ERCOT RIWG April 2026: QSA Deadlines, Ride-Through Compliance & AGS-ESR Updates

(2.) Detailed notes  

2.1 RIOO Ride-through Submittals and Review Process 

• ERCOT stated that the main causes of review delay are incomplete or unclear submittals, resource capability being shown at the facility/site level instead of the Resource level, missing capability curves, incomplete supporting documentation, and unclearRoCoFor PAJ settings. 
• Aftersubmittingthe RSCR and before requesting Check List Part 2 or Part 3 approval in RIOO, entities should email [email protected] and copy Resource Integration, including the RSCR number, INR number, resource mnemonic, and the relevant checklist part. 
• Part 2 ride-through packages should besubmittedbefore requesting Part 2 approval, while Part 3 packages should be submitted after Part 3 testing is approved and can run in parallel with the PGRR109 submission. 
• Capability curves should overlay NOG requirements with actual Resource capability after considering inverter or turbine limits, protection systems, and any other limiting equipment. ERCOT also wants RIOO-RS verification pointsidentifiedand expects applicants to state clearly if no protection systems exist. 
• Supporting evidence shoulddemonstrateResource-level performance, include OEM or validated engineering assessments, identify the source of IEEE 2800 capability data, and provide as-left settings for protection and controls. ERCOT specifically wants evidence that RoCoF and PAJ settings do not cause power reduction or tripping inside the No Trip Zone. 
• ERCOT also noted that SGIA execution and amendment timing affects which ride-through requirements apply, and amended/restated SGIAs executed after August 1,2024may trigger Preferred VRT and IEEE 2800 compliance depending on the agreement language. 

2.2 AGS-ESR Overview, Modeling Considerations, and Tool Updates 

• ERCOT reviewed AGS-ESR implementation dates and pointed to the governing references: Planning Guide Section 6.2(5)(c), Nodal Operating Guide Section 2.14, and the updated DWG Procedure Manual, including revised language for mixed-technology facilities and AGS-ESR test setups, MQT criteria, and Unit Model Validation expectations.
• The updated test table distinguishes AGS-ESR-specific tests from the broader set of ride-through and disturbance tests used for other resource types, with ERCOT indicating that mixed facilities may require the new requirements to be applied only to the portion subject to AGS while still evaluating the overall facility response.
• ERCOT highlighted the ongoing transition from PSS/E v35 to v36. Version 36-compatible models need to be provided prior to June 1, 2026, although version 35-compatible models are still needed until the v36 flat-start case transition is complete.
• Because PSS/E v35 does not have GFM library or generic models, ERCOT may allow temporary flexibility around v35 UDM use for AGS-related FIS andadditionalstudies, but it expects acceptable correspondence between the v35 UDM and the later v36 generic model response. TSAT submission implications for QSA also need to be considered. 
• ERCOT demonstrated updatedDMViewand PMView v3.5 setups and noted additional internal PSCAD automation and plotting scripts that may be released externally based on interest and other considerations. 

2.3 Resource Integration Topics: QSA, AGS FAQ, and Commissioning Timing 

• For QSA, ERCOT reiterated that FIS studies must befinalizedand posted in RIOO-IS 45 days before the quarterly deadline, and that dynamic models, PSCAD files, TSAT UDMs where applicable, and MQT reports must be submitted in time to satisfy the prerequisite window. 
• ERCOT noted recurring issues with the 10-day FIS comment period and the dependency of model review on stability study completion. It emphasized that PSSE MQTs remain required, PSCAD MQT and Unit Model Validation arerequired, and the PSCAD template becomes required starting with the August 1 QSA cycle.
• On AGS applicability for ESRs, ERCOT clarified that the trigger isaddedMW capacity, not merely MVA changes. A gross MW increase can trigger AGS even if the project is self-limited at the POI, unless the increase only compensates for losses behind the POI. 
• If an ESR modification increases the MW rating after April 1, 2026, the addedportionis subject to AGS. ERCOT also stated that the AGS-compliant portion should be modeled as a separate aggregate unit for compliance purposes. 
• For commissioning timing, ERCOT stressed that Part 1, 2, and 3 requests should besubmittedonly when the Resource is truly ready. Telemetry must be tested and reliable for 48 hours, ESI IDs and settlement prerequisites must be in place for Part 1, SSR studies and mitigation must be complete before energization, and ride-through requirements must have been met and submitted to GRI before Part 2 or Part 3 requests. 
• If energization, synchronization, or commissioning dates slip, the RE or QSE should withdraw the request andresubmit withthe correct date instead of leaving an inaccurate request pending. 
• ERCOT also noted active revision requests PGRR124 andPGRR142 andreported 2,013 active generation interconnection requests totaling 458 GW as of March 31, 2026, including solar 165 GW, wind 48 GW, Gas 64 GW, Battery 177 GW / 371 GWh and other 4 GW.