Step 1: Qualification of Existing Resources
This section provides an overview of how existing resources are qualified for a Forward Capacity Auction (FCA). Details can be found by taking the online course “FCM Existing Capacity Qualification Process,” available on the Training Materials webpage.
An existing demand capacity resource is one that previously has been either of the following:
- Listed as a resource in the Forward Capacity Market (FCM)
- In receipt of a capacity supply obligation (CSO) for a prior capacity commitment period (CCP)
The capacity of each resource must be at least 100 kW to participate in an FCA, except for resources registered with the ISO before February 2007 or renewable technology resources (RTRs) that were at least 100 kW when they first qualified as new, but were impacted by RTR proration.
Qualification Timeline
Actual FCA schedules are available in the Forward Capacity Tracking System (FCTS) and posted to the ISO website.
Here is a basic/typical timeline of events for an existing resource:
Deadline for Submitting Characteristic Changes
Participants may request a change in demand capacity resource type by submitting an updated measurement and verification plan (available on the FCM webpage). Changes in asset or resource characteristics must be finalized five business days before the qualified capacity notification, in which the ISO notifies existing capacity of qualified megawatts. (Learn how to access the auction calendars.)
Step 2: View Your Existing Qualified Capacity
Calculation
The ISO will calculate the appropriate qualified capacity values for existing resources and notify participants via the Existing Capacity Qualification Market Information Server (MIS) report. Once these values are posted, the ISO opens the challenge window.
The existing qualified capacity value for demand capacity resources is calculated as detailed in Market Rule 1, Section III.13. 1.4.2.A, Qualified Capacity for Existing Demand Capacity Resources. For demand capacity resources consisting of only load management and/or distributed generation measures, existing qualified capacity values equal the sum of existing qualified capacity values from the prior capacity commitment period (CCP) and new qualified capacity that cleared in the prior Forward Capacity Auction (FCA), minus accepted retirement and permanent de-list bids, and terminations. Beginning in FCA 16, for demand capacity resources consisting of energy efficiency (EE) measures, the commercial component of existing qualified capacity values equals the sum of all EE measures installed as of the existing capacity qualification deadline, excluding EE measures that will expire as of the start of the given CCP’s summer (June 1) and winter (December 1) season, respectively. Total existing qualified capacity values for demand capacity resources consisting of energy efficiency measures equals the lower of the sum of commercial and noncommercial megawatts and the qualification cap.
Viewing Your Qualified Capacity Value
After the ISO issues initial MIS reports, existing qualified capacity values will be viewable in the Forward Capacity Tracking System (FCTS). Issuance dates for initial MIS reports vary by FCA. You can find the specific date in the appropriate auction calendar. (Learn how to access the auction calendars.) An email notice will be sent out to prompt participants to review their resource information. To receive these emails, as well as all other Forward Capacity Market notices, subscribe to the Capacity (ICAP and FCM) Announcements mailing list (hit send when the subscription email opens).
To view your existing qualified capacity values in the FCTS:
- Select the resource on the Existing Capacity Summary Link search screen.
- On the Resource Information page, select the Summary tab to see the Existing Qualified Capacity Values.
Any changes to a resource’s qualified capacity will be reflected in the initial MIS report. For more details, see the online course “FCM Existing Capacity Qualification Process,” available on the Training Materials webpage.
Challenging the Qualified Capacity Value
Within a window of five business days, participants may request, via the FCTS, a change to either or both a resource’s summer or winter existing qualified capacity values if they believe the calculation of qualified capacity megawatts contained an error. This window is only to address the qualified capacity calculation. To increase a resource’s capacity, a show of interest must be submitted. To reduce the qualified capacity, a de-list bid must be submitted. For details on challenge options, see the “FCM Existing Capacity Qualification Process” training module (see More Information below). All challenges are subject to the ISO’s review.
During the challenge window, the lead market participant for a demand capacity resource may also submit the following:
- A challenge if the calculated qualified capacity accounting for expiring measures is incorrect
- A request to change its demand capacity resource type
- An updated measurement and verification (M&V) plan (available on the FCM page); this is not applicable to active demand capacity resources
System Planning uses the M&V plan to evaluate whether claimed energy reductions from projects are additional and verifiable. M&V plans must be submitted for all new demand capacity resources, and participants have the option of updating their plans once resources reach commercial operation. M&V updates are required if a resource changes its demand capacity resource type or methodological approach to M&V.
The M&V plan documents the following project components:
- Description of project characteristics
- Assumptions about project performance, including baseline energy usage, post-installation energy usage, and measure life
- M&V approach
- Statistical sampling approach, if applicable
- Performance calculations
- Data validation and management strategies
Final Qualified Megawatts
Five business days after the challenge window closes, the ISO releases a second MIS report to the FTP sites with the final qualified megawatt amounts, which will also be viewable in the Forward Capacity Tracking System (FCTS).
More Information
Step 3: Remove Capacity for a Single CCP (Optional)
Forward Capacity Market (FCM) participants can remove existing resources from participation in one or more Forward Capacity Auctions (FCAs) by submitting de-list bids. If an existing resource does not submit a de-list bid during the appropriate window, the resource will be entered in the FCA. Some key points are as follows:
- If the ISO accepts the de-list bids, as discussed below, the capacity will be removed for a single capacity commitment period (CCP) only. The megawatts associated with the de-list bid are treated as existing capacity in the next CCP.
- Resources that wish to permanently retire some or all capacity should see the section on submitting a permanent de-list bid or retirement de-list bid.
Except in the case of a retirement de-list bid, all de-listed megawatts are allowed to continue participation in the energy and ancillary markets.
Types of Single CCP De-List Bids
Several types of de-list bids exist, all of which must be submitted during the qualification period before an FCA except dynamic de-list bids:
- Static de-list bids (general) provide the ability to remove capacity from the capacity market at prices at or above the dynamic de-list bid threshold for a single CCP (cost justification required).
- Prices submitted must be greater than the dynamic de-list bid threshold.*
- The lead market participant must submit a completed cost workbook and an affidavit executed by a corporate officer attesting to the accuracy of the de-list package.
- The lead market participant must indicate whether a resource will be participating in the energy and ancillary service markets.
- Dynamic de-list bids provide the ability to remove capacity from the capacity market at prices below the dynamic de-list bid threshold for a single CCP.*
*Additional information is available in Market Rule 1, Section III.13.1.2.3.1.A, Dynamic De-List Bid Threshold. For specific details for each FCA see the FCM Parameters.
How to Submit a De-List Bid
Use the appropriate online system noted below to submit the desired type of de-list bid. See the “FCM de-listing” training module available on the Training Materials webpage for detailed instructions.
To prepare and calculate a de-list bid, follow these steps:
- Email AskISO@iso-ne.com to request the inframarginal rent (IMR) and the inflation index as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. These are inputs into the resource’s net going-forward costs.
- Download and complete de-list models and user guides available on the FCM page. This workbook, along with supporting documentation, should be uploaded into the FCTS before the existing capacity qualification deadline. Check for the specific deadline date in the FCA calendar. (Learn how to access the auction calendars.) Please note:
- The net going-forward costs are the costs incremental to obtaining a capacity supply obligation (CSO) and are therefore avoidable if the resource does not have a CSO. Unavoidable costs are not to be included in the calculation of the net going-forward costs.
- Any adjustments to components of the bid to reflect typical power-year operations, such as revenues, fuel, and emissions, must include a description of the components being adjusted and the adjustment methodology.
- In your documentation, include data on the expected number and duration of capacity scarcity conditions, as well as the unit’s expected average capacity balancing ratio and expected average performance during those capacity scarcity conditions.
- You must include details of the risk-premium analysis calculation. An affidavit executed by a corporate officer attesting to the accuracy of the risk-premium calculation is optional.
- You must also provide additional detail and supporting evidence concerning opportunity costs including, but not limited to, the following:
- Regulatory orders
- Environmental operating permits
- Contracts
Dynamic De-List Bids
Online System
Submitting dynamic de-list bids occurs in the FCA system via the auction bid/offer functions. Each bidder receives an FCA user guide, which provides instructions on how to submit dynamic de-list bids.
Deadline
Submissions occur during the FCA when prices are within the allowable range, as described in Market Rule 1, Section III.13.1.2.3.1.A, Dynamic De-List Bid Threshold.
All Other Types of Single CCP De-List Bids
Online System
Other types of de-list bids are submitted using the FCTS. See the Existing Qualification tab of the CCP in which the resource is de-listing.
Deadlines
Check for specific deadline dates in the FCA calendar. (Learn how to access the auction calendars.)
- Initial submissions are due by the existing capacity qualification deadline.
- Participants may modify static de-list bids during the static de-list bid finalization window beginning no later than seven days after the ISO’s issuance of the qualification determination notification (QDN).
- Changes to a resource’s rationing minimum limit must also be submitted via an Ask ISO case before the close of the static de-list bid finalization window.
Pricing and Payment of De-List Bids
Accepted Bids
- Static de-lists bids approved by the Internal Market Monitor (IMM) at prices greater than the FCA starting price are entered into the FCA at the FCA starting price.
- A resource with a static de-list bid cannot receive a CSO at the FCA starting price unless it has been retained for reliability.
- Static de-list bids at the FCA starting price retained for reliability will be subject to compensation under Market Rule 1, Section III.13.2.5.2.5.1, Compensation for Bids Rejected for Reliability Reasons.
Rejected Bids
- If a de-list bid is rejected for reliability reasons, the resource will be paid a “just and reasonable” rate as determined by FERC.
- If the IMM rejects a de-list bid for economic reasons during its review, resources deemed pivotal will not be allowed to de-list in the FCA at the submitted price.
Review of De-List Bids
De-list bids may be subject to review by the IMM, and all de-list bids are subject to a reliability review. Details can be found in ISO Planning Procedure No. 10, Planning Procedure to Support the Forward Capacity Market (PP 10), Section 7.
Dynamic de-list bids will undergo their reliability review between rounds of the FCA. Dynamic de-list bids will be accepted or rejected for reliability before the auction resumes.
More Information
Step 4: Remove Capacity Permanently (Optional)
Forward Capacity Market (FCM) participants can exit the FCM permanently by using retirement de-list bids or permanent de-list bids.
You cannot use a permanent or retirement de-list bid in combination with single capacity commitment period (CCP) de-list bids. Single CCP de-list bids allow you to remove a resource from the FCM only at a certain price or for a specific CCP. (Learn about using single CCP de-list bids.)
Existing resources that don’t submit any type of de-list bid during the appropriate window will be entered in the Forward Capacity Auction (FCA).
Types of De-List Bids that Permanently Remove Capacity
The two types of bids that permanently remove capacity are as follows:
- Permanent de-list bids provide the option to permanently remove capacity from the capacity market at the start of the CCP.
- Retirement de-list bids are irrevocable requests to permanently remove capacity from all ISO markets at the start of the CCP.
Regarding participation in a substitution auction: Beginning with the February 2019 FCA, existing generating capacity resources or existing import capacity resources associated with external elective transmission upgrades may also participate in a substitution auction to retire. Resources submitting retirement de-list bids are required to participate. Be aware that some of the deadlines for the substitution auction overlap with those for the primary auction. For details, see FCM Substitution Auction Overview and Timeline and Demand Participation in the FCM Substitution Auction.
Permanent and retirement de-list bids can be submitted for all or just a portion of a resource’s capacity:
- A partial de-list bid allows a resource to remove a portion of its megawatts from all ISO markets or from only the capacity market, depending on the type of de-list bid submitted:
- When a partial retirement de-list bid clears in the FCA, the resource remains active and all its interconnection rights are reduced to the appropriate megawatt level.
- When a partial permanent de-list bid clears in the FCA, the qualified capacity value for the resource is reduced and its capacity related interconnection rights will be reduced to the appropriate megawatt level.
- A full de-list bid allows the resource to remove all its megawatts from all ISO markets or from only the capacity market, depending on the type of de-list bid submitted:
- Upon clearing a full retirement de-list bid, the resource and asset will be retired from all ISO markets and all the interconnection rights for the resource will be completely removed.
- Upon clearing a full permanent de-list bid, the resource will be removed from the capacity market starting with the CCP for which the de-list bid was accepted and the capacity related interconnection rights will be completely terminated.
Deadlines and Process
- Permanent and retirement de-list bids are due by the existing capacity retirement deadline. (Learn how to access the auction calendars.)
- Use the Forward Capacity Tracking System (FCTS) to submit a permanent or retirement de-list bid. See the Existing Qualification tab for the CCP in which the resource is de-listing. See the “FCM Delisting” training available on the Training Materials webpage for detailed instructions.
- Note the following when submitting the de-list bid:
- Prices must be submitted at greater than the dynamic de-list bid threshold in the first CCP from which the resource is seeking to permanently remove capacity. (Additional information is available in Market Rule 1, Section III.13.1.2.3.1.A, Dynamic De-List Bid Threshold. For specific details for each FCA, see the FCM Parameters.)
- The lead market participant must submit a completed cost workbook and an affidavit executed by a corporate officer attesting to the accuracy of the de-list package.
- For permanent de-list bids, the lead market participant must indicate whether a resource will be participating in the energy and ancillary service markets.
- The Internal Market Monitor (IMM) will review these requests and release a retirement determination notification (RDN) at least five business days before the existing capacity qualification deadline.
- Once the RDNs are released, the lead market participants for these resources have five business days to elect either retirement or conditional treatment, where the resource will retire unless the FCA clears above the submitted price. If no election is made, the default is to accept the price in the retirement determination notification.
- The ISO will make an informational filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission no later than 20 days after the issuance of the RDNs.
- After the IMM informational filing, the ISO will discuss the reliability review with the NEPOOL Reliability Committee in August. Shortly after, the RDNs will be released.
- Before the auction, the ISO will review in descending price order all permanent and retirement de-list bids at or above the FCA starting price and permanent and retirement de-list bids for which the participant has opted for the ISO to review transmission security reliability. Participants will be notified whether their resource is needed for transmission-security reliability following the ISO’s consultation with the Reliability Committee in August.
- The lead market participant can decline to provide the associated capacity for reliability no later than the fifth business day in September after the Reliability Committee meeting.
- If the resource requesting to retire does not clear a retirement de-list bid and instead obtains a capacity supply obligation, the resource’s retirement de-list bid will be automatically carried forward to the next FCA. The lead market participant can adjust the retirement de-list bid price, if desired, by submitting an updated cost workbook by the existing capacity retirement deadline.
More Information
Step 5: Submit a Composite Offer (Optional)
A composite offer allows capacity resources that have each received a qualified capacity value to participate together to maximize their combined offer in a Forward Capacity Auction (FCA).
Submission Window
Composite offers can be submitted during the composite offer window for the desired FCA. (Learn how to access the auction calendars.) Composite offers can be modified or withdrawn in the Forward Capacity Tracking System (FCTS) until the composite offer deadline.
Finding Partners
- The ISO Seasonal Resource Capacity eBulletin Board provides a place where project sponsors of single-season capability resources can find a partner to participate in an FCA through a composite offer.
- An individual resource may also self-composite when that resource has an existing component and a new component.
Partner Eligibility Rules
Throughout the composite offer submittal process, the FCTS will enforce various validation rules on partner eligibility:
- Summer resources in import-constrained capacity zones may only pair with winter resources located in the same capacity zones.
- Summer resources in export-constrained capacity zones may pair with any winter resource in the same export-constrained zone.
- Summer resources in the Rest-of-Pool zone may pair with any resource not located in an export-constrained zone.
- When entering into composite offers, demand capacity resources must enter in the qualified capacity amounts (grossed up for losses), not the demand reduction value.
- A resource associated with a renewable technology resource election may only participate in a composite offer if its FCA qualified capacity has not been prorated.
Submitting the Offer
Composite offers are submitted into the FCTS by selecting a specific new or existing resource. For new resources, select the New Qualification tab, then the Composite Offer tab:
For existing resources, select the Existing Qualification tab, then the Composite Offer tab:
The project sponsors for the summer and winter resources must then cooperate to complete the following steps by the deadline. Composite offers submitted after the deadline will not be considered in the FCA. Please note:
- The FCTS will not automatically alert your composite-offer partner that they must take action. You must do this.
- If submitting a self-composite, you must close the FCTS completely between steps.
FCTS Actions Required by Each Partner |
Summer resource |
|
Winter resource |
Initiate the composite offer in the FCTS. The Composite Offer Status will display as “Pending.” Ask your winter partner to act. |
1 |
|
|
2 |
Designate the winter resource to the composite offer. Status remains “Pending.” Ask your summer partner to act. |
Submit the composite offer. Status displays “Confirmed.” Ask your winter partner to act. |
3 |
|
|
4 |
Verify submission: Both participating resources should appear under Winter Resource Information (MW). If they don’t, contact Participant Support. |
Auction Bidding
Only the summer resource partner in a composite offer should bid in an FCA. Both resources do not need to bid individually.
Payments
- Each resource will be paid individually.
More Information
