Real-time contingency analysis methods to mitigate congestion in the ercot region

Managing congestion in the ERCOT system has significantly progressed in the last several years. Using its breaker model as a backbone, the ERCOT ISO has implemented the use of its State Estimator and a Real-Time Constraint Activity Manager to mitigate congestion by analyzing contingencies and potential Remedial Action Plans. Defining contingencies requires close communication and coordination between ERCOT and the TSPs or resource owners. The Real-Time Constraint Activity Manager provides an efficient means to balance reliability and economics and has improved the effectiveness of identifying, analyzing and managing contingencies for the Control Room Operator. Operations Support staff must also be vigilant in ensuring that the models and all input data into the ERCOT systems and network applications are accurate to ensure proper monitoring of the grid, otherwise inefficiencies in the dispatch of generation to relive post-contingency overloading can occur.