O&P Select Services
Facility Ratings Walkdowns
NERC’s Facility Ratings standard (FAC-008) is one of the most audited standards for Generation and Transmission Owners and Operators. Utility Services actively monitors auditor interpretations and expectations utilized to verify compliance to the requirements of the standard. Registered Entities are required to ensure that all its applicable equipment is accounted for, rated, and fully documented. To assist you in verifying compliance to this Standard, Utility Services can perform an FAC-008 walkdown of your Facility(ies) which can serve as an internal control for either Generation or Transmission Facilities. An FAC-008 walkdown consists of a thorough hands-on review of the Facility’s Rating Methodology and Facility Ratings Inventory. As part of this review, Utility Services will visit the Facility(ies) to ensure your documentation accurately represents the equipment in the field and create a virtual walkthrough package that aligns your evidence to easily verify compliance during a CMEP engagement.
FERC AAR/881 Implementation
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order 881 to change the way in which transmission lines are rated and utilized. This Order requires transmission owners to develop ambient-adjusted ratings (AAR) for its applicable facilities in an effort to ensure transmission lines are utilized in a reliable and efficient manner. Transmission Owners are now required to document the ratings of their equipment at different temperatures and time intervals outlined in the Order. To meet the requirements of this Order, entities must develop more accurate power ratings for each of its applicable transmission lines and account for various ambient temperature and wind speed conditions.
As temperature is a key factor in determining the sag of a transmission line and in developing its line ratings, transmission owners are now required to send updated ratings on an hourly basis to their regional ISO, taking temperature into account to reduce the risk of damage to power lines while maximizing the amount of loading allowed on each line. Utility Services has been actively tracking FERC-Order 881 and can assist you in determining the impact the Order will have on your program. Please reach out for questions you may have and to learn how we can help you.
Extreme Cold Weather Preparedness (EOP-012)
NERC Reliability Standard EOP-012, Extreme Cold Weather Preparedness and Operations, requires Generator Owners and Operators to determine the Extreme Cold Weather Temperature for each of your applicable Unit(s) and to develop a program that (a) identifies Generator Cold Weather Critical Components, (b) documents the freeze protection measures utilized for your Critical Components, and (c) identifies the inspection and maintenance actions taken for your cold weather critical components. Utility Services is here to help you meet these requirements by working with you to build and maintain the required EOP-012 Preparedness Plan(s) and can calculate the Extreme Cold Weather Temperature which your generator(s) is required to operate.
In addition to cold weather, we offer region specific support including:
- Summer Season Preparedness Plans (for ERCOT clients)
- NOGRR245 (for ERCOT clients)
PRC-004
PRC-004 requires entities to identify, analyze, and mitigate Protection System misoperations to ensure the reliability of the Bulk Electric System. Utility Services can support you by managing the misoperation review process; from root cause and documentation to coordinating corrective actions and maintaining records.
We will work closely with you to ensure every misoperation is properly evaluated and addressed in accordance with NERC requirements.
PRC-019
PRC-019 is a settings coordination standard that ensures generating unit capability, limiters, and protective relays operate in the correct order. The purpose is to confirm that voltage regulating controls, limiters, and protection systems are properly coordinated so that the generating unit responds as intended during abnormal system conditions. We are happy to assist in creating the necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with PRC-019.
MOD-025, MOD-026, & MOD-027
Modeling requirements for NERC are set in the MOD family of standards. MOD-025, MOD-026, and MOD-027 are mainly applicable to Generator Owners. These establish requirements for verifying power output and frequency response capability. Utility Services can help provide the necessary insight and internal controls to meet compliance with the standards. Whether it be joining in on the action to verify the proper tests have been scoped, or reviewing test records after they have been completed, Utility Services can help ensure that this routine testing meets the standards.
PRC-025
PRC-025 for Generator Relay Loadability establishes criteria to set load-responsive protective relays so generators don’t trip during system disturbances that aren’t harmful. The goal is to keep units online and support grid stability during voltage or reactive-power fluctuations.
We perform studies to review your relay settings such as distance, time-overcurrent, directional elements with PRC‑025’s options (e.g., Table 1 relay criteria). We identify any setting issues that could cause unnecessary tripping under stressed conditions like low voltage or high reactive-power output.
Our reports provide clear assessment and documentation of how your relays stack up against each PRC‑025 requirement, ensuring your system maintains stability during transient events.
EOP-004
EOP-004 for Event Reporting requires registered entities to report qualifying disturbances, emergencies, or unusual events that could impact the reliability of the Bulk Electric System. Utility Services can help streamline the process by developing internal procedures for identifying reportable events, determining reportable events, and keep reports within required timeframes.
EOP-005
EOP-005, System Restoration for Blackstart Resource, ensures that registered entities with Blackstart-capable units can reliably restore portions of the Bulk Electric System following a widespread outage. Utility Services can help meet this requirement by developing and maintaining Blackstart Restoration Plans – ensuring that there are clear roles, procedures, and communication protocols.
PRC-005 Inventory Maintenance and Tracking
NERC’s PRC-005 Protection System, Automatic Reclosing, and Sudden Pressure Relaying Maintenance Standard is designed to helps to ensure the reliability of the electric grid requiring the regular testing and proper documentation of your applicable Protection Systems. Keeping track of your equipment and their associated test records is essential in ensuring that you are meeting the requirements of this standard. Utility Services understands the complexity of this Standard and can provide support in creating and maintaining an accurate inventory of your protection system components, reviewing your equipment test records, and giving reminders for any upcoming testing to help keep everything on schedule and avoid missing an upcoming requirement deadline.
Standard-Specific Training
The NERC Standards can feel overwhelming and confusing at times. Utility Services offers various training programs to assist you and your team in fully understanding your applicable Standards, requirements, and their associated roles and responsibilities. From NERC 101, where employees are provided with a general overview of the Standards, to several Operations and Planning Standards that require specific training, Utility Services can develop, customize, and deliver detailed training to your site personnel. Below are examples of the Standard specific training Utility Services can offer:
- COM-002: COM-002, Operating Personnel Communications Protocols, requires system operating personnel who can receive an oral two-part, person-to-person Operating Instruction to be trained to utilize three-part communication during emergencies. Utility Services can customize this training to not only provide an overview of the requirements but also align not with your Operating Procedures and protocol utilized.
- PER-006: PER-006, Specific Training for Personnel, requires training system operators and/or plant personnel who are responsible for the real-time control of a generator and receive Operating Instructions from the applicable Reliability Coordinator. The purpose of this training is for the applicable personnel to gain an understanding of the operational functionality of Protection Systems and Remedial Action Schemes (RAS) that affect the output of the generating Facility(ies). Utility Services customizes this training with the specific Protection Systems and RAS applied at your Facility(ies).
- EOP-012: Extreme Cold Weather Preparedness and Operations, requires annual training of your sites maintenance and operations personnel responsible for implementing the cold weather plan(s). This training is designed by Utility Services to provide your team with an understanding of unit-specific plans and their associated roles and responsibilities associated with implementing the facility’s Cold Weather Operations Plan.
