Author: Gail Alfar

Gail has a bachelor of art in film/radio/tv and a bachelor of science in nursing She has worked for years caring for all ages of people with many diagnoses in over 5 hospitals and schools around the texas hill country Originally from north dakota, she is now based in austin and writes about sustainable energy for the website she created ‘What’s up Tesla’ and 'What's up Twitter' and maintains her nursing practice

Transforming Energy Access: FERC and Tesla’s Vision for Clean Power

Gail AlfarLeave a comment

The energy landscape in the USA is evolving rapidly, driven by the urgent need to transition to cleaner, more reliable, and sustainable sources of power. In this pursuit, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is taking steps to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, into the national electricity grid. Joining forces with FERC in this transformative journey is Tesla, Inc., a trailblazer in energy solutions. 

Order No. 2023: Effective 11/6/2023

It’s important to note that the changes discussed in this article stem from Order No. 2023, published in the Federal Register and set to take effect on November 6, 2023. This landmark order marks a significant turning point in the quest for a more efficient and accessible energy grid [link below].

Tailoring Project Controls for Efficiency

Tesla’s involvement in these reforms goes beyond advocacy—it’s about driving actionable change. Tesla recognizes that not all energy projects are created equal, especially when it comes to non-synchronous generating facilities. In a bid to enhance efficiency and enable smarter decision-making, Tesla has requested crucial information from developers. This data includes intricate details about the number of generating facilities, power control devices, and technical specifications specific to each project. Armed with this information, developers can tailor their project controls, reducing costs and optimizing performance.

Collaboration for Knowledge Sharing

Tesla, in collaboration with American Electric Power (AEP) and the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), has initiated a groundbreaking collaborative initiative. They’ve called on FERC to launch a comprehensive proceeding and host a technical conference, gathering industry experts and stakeholders. The primary objective is to identify valuable information tools, establish consistent and transparent study assumptions, share best practices, and provide guidance to less experienced interconnection customers. This collaborative effort aims to empower all players in the clean energy sector, fostering knowledge sharing and driving progress.

Batteries as Virtual Transmission

Tesla’s innovative thinking extends to considering batteries as virtual transmission resources. This visionary concept unlocks a multitude of benefits, such as providing:

  • emergency capacity for congested transmission lines, 
  • efficient management of surplus energy generation, and 
  • valuable contributions to grid stability

By embracing this concept, the energy industry can optimize existing infrastructure and bolster grid reliability, all thanks to Tesla’s forward-thinking approach.

Advanced Modeling for Precision

In collaboration with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Tesla advocates for the widespread adoption of user-defined library RMS (root mean square current/voltage) positive sequence dynamics models. These models offer a significantly more accurate representation of the technology used by energy resources, resulting in enhanced modeling precision. This advancement is pivotal in supporting the increased adoption of renewable resources. Tesla further encourages FERC to gather comprehensive information from transmission providers about the software tools and resources required to effectively integrate user-defined RMS modeling.

A Novel Approach to Validation

Tesla introduces a pioneering approach to validation for non-synchronous generating facilities. In place of relying solely on attestations or test data, Tesla suggests a more comprehensive “model-to-model” and “product-to-model” benchmarking data submission process. This innovative method promises to streamline the validation process, ensuring greater efficiency and accuracy for both interconnection customers and regulators.

Conclusion

FERC and Tesla, Inc., are at the forefront of a clean energy revolution. Their collaborative efforts transcend advocacy, driving tangible change that benefits both the energy industry and the environment. As they continue to work hand in hand and champion cleaner energy solutions, the possibilities for a greener, more sustainable energy landscape are limitless. Order No. 2023 marks a significant leap towards a brighter, greener energy future, ushering in a new era of accessibility and efficiency in the energy sector.

»»———-　　———-«« 

Article by Gail Alfar, please credit accordingly. Reference: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/09/06/2023-16628/improvements-to-generator-interconnection-procedures-and-agreements

Thanks to @ArushiSF @teslaenergy @ClementsFERC @FERC

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Episode No. 28: FSD beta to see E-Bikes

Gail AlfarLeave a comment

Autin, Texas

Come along for a flawless drive on FSD beta 11.4.7 to check out some different electric bikes in Austin, Texas. These bikes are easy to operate and are very fast. I tested out a few bikes and really enjoyed the hospitality of the folks at the Bike Farm at 5440 Burnet Road in Austin.

Gail’s Tesla Podcast to see E Bikes.

Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to What’s Up Tesla – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.

Tesla’s Dedication to Customer Care and Innovation in the ADER Pilot Project

Gail AlfarLeave a comment

(Austin, Texas) 

In the rapidly evolving world of renewable energy and distributed resources, Tesla, Inc. has emerged as a leader in customer care and innovation through its groundbreaking participation in the ERCOT Aggregated Distributed Energy Resource (ADER) Pilot Project in the State of Texas. Over the course of just one year, Tesla has achieved remarkable milestones, showcasing its unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service to its customers and driving the transition towards a more sustainable and reliable energy grid.

The ADER Pilot Project was initiated following discussions and directives laid out in a memorandum dated July 13, 2022, in Project No. 51603. This visionary project aimed to explore the integration of distributed energy resources into the ERCOT grid, transforming them into virtual power plants (VPPs) capable of providing essential energy and reserves. Tesla, Inc. took on the challenge with gusto, and the results are nothing short of impressive.

Pioneering the Future of Energy Participation

One of the most significant accomplishments of the ADER Pilot Project is the establishment of a mechanism for controllable Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to actively participate in ERCOT’s 5-minute dispatch. Unlike traditional demand-side response programs, Tesla’s innovation allows individual devices to act as electricity injectors or non-injectors, responding dynamically to grid conditions with the precision expected of conventional generation resources.

Tesla’s engineers developed an ADER control system that anticipates availability and influences response every five minutes. This revolutionary system takes into account the unique characteristics, constraints, and preferences of each site and device, ensuring a response that matches or exceeds the capabilities of traditional generation or storage resources.

Setting New Standards for Grid Integration

The ADER Pilot Project also achieved milestones in collaboration with distribution utilities, ensuring safe and reliable integration of DERs. Distribution utilities played a crucial role in commissioning and operating ADERs, working closely with Tesla to develop a registration and qualification process. In under a year, Tesla established a functional process to identify potential participants, validate interconnections, maintain precise customer premise information, and verify non-overlapping demand response program participation.

This work has not only facilitated the integration of ADERs into the grid but has also provided distribution utilities with unprecedented visibility into the impacts of ADERs on their systems. This level of detailed information exchange is a testament to Tesla’s dedication to transparency and cooperation in its customer care approach.

Empowering Customers through Real-time Engagement

Customer engagement and transparency have been cornerstones of Tesla’s approach to the ADER Pilot Project. Tesla Electric customers have been empowered with knowledge about ERCOT prices, energy sellback rates, and grid conditions. They understand the significance of ERCOT’s high offer cap and the role it plays as dispatchable capacity during peak periods. Tesla’s ADER pilot has enhanced customer engagement by providing real-time information through its Tesla app.

Customers are not only connected to ERCOT markets through their devices but also through the Tesla app, which offers notifications about Tesla Powerwall deployment based on ERCOT Load Zone Price. Tesla has even introduced dynamic price settings and web-based/mobile notifications, giving customers more control and awareness of their energy consumption.

Creating Innovative Customer Incentives

Innovation doesn’t stop at grid integration; Tesla has also been at the forefront of developing customer incentives. Customers participating in the ADER Pilot Project can now receive monthly bill credits reflecting their contributions to the program. These bill credits can often exceed the value created by each customer, making it a financially attractive proposition.

Tesla’s forward-looking approach aims to retain customer engagement with consistent revenue streams while creating additional incentives for peak demand periods. By continually rewarding customers for their participation, Tesla ensures a mutually beneficial relationship with its customers, aligning their interests with grid reliability.

Paving the Way for Future Participation

Tesla’s commitment to innovation extends beyond its own customer base. The company has worked to enable third-party participation in the ADER Pilot Project, recognizing the importance of expanding ADER populations to create a sustainable and meaningful impact on ERCOT.

The project has also led to the development of precise measurement and verification processes, ensuring accurate load curtailment at a device level. This level of detail is critical for maintaining grid reliability and optimizing the use of DERs.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While Tesla has achieved remarkable success in the first year of the ADER Pilot Project, challenges remain. The company has identified the need for higher caps to make ADERs economically viable on a larger scale. Additionally, the introduction of the Dispatchable Reliability Reserve Service (DRRS) poses new considerations for ADERs’ future revenue potential. Tesla remains dedicated to addressing these challenges and ensuring the long-term viability of ADERs in the ERCOT market.

In conclusion, Tesla, Inc.’s efforts in the ADER Pilot Project exemplify its unwavering dedication to customer care and innovation. By pioneering new standards for grid integration, empowering customers through real-time engagement, creating innovative incentives, and enabling future participation, Tesla is driving the transition towards a more sustainable and reliable energy future. As the ADER Pilot Project progresses, Tesla’s commitment to customer care and innovation will undoubtedly continue to shine as a beacon of progress in the energy industry.

ADER Task force Chair Jason Ryan and Co-Chair Arushi Sharma Frank at the PUC in Austin, Texas.

References: Project No. 53911, available here:

Click to access 53911_50_1307987.PDF

These requirements are posted to the following webpage: https://www.ercot.com/mktrules/pilots/ader

Article by Gail Alfar, please credit accordingly.

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Episode No. 30

Gail AlfarLeave a comment

Austin, Texas

Here’s my 30th Podcast Episode, it’s a flawless drive on FSD beta & one of the best around East/N.Austin. You may notice a large dinosaur model in the podcast. We encountered it outside of Austin’s largest gem and mineral shop!

Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar, 2024 – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.

FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Episode No. 27: Busy Downtown Austin

Gail AlfarLeave a comment

Austin, Texas

Tesla FSD beta has some pretty cool visuals, and this podcast highlights this fact. As we traverse downtown Austin, we are using this amazing autonomous software and enjoying the smooth lane changes and turns. Come along for the ride!

Note: This Podcast has an overlaying soundtrack at the end where Jazz music plays.

Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to What’s Up Tesla – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.

Photo by Ana Toledo on Unsplash

Revolutionizing Puerto Rico’s Energy Landscape: A Triumph of Innovation and Progress

Gail AlfarLeave a comment
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, Puerto Rico Publis by Zetong Li on Unsplash
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, Puerto Rico by Zetong Li | Unsplash

Prepare to be amazed as Puerto Rico sets its course toward a future brimming with energy independence and sustainable growth. In a swift and impactful move, the Energy Bureau of the Public Service Regulatory Board of Puerto Rico has unleashed an era of transformation that promises to bring positive change to every doorstep on the island.

If you’re short on time but high on enthusiasm, this article is a concise breakdown of the remarkable legislative breakthrough.

Powering the Future with Clean Energy

Picture a Puerto Rico where clean energy is no longer a distant dream, but a reality that’s taking shape before our eyes. On August 11, 2023, the Energy Bureau issued a groundbreaking Order that set in motion a series of events bound to revolutionize how we harness power. This Order put into motion a process that would require LUMA Energy, LLC and LUMA Energy ServCo, LLC (collectively referred to as “LUMA”) to provide crucial information about the Emergency Demand Response (“Emergency DR”) Program.

Accelerating Renewable Energy Adoption

Fast forward to August 23, 2023, and history was made yet again. LUMA responded to the Energy Bureau’s call by submitting a Motion that detailed the costs associated with the Emergency DR Program. The plan is nothing short of ingenious: a surge in renewable energy adoption powered by solar panels on rooftops and wind farms along the coastlines. Imagine harnessing the sun’s rays and the ocean’s breezes to fuel our lives – a dream that’s now a step closer to reality.

Ensuring Resilience and Reliability

Gone are the days of power outages casting a shadow over Puerto Rico. The program’s design ensures resilience in the face of adversity. Microgrids will step in during emergencies, guaranteeing an uninterrupted power supply when the grid falters. This means quicker recovery times and stronger communities that can weather any storm.

Fostering Economic Prosperity

Hold onto your hats – the journey towards energy independence is also an economic boon! This masterstroke is projected to generate a wave of employment opportunities, boosting local economies. Skilled professionals will be at the forefront, building, operating, and maintaining the renewable energy infrastructure that’s about to change the game.

A Commitment to Communities

But it doesn’t stop at technology and economics. This visionary legislation places communities at its core. Education takes center stage, as residents will be informed about the benefits of renewable energy, fostering a deeper understanding of the world-changing shift underway.

Unveiling the Road Ahead

What’s next? Brace yourselves for the incredible journey ahead. As the Emergency DR Program unfolds, expect to see program terms issued through the PowerAdvocate platform, agreements between LUMA and participants, customer enrollment, and even a test event. The road to a sustainable future is paved with exciting milestones!

Your Role in the Revolution

It’s time to be part of the change. Join Puerto Rico on this thrilling journey towards energy independence and environmental harmony. As this historic endeavor takes flight, it’s not just about power sources; it’s about powering our lives, our communities, and our dreams.

Stay tuned for more updates on how Puerto Rico is turning a new leaf in the realm of energy. The island is poised to become a global example of innovation, resilience, and progress – a beacon of hope in a world that’s constantly evolving.

Read RESOLUTION AND ORDER | CASE NO: NEPR-Ml-2022-0001 | LUMA August 23, 2023, Motion Filing its Emergency Demand Response Program Cost and Timeline.

Click to access 20230829-MI20220001-Resolution-and-Order-1.pdf

Photo by Ana Toledo on Unsplash
Puerto Rico by Ana Toledo on Unsplash
Elon Musk livestreaming in Palo Alto, California.

Elon Musk Did a Livestream in his Tesla: Details

Gail AlfarLeave a comment
Elon Musk livestreaming in Palo Alto, California.
Elon Musk live streaming in Palo Alto, California.

Late Friday evening on August 25th, Elon Musk drove around Palo Alto in his Model S Tesla with white seats and a kid’s car seat in the back. This was no ordinary drive, he allowed the vehicle to drive around the idyllic town with millions of viewers!

Using his iPhone and live streaming simultaneously on the X App, he explained the vehicle’s autonomy in real-time.

I was lucky enough to not only watch the broadcast live from my home in Austin, Texas, but I also got to report on it in real time as well!

Here’s what I call my “Drive Fun Summary” of Elon Musk’s amazing live stream!

DRIVE FUN SUMMARY

Since I am a writer I seized the opportunity to write about the drive while it was happening! Enjoy! It was a pleasure to watch (link to video below)!

THE HIGHLIGHTS

The near 45-minute drive began at the Tesla Engineering HQ and Elon pinned a random spot and engaged FSD beta V12. The car passed construction flawlessly. It also slowed down for a speed bump, based on what a human would do, not based on what a line of code told it to do. He mentioned the same is true for bicycles and stop signs. The car uses the neural net to decide – like a human would – to stop at a stop sign.

At a “round-about” Elon’s car waited for 2 cars, then took its turn. Elon said there is about 100 watts of inference compute (all local) on hardware 3. Elon explained that no internet connection is needed. It uses 8 cameras at 36 frames per second. The reality of the roads are based on 24 frames per second.

Elon joked, “Hello assassins if you want to get me, head to Palo Alto.” Thankfully Elon Musk stayed safe the entire livestream.

Elon said there are FSD test drivers in Japan, Europe, and all over the world.

The vehicle drove around students who were walking around the Stanford Campus. At another round-about, Elon reassured drivers there is no line of code for this, as it is trained on data.

Elon and his AI Engineer (also presenting the car) explained that Tesla’s data curation needs to be trained on excellent data, and not mediocre data. High quality data is always selected from the fleet.

When interventions occur in the fleet, it is integrated with training and then updated with the weights.

Elon invited viewers to edit his live video and speed it up.

On the drive, Elon did not have to intervene even once. He said that with traffic lights, there’s no code in V12 to say what light colors stand for. Instead, all training is done on neural nets.

For fun, Elon decided to head over to Mark Zuckerburg’s neighborhood in real-time. When he arrived it was just a bunch of homes on a street, not really Zuck’s home, which would have been surrounded with high security.

On the ride back to the Tesla Engineering HQ, here’s the main highlights:

– Ride was super SMOOTH, with Elon playing lovely Classical music

– Palo Alto reminds Elon of the perfection seen in the movie, “The Truman Show.”

– The car was very polite/conservative with Pedestrians and bicyclists, meaning it was cartious and slow around them (and so was Elon as he did not film them).

– Training is needed all around the world as the weather in California is too nice, and situations are needed with parades, people, etc.

– A successful unprotected LEFT turn onto a high-speed road was achieved.

– V12 will be ASS (meaning Smart Summon will work well)

– Intuitive Smooth speed-up in places (different than posted speed)

– Elon had lovely music playing (we would love Elon’s Playlist!)

– Tesla Engineering HQ is at the “former HP headquarters.” (an honor for Tesla). Note the Tesla HQ is Austin, Texas.

– Tesla parking lot was pretty full, even at 7 p.m. on a Friday night. How did FSD beta do, getting into the hectic parking lot? It went perfectly to the “pinned” spot!

– Pure AI driving does NOT have to have a map. It can do what a human would also do without a map.

If you would like to watch this video, you can here:

Elon Musk live stream in a Tesla on August 25, 2023.
Save with Gail's Referral. Order Tesla products with Gail's Referral Link to earn cash off your order plus exclusive referral benefits. ts.la/gail74884 
Here are a few more screen shots from the drive.

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Episode No. 26: UT Austin to get bubble tea!

Gail AlfarLeave a comment

Austin, Texas

Enjoy this short four-minute podcast where we head into the UT Austin Campus area using Tesla FSD beta to get Bubble Tea. The drive is flawless.

Gail’s Tesla Podcast

When you use Autopilot in your Tesla, be sure to always supervise the vehicle.

Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar, 2024 – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.

FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Episode No. 25 featuring: Jarett Gross

Gail AlfarLeave a comment

Austin, Texas

3D Home Printing

For this episode, we are joined by a journalist who exclusively reports on building construction with 3D printing. We will visit a 3D-printed home in Austin, Texas. In a brief interview, Jarett explains how these homes are made.

FSD Beta

As with almost every podcast I do, we will drive through narrow and very challenging streets in Austin. In this case, FSD beta slows for safety as it encounters a construction site.

Enjoy the podcast.

Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.

FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Episode No. 24 featuring: 105° Heat and Hairpin turns!

Gail Alfar1 Comment

Austin, Texas

Join me for a drive in the infamous Austin heat. It is hot and windy out and we are heading to a rather dry Lake Travis. The hairpin turns would scare anybody who is driving manually. But we are not driving manually. The vehicle is running on Tesla’s amazing FSD beta software.

While safety is number 1 for Tesla, having fun is a close second! This drive is short ( only 3:37 minutes long) and very fun!

Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.

FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.