PRR 397 – TGR Trading Piece

1. PRR 397 – TGR Trading Piece RequirementsDiscussion For PRS Review 04/23/04

2. PRR 397- TGR Trading Piece • When passed in June ’03, project cost was underestimated • Initial estimate based on leveraging existing TCR system • Thorough analysis of requirements showed estimate should have been 4x the original estimate • At Project Review, ERCOT Mgmt requested further analysis • Major cost component (approximately ½ total cost) attributed to TGR Trading piece • Further discussion between ERCOT and McCamey Area MPs indicated debate over real need for Trading piece • Conference Call on 1/27/04 with Austin, CPS, FPL, TXU, and PUCT • Trading piece was removed from project based on call discussions • PRR to remove Trading piece was expected from one of the MPs • Subsequent information indicated that PRR would not be submitted • Project had already been re-directed and begun without TGR Trading piece

3. PRR 397- TGR Trading Piece • Why not just add this requirement back into in-flight project? • ERCOT staff needs further clarification of requirements to accurately reflect trading piece • Need to resolve questions about how to handle trading • Trading 1MW from unit to unit might not result in 1:1 trade (shift factors/line losses, etc.) • Main project design was already underway • Cost/schedule delay of main project while resolving issues identified above • Conference Call 4/13/04 • Between ERCOT staff and PUCT • Confirmed PUCT presence at earlier telecon and concurrence with actions taken by project staff to proceed without Trading piece • Need for Trading piece diminishes relative to other prospective projects and with projected Nodal Market • Discussion of plan to re-prioritize Trading piece • Action Plan • Bring Trading piece to PRS in April for re-prioritization • If priority is high enough for likely completion near-term, • Request task force/work group be assigned to clearly define requirements