NERC and Regional Efforts to Ensure Reliability

Dave Nevius, NERC Sr. VPDavid Cook, NERC VP & General Counsel

Louise McCarren, WECC CEODon Benjamin, NERC VP Operations

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NERC BackgroundFormed in 1968

Ensure reliable bulk power system

10 Regional Reliability Council Members

Represent all industry sectors

U.S. – Canada – Mexico

Independent Board

Technical Committees and Staff

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Interconnections & Regions

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140 Control Areas

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18 Reliability Coordinators

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Standards

Assessments

Compliance Programs

Operator Training and Certification

Tools and Systems for Reliable Operations

Critical Infrastructure Protection

NERC Reliability Activities

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Existing Policies and Standards

Standards not enforceable

New Standards Development Process

Transition to New Standards

Coordination with NAESB and ISOs/RTOs

Functional Model – Foundation of New Reliability Standards

Reliability Standards

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Long Term (10 years)

Short Term (Summer/Winter)

Review of disturbances

Gas-Electric Interdependency Study

Electricity Supply and Demand

Generator Availability

Reliability Assessments

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Annual Compliance Reviews - Public

Control Area Certification

Audits

Regional Compliance Programs WECC Reliability Management System

NPCC Reliability Compliance and Enforcement Program

Compliance Programs

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System Operator Certification Program

Continuing Education Program

Training & Certification

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Interregional Security Network

Reliability Coordinator Information System

System Data Exchange

Electronic Transaction Tagging

Interchange Distribution Calculator

Transmission Services Information Network (OASIS)

Tools & Systems

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Standards & Guidelines

Vulnerability Assessments

Electricity Sector Coordinator

Information Sharing & Analysis Center

Spare Equipment Database

Critical Infrastructure Protection

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Need recognized in 1996

Supported by industry and government

Legislation introduced in 1999

History of violations

“Plan B” efforts not successful

Consensus reliability legislation included in energy bill

Mandatory Reliability Standards

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October 15 “near-term actions” letter to CEOs

Self-certifications due December 15

Board directed NERC to audit FirstEnergy, MISO, and PJM

Follow with audits of other CAs and RCs

NERC Steering Group to recommend further NERC actions

NERC Blackout Response

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Voltage support/reactive supply

Reliability communications

Computer failure response & notifications

Emergency action plans & capabilities

Operator training for emergencies

Vegetation management

Near-Term Industry Actions