Transmission Operator Requirements
A transmission operator, which is type of transmission and/or distribution service provider (TDSP), is charged with 24x7 communications with the control center of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) independent system operator (ISO). The transmission operator must carry out ERCOT ISO’s dispatch instructions on behalf of itself and any other TDSPs that it represents.
Each TDSP, including each transmission operator, must be registered with the ERCOT ISO 
, and TDSPs that compete in the retail market must also be certified by ERCOT ISO.
Transmission operators must comply with the following:
ERCOT Protocols
ERCOT Operating Guides
Transmission operators must also register with the National Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) for applicable NERC functions, and comply with the following:
NERC standards
To assist each transmission operator’s understanding of the ERCOT market, Texas Reliability Entity, Inc. (Texas RE) offers a summary of ERCOT Protocols and Operating Guides related to transmission operator responsibilities, as well as related NERC standards. It is each transmission operator’s responsibility to review ERCOT Protocols, ERCOT Operating Guides, and NERC standards to determine its compliance obligations. Included are the methods that Texas RE uses to assess compliance.
Assessment Method Key:
Audit
Data Submittal
Investigation
Plan Submittal
Test Results
Black Start Procedures |
| Identifies the obligation to maintain and update black start plans annually |
| Assessment: |
Annual
|
| Protocol(s): |
|
| Operating Guide(s): |
4.6, Attachment 4A.4 |
| NERC Standard(s): |
EOP-007-0 |
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Black Start Service and Performance |
| Explains black start services and testing requirements |
| Assessment: |
Annual |
| Protocol(s): |
6.5.8, 6.10.3.6 |
| Operating Guide(s): |
|
| NERC Standard(s): |
EOP-009-0 |
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System Operator Training |
| Describes training requirements for ERCOT-registered TOs and QSEs, as well as ERCOT ISO system operators |
| Assessment: |
|
| Protocol(s): |
|
| Operating Guide(s): |
1.8(1.8.1 - 1.8.5) |
| NERC Standard(s): |
|
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Vegetation Management |
| Identifies the requirements for the vegetation management on 345KV lines and other voltage lines that are deemed significant to the reliability of the grid |
| Assessment: |
|
| Protocol(s): |
|
| Operating Guide(s): |
3.1.5.2, 3.1.5.3 |
| NERC Standard(s): |
FAC-003-0 |
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