Bandera Electric Cooperative Large Scale Solar FAQs

Large Scale Solar FAQs

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What is considered a large solar or energy storage project in Texas?
  • Large solar and energy storage projects are typically defined as those 10 megawatts or larger. These projects interconnect with the transmission grid and the project owners sell power directly to the electric grid after being approved by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
  • Note: BEC does not have any oversight or approval authority associated with these projects. ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission of Texas have the oversight and approval authority.
  • Once the projects are approved by ERCOT, the project owner is now a generator of energy and a customer of transmission service to the ERCOT grid. PUCT governs this process. Read the full rules here.
What role does BEC play?
  • BEC is a distribution utility that owns and operates a distribution system connecting the transmission grid to the retail electric member.
  • BEC has no role in deciding where and when to site utility-scale solar systems.
  • BEC is required by law to interconnect the system once approved by ERCOT.
How are the project sites determined?
  • The location and size of these projects are influenced by several factors including property cost, terrain, and market prices.
  • Ultimately, the decision to build is one of economics, and if feasible the projects must be reviewed and approved by ERCOT.
  • BEC has no role in determining or influencing the site selection.
What happens after the site is selected?
  • Once a project is sized and the site is selected, it must register with ERCOT.
  • The planning, design and interconnection of these projects are driven by requirements provided by ERCOT and a process that is outlined by the PUCT.
  • One of the requirements is that the project owner must also conduct a Full Interconnection Study to analyze the impact on the transmission system, and includes the identification and location of an interconnection point and substation.
What are the associated costs and who pays them?
  • The land acquisition, either through purchase or lease, must be performed by the project owner.
  • All of the necessary interconnection facilities will be built, designed, operated, and maintained by the project owner.
  • All costs are shouldered by the project owner.