Texas Nodal Vendor Executive Forum Held Aug. 24-25

The nodal program held the first Texas Nodal Vendor Executive Forum on August 24-25. Texas Nodal project leaders and executives from the program's preferred vendors attended the forum dedicated to meeting three objectives: to provide leaders context on the Texas Nodal program in order to respond to inevitable challenges; to leverage industry expertise to anticipate risks; and to build a relationship foundation for collective success.

Day one provided context for the program and established goals of vendor partnerships. Sam Jones, ERCOT president and CEO, opened the meeting with his insight on the changing scene of U.S. ISOs. ERCOT CIO and Nodal Program Sponsor, Ron Hinsley, followed by discussing the program charter and its challenges, and Nodal Program Director, Kathy Hager, presented a review of program organization and timelines. The final speaker, Jeyant Tamby, director of Integration and Design Authority, discussed project integration.

The group spent day two in a working session producing risk mitigation strategies.

"I really got a sense of the scope, complexity and the aggressive must-meet schedule. The forum helped build a true partnership relationship looking out for ERCOT's overall goals, versus a bilateral vendor/customer relationship,” said Kevin Sullivan, vice president and GM of Siemens PTD, Energy Management and Automation.

Anticipating moving forward, attendees applauded the event, noting that its strong leadership and commitment will be a big factor for the success of the nodal program.The Nodal Program group is committed to gathering together over the course of the nodal program to ensure long-term success.