Modules · Modeling studies · Module 060
ERCOT AVR Periodic Test
The ERCOT automatic voltage regulator step-response test, from site procedure to the submission package your Qualified Scheduling Entity files with ERCOT.
About this module
What this module covers.
ERCOT Nodal Operating Guide (NOG) Section 2.2.5 requires Resource Entities to perform Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) tests at initial qualification and supports periodic AVR retesting on a 5-year cycle. NERC MOD-025-2 mandates verification of generator reactive capability with the AVR in service every 5 years (at most 66 months) for all Bulk Electric System (BES) resources above 20 MVA. For ERCOT inverter-based resources (IBRs), both obligations apply, and operators typically execute one coordinated test window producing two distinct submissions. This module covers the AVR step-response test deliverables: site-specific test procedure development, pre-test data intake, advisory coordination with the Resource Entity and its Qualified Scheduling Entity (QSE), post-test data analysis, ERCOT NDCRC AVR Template completion, and submission package delivery to the QSE for submission in ERCOT's Market Information System (MIS).
This module is scoped to ERCOT NOG Section 2.2.5 (the AVR step-response test). Reactive capability verification per NERC MOD-025-2 (sustained leading / lagging tests) is covered by the GridStrong MOD-025-2 module and is a companion offering when both submissions are required.
Module: 060
Kind: Modeling studies
Governing body: ERCOT
Applies to: Operating plants
Typical time: Two to three weeks, all in, including your review
Dashboard capabilities
- GridStrong Dashboard - site-by-site AVR retest milestone tracking (next due date, coordination status, submission status)
- Plant File Manager - intake of original equipment manufacturer (OEM), inverter platform, AVR settings, generator step-up transformer (GSU) configuration, voltage control mode parameters
- Procedure Library - site-specific procedure document generation from the ERCOT AVR master template
Support services
What GridStrong does inside this module.
- Task 1: Pre-test data intake. Collect plant nameplate, inverter platform / firmware, AVR and power plant controller (PPC) voltage-control settings (mode, droop, deadband, voltage setpoint authority), GSU info, point of interconnection (POI) bus, transmission topology, last ERCOT-registered reactive capability, prior AVR test data (if any). Flag deltas between as-left field settings and ERCOT-registered values.
- Task 2: Site-specific AVR test procedure development. Adapt the GridStrong ERCOT AVR master procedure to the site's equipment, OEM, control architecture, and operating constraints. The procedure document details: pre-test approval workflow (Resource Entity -> QSE -> Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP) -> ERCOT Operations), required pre-test stable operating conditions, voltage measurement location (GSU high side), step-up setpoint magnitude, step-down setpoint magnitude, settling-time observation window, instrumentation requirements, abort criteria, limiting-factor decision tree (e.g., "Unit reactive capability limit reached"), post-test data capture checklist.
- Task 3: Coordination advisory. Advise the Resource Entity on test-window scheduling with the QSE, the local transmission service provider, and ERCOT Operations. Available on the test-day call as a subject matter expert. No on-site presence; no equipment operation.
- Task 4: Post-test data analysis & form completion. Receive raw test data from the field team. Generate step-up and step-down voltage response plots. Validate response against acceptance criteria (voltage tracks setpoint within +/-2%, or limiting factor is documented). Populate the ERCOT NDCRC AVR Template. Identify any deficiencies that warrant follow-up (model registration update, AVR re-tuning, reactive capability deficiency).
- Task 5: Submission package & evidence retention. Deliver completed ERCOT AVR Template + procedure document + raw test data + plot package to the Resource Entity's QSE for ERCOT MIS submission. Retain the evidence package in the GridStrong evidence repository for the applicable audit retention period.
Final deliverables
- Site-specific AVR test procedure document (DOCX + PDF)
- Completed ERCOT NDCRC AVR Template form
- Step-up and step-down voltage response plots
- Raw test data archive
- Submission package delivered to your QSE
What we need from you
- Plant nameplate (resource ID, station code, in-service date, location)
- OEM and inverter platform / firmware revision
- AVR and PPC voltage-control settings: mode, droop %, deadband %, setpoint authority
- GSU transformer configuration, POI bus identifier, transmission interconnection topology
- Last ERCOT-registered reactive capability and last AVR test results (if any)
- Resource Entity's QSE assignment per site
- Your operations contact for test-day coordination
Assumptions and considerations
How the scope is bounded.
Other modules
Every module runs on the same record.
Run this module on one site.
Tell us the plant and the deadline. An engineer confirms the inputs, the schedule and what the Dashboard needs from you.