design. We also support coordination of the ERCOT registration review meeting, respond to technical comments, and assist with application close-out activities required to achieve full registration approval and reach the Production Load Date (PLD) milestone. If you are planning a new generation resource in ERCOT or need support navigating the interconnection process, our team is here to help. PSC’s specialists bring decades of experience supporting developers and regulators across ERCOT, from initial screening to the moment a project is fully registered and ready for energization.
To find out more about how PSC can support your next ERCOT-connected project, contact us for a chat.