Minor changes in ERCOT price point descriptions

Platts is proposing to make changes in the wording of the descriptions, but not the underlying makeup, of its electricity price points in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. The changes in the price point definitions in the Methodology and Specifications Guide for North American Electricity would reflect ERCOT's plan to switch from its current zonal system to a nodal locational price system effective December 1, 2010. ERCOT's aggregate nodal trading hubs will be the functional equivalents of its current congestion zones.

For the price point definitions for ERCOT Houston, ERCOT North, ERCOT West, and ERCOT South, under "Description," the wording would be changed to read "aggregate nodal trading hub" rather than "congestion zone." Under "Market Type," the definitions for the four points would be changed to read: "Nodal locational marginal price system as of December 1, 2010." Assuming the switch from zonal to nodal takes place when scheduled, the proposed changes in the wording of the descriptions would take effect December 1.

For comments or questions, please contact Mike Wilczek at mike_wilczek@platts.com with a cc to pricegroup@platts.com.