1. Mod 0452 (PARCA) – Further thoughts
TX Workgroup
6th June 2013
Mike Wassell

2. Background
We have been in regular dialogue with Ofgem regarding the PARCA modification
Ofgem believes the solution has merit but beneficial to further explore certain aspects
We would therefore welcome further discussion on following specific aspects:
PARCAs that can be met entirely through unsold capacity
alignment to the emerging EU incremental policies

3. Mod 0452 - Unsold Capacity (1)
Phase 1 of the PARCA will identify when and how the requested capacity can be delivered:
reinforcement or contractual alternative (incremental capacity requiring a revenue driver)
existing capability (incremental capacity that does not require a revenue driver)
substitution (unsold capacity from other locations)
unsold capacity at the PARCA location
a combination of the above
The PARCA Applicant can then choose to progress to Phase 2 (capacity reservation) of the PARCA based on the Phase 1 output
As currently drafted mod 0452 works as follows

4. Mod 0452 - Unsold Capacity (1)
Phase 1 of the PARCA will indentify when and how the requested capacity can be delivered:
reinforcement or contractual alternative (incremental capacity requiring a revenue driver)
existing capability (incremental capacity that does not require a revenue driver)
substitution (unsold capacity from other locations)
unsold Capacity at the PARCA ASEP / NTS Exit Point
or a combination of the above
The PARCA Applicant can then choose to progress to Phase 2 (capacity reservation) of the PARCA based on the Phase 1 output
we are seeking views on how a PARCA should progress for where a request can be met through unsold only (incl substitution)

5. Mod 0452 - Unsold Capacity (2)
Amendments for discussion:
Where Phase 1 identifies that the PARCA request can be met entirely by unsold capacity (incl substitution) the PARCA is no longer required
unsold capacity is available via the existing auction / application processes
retains the competition and economic principles of the existing auction / application processes
limits parallel routes for the release of long term unsold capacity
less certainty for the PARCA Applicant, however if unsold capacity is booked by another party, the PARCA route is still open
step away from current ARCA arrangements for non-UNC signatories
not included a pros and cons as I feel this would be better populated by attendees, not just NG view. Your views are welcome on these aspects including pros and cons of the alternative, does anyone have strong views against or for this alternative?
Parallell routes could be considered potentially ineffecient

6. EU incremental arrangements (1)
The CEER blue print for Incremental Capacity suggests:
auctions utilised for Incremental Capacity release for simple projects
“Open Season” arrangements with defined window for “more complex” scenarios / builds
The PARCA modification is similar to these arrangements
auctions can be used to satisfy demand for Incremental where existing capability can satisfy request (e.g. substitution)
PARCA is the route where demand for incremental can not be satisfied by existing capability (i.e. revenue driver required)
similar to “Open Season”, but no defined period to consider other PARCAs i.e. PARCAs can be initialised at any time of the year
this is paraphrased a little to keep high level and at principles level
“for more complex settings where conditional capacity demand extends over more than two entry-exit systems or project complexity and size warrants this: open season with products and timings compatible with CAM NC is more suitable”

7. EU incremental arrangements (2)
Amendments for discussion:
Introduction of a defined minimum period where PARCA Applications are considered
could be a fixed annual window (more certain) or min period triggered by an initial PARCA request (more flexible)
closer alignment to emerging EU incremental policy
facilitates transition to EU wide arrangements
greater certainty to our customers of when PARCAs are considered by National Grid NTS
not as flexible for PARCA Applicants
may allow for efficiencies in reinforcement decisions
this is paraphrased a little to keep high level and at principles level. Again welcome your views, are there any views strongly against or for this alternative?

8. Next steps Consider feedback for further development of Mod 0452
Publish revised PARCA contract for comment (June)
Develop draft legal text for Mod 0452 (July workgroup)
Engage and seek feedback on potential methodology statement and licence changes (July / August)