[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 247 (Monday, December 27, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 81152-81157]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-32356]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
18 CFR Part 40
[Docket No. RM10-5-000]
Interpretation of Protection System Reliability Standard
December 16, 2010.
AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Energy.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
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SUMMARY: The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has
submitted a petition (Petition) requesting approval of NERC's
interpretation of Requirement R1 of Commission-approved Reliability
Standard PRC-005-1 (Transmission and Generation Protection System
Maintenance and Testing). The Commission proposes to accept the NERC
proposed interpretation of Requirement R1 of Reliability Standard PRC-
005-1, and proposes to direct NERC to develop modifications to the PRC-
005-1 Reliability Standard, as discussed below, through its Reliability
Standards development process to address gaps in the Protection System
maintenance and testing standard, highlighted by the proposed
interpretation.
DATES: Comments are due February 25, 2011.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number and in
accordance with the requirements posted on the Commission's Web site,
http://www.ferc.gov. Comments may be submitted by any of the following
methods:
Agency Web Site: Documents created electronically using
word processing software should be filed in native applications or
print-to-PDF format and not in a scanned format, at http://www.ferc.gov.doc-filing/efiling.asp.
Mail/Hand Delivery: Commenters unable to file comments
electronically must mail or hand deliver an original of their comments
to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission,
888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron LeComte (Legal Information),
Office of the General Counsel, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC
20426. 202-502-8405. [email protected].
Danny Johnson (Technical Information), Office of Electric
Reliability, Division of Reliability Standards, 888 First Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20426. 202-502-8892. [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
NERC submitted the Petition requesting approval of NERC's
interpretation of Requirement R1 of Commission-approved Reliability
Standard PRC-005-1 (Transmission and Generation Protection System
Maintenance and Testing). NERC developed the interpretation in response
to a request for interpretation submitted to NERC by the Regional
Entities Compliance Monitoring Processes Working Group (Working
Group).\1\ The Commission proposes to accept the NERC proposed
interpretation of Requirement R1 of Reliability Standard
[[Page 81153]]
PRC-005-1, and proposes to direct NERC to develop modifications to the
PRC-005-1 Reliability Standard, as discussed below, through its
Reliability Standards development process to address gaps in the
Protection System maintenance and testing standard highlighted by the
proposed interpretation, as discussed below. The Commission seeks
comments on its proposal.
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\1\ The Working Group is a subcommittee of the Regional Entity
Management Group which consists of the executive management of the
eight Regional Entities.
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I. Background
2. Section 215 of the Federal Power Act (FPA) requires a
Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) to develop
mandatory and enforceable Reliability Standards, which are subject to
Commission review and approval.\2\ Specifically, the Commission may
approve, by rule or order, a proposed Reliability Standard or
modification to a Reliability Standard if it determines that the
Standard is just, reasonable, not unduly discriminatory or
preferential, and in the public interest.\3\ Once approved, the
Reliability Standards may be enforced by the ERO, subject to Commission
oversight, or by the Commission independently.\4\
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\2\ 16 U.S.C. 824.
\3\ Id. 824o(d)(2).
\4\ Id. 824o(e)(3).
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3. Pursuant to section 215 of the FPA, the Commission established a
process to select and certify an ERO,\5\ and subsequently certified
NERC.\6\ On April 4, 2006, NERC submitted to the Commission a petition
seeking approval of 107 proposed Reliability Standards. On March 16,
2007, the Commission issued a Final Rule, Order No. 693,\7\ approving
83 of the 107 Reliability Standards, including Reliability Standard
PRC-005-1. In addition, pursuant to section 215(d)(5) of the FPA,\8\
the Commission directed NERC to develop modifications to 56 of the 83
approved Reliability Standards, including PRC-005-0.\9\
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\5\ Rules Concerning Certification of the Electric Reliability
Organization; and Procedures for the Establishment, Approval, and
Enforcement of Electric Reliability Standards, Order No. 672, FERC
Stats. & Regs. ] 31,204, order on reh'g, Order No. 672-A, FERC
Stats. & Regs. ] 31,212 (2006).
\6\ North American Electric Reliability Corp., 116 FERC
61,062, order on reh'g & compliance, 117 FERC ] 61,126
(2006), aff'd sub nom. Alcoa, Inc. v. FERC, 564 F.3d 1342 (DC Cir.
2009).
\7\ Mandatory Reliability Standards for the Bulk-Power System,
Order No. 693, FERC Stats. & Regs. ] 31,242, order on reh'g, Order
No. 693-A, 120 FERC ] 61,053 (2007).
\8\ 16 U.S.C. 824o(d)(5).
\9\ Order No. 693, FERC Stats. & Regs. ] 31,242 at P 1475.
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4. NERC's Rules of Procedure provide that a person that is
``directly and materially affected'' by Bulk-Power System reliability
may request an interpretation of a Reliability Standard.\10\ In
response, the ERO will assemble a team with relevant expertise to
address the requested interpretation and also form a ballot pool.
NERC's Rules of Procedure provide that, within 45 days, the team will
draft an interpretation of the reliability standard and submit it to
the ballot pool. If approved by the ballot pool and subsequently by the
NERC Board of Trustees (Board), the interpretation is appended to the
Reliability Standard and filed with the applicable regulatory
authorities for approval.
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\10\ NERC Rules of Procedure, Appendix 3A, Reliability Standards
Development Procedure, Version 6.1, at 26-27 (2007).
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II. Reliability Standard PRC-005-1
5. The purpose of PRC-005-1 is to ``ensure all transmission and
generation Protection Systems affecting the reliability of the Bulk
Electric System (BES) are maintained and tested.'' In particular,
Requirement R1, requires that:
R1. Each Transmission Owner and any Distribution Provider that owns
a transmission Protection System and each Generator Owner that owns a
generation Protection System shall have a Protection System maintenance
and testing program for Protection Systems that affect the reliability
of the BES. The program shall include:
R1.1. Maintenance and testing intervals and their basis.
R1.2. Summary of maintenance and testing procedures.
6. NERC defines ``Protection System'' as follows: ``Protective
relays, associated communication systems, voltage and current sensing
devices, station batteries and DC control circuitry.'' \11\
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\11\ See NERC Glossary of Terms Used in Reliability Standards at
http://www.nerc.com/docs/standards/rs/Glossary_of_Terms_2010April20.pdf.
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III. NERC Proposed Interpretation
7. In the NERC Petition, NERC explains that it received a request
from the Working Group for an interpretation of Reliability Standard
PRC-005-1, Requirement R1, addressing five specific questions.
Specifically, the Working Group questions and NERC proposed
interpretations include:
Request 1: ``Does R1 require a maintenance and testing program for
the battery chargers for the `station batteries' that are considered
part of the Protection System?''
Response: ``While battery chargers are vital for ensuring `station
batteries' are available to support Protection System functions, they
are not identified within the definition of `Protection Systems.'
Therefore, PRC-005-1 does not currently require maintenance and testing
of battery chargers.''
Request 2: ``Does R1 require a maintenance and testing program for
auxiliary relays and sensing devices? If so, what types of auxiliary
relays and sensing devices? (i.e., transformer sudden pressure
relays).''
Response: ``The existing definition of `Protection System' does not
include auxiliary relays; therefore, maintenance and testing of such
devices is not explicitly required. Maintenance and testing of such
devices is addressed to the degree that an entity's maintenance and
testing program for DC control circuits involves maintenance and
testing of imbedded auxiliary relays. Maintenance and testing of
devices that respond to quantities other than electrical quantities
(for example, sudden pressure relays) are not included within
Requirement R1.''
Request 3: ``Does R1 require maintenance and testing of
transmission line re-closing relays?''
Response: ``No. `Protective Relays' refer to devices that detect
and take action for abnormal conditions. Automatic restoration of
transmission lines is not a `protective' function.''
Request 4: ``Does R1 require a maintenance and testing program for
the DC circuitry that is just the circuitry with relays and devices
that control actions on breakers, etc., or does R1 require a program
for the entire circuit from the battery charger to the relays to
circuit breakers and all associated wiring?''
Response: ``PRC-005-1 requires that entities (1) address DC control
circuitry within their program, (2) have a basis for the way they
address this item, and (3) execute the program. Specific additional
requirements relative to the scope and/or methods are not
established.''
Request 5: ``For R1, what are examples of `associated
communications systems' that are part of `Protection Systems' that
require a maintenance and testing program?''
Response: ``Associated communication systems'' refer to
communication systems used to convey essential Protection System
tripping logic, sometimes referred to as pilot relaying or
teleprotection. Examples include the following:
--Communications equipment involved in power-line-carrier relaying;
--Communications equipment involved in various types of permissive
protection system applications;
--Direct transfer-trip systems;
--Digital communication systems. * * * ''
[[Page 81154]]
8. In support of its request for approval, NERC states that it
believes that this interpretation both fairly represents the language
of the Reliability Standard and clarifies what components should be
included in the maintenance and testing programs specified in the
requirement. NERC states that this interpretation supports the
reliability of the Bulk-Power System by providing greater clarity
regarding the components that make up a Protection System as defined in
the NERC Glossary of Terms.
9. NERC states that an interpretation of a Reliability Standard
requirement cannot expand the intent or meaning of the requirement.\12\
As such, NERC states that any modifications to the language in the
requirements must be processed through the NERC Reliability Standards
Development Procedure, Version 6.1. With this in mind, NERC further
states that it must clarify the requirement language in PRC-005-1a to
provide a complete framework for maintenance and testing of equipment
necessary to ensure the reliability of the Bulk Power System. NERC
states that this activity is already underway in the scope of Project
2007-17--Protection System Maintenance and Testing.\13\
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\12\ NERC Request for Approval of Interpretation at 8.
\13\ NERC Project 2007-17, Protection System Maintenance and
Testing proposes to revise the definition of Protection System as
``protective relays which respond to electrical quantities,
communication systems necessary for correct operation of protective
functions, voltage and current sensing devices providing inputs to
protective relays, station dc supply associated with protective
functions (including station batteries, battery chargers, and non-
battery-based dc supply), and control circuitry associated with
protective functions through the trip coils(s) of the circuit
breakers or other interrupting devices.''
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IV. Discussion
10. The Commission proposes to accept NERC's proposed
interpretation of Reliability Standard PRC-005-1 Requirement R1. As
discussed above, NERC's Glossary defines ``Protection System'' as:
``Protective relays, associated communication systems, voltage and
current sensing devices, station batteries and DC control circuitry.''
NERC's proposed interpretation essentially identifies what equipment is
considered to be a ``protective relay,'' ``associated communication
system,'' ``sensing device,'' or ``station battery.'' None of these
terms or phrases within the NERC definition of ``Protection System''
are further defined any where else. NERC's interpretation provides
further meaning to these phrases, is not inconsistent with the language
of the Reliability Standard and, therefore, appears reasonable.
Further, the interpretation should assist in providing a consistent
understanding of what constitutes a ``Protection System'' for those
entities that must comply with Reliability Standard PRC-005-1.
Accordingly, we proposed to approve NERC's interpretation.
11. However, we are concerned that the proposed interpretation
highlights a gap in the required Protection System maintenance and
testing pursuant to Requirement R1 of PRC-005-1.\14\ In support of our
concern, we note that the NERC Glossary includes protective relays
within the definition of Protection System. As discussed below, we
believe that all components that serve in some protective capacity to
ensure reliable operation of the Bulk-Power System should be included
within the definition of ``Protection System'' and should be maintained
and tested accordingly--not just the limited subset identified in the
NERC interpretation. We note that NERC's practice prior to mandatory
and enforceable Reliability Standards included such elements, and we
believe that that understanding should be restored in either the
definition or the Reliability Standard. In particular, prior to the
Version 0 standards, NERC's Compliance Template for NERC Planning
Standard III.A.M4--System Protection and Control, Transmission
Protection System, S4 (Protection system maintenance and testing
programs shall be developed and implemented) stated that
``[t]ransmission system protection identification [components] shall
include, but are not limited to; relays, instrument transformers,
communication systems where appropriate, and batteries'' (emphasis
added).\15\ The ``but are not limited to'' language was not translated
into the Version 0 Reliability Standards that were filed for Commission
approval. In addition to NERC's Glossary definition, the Institute of
Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) defines ``protective
relay'' as a relay whose ``function is to detect defective lines or
apparatus or other power system conditions of an abnormal or dangerous
nature and to initiate appropriate control circuit action.'' Therefore,
to prevent a gap in reliability, any component that detects any
quantity needed to take an action, or that initiates any control action
(initial tripping, reclosing, lockout, etc.) affecting the reliability
of the Bulk-Power System should be included as a component of a
Protection System. Accordingly, to address our concern, pursuant to
section 215(d)(5) of the FPA, we propose to direct NERC to develop a
modification to the Reliability Standard to include any component or
device that is designed to detect defective lines or apparatuses or
other power system conditions of an abnormal or dangerous nature and to
initiate appropriate control circuit actions.
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\14\ Because the term ``Protection System'' is present in other
approved Reliability Standards, the interpretation affects other
Reliability Standards not addressed within the scope of the proposed
interpretation.
\15\ The Requirement R1.1 provisions in the development of the
Version 0 definition of Protection System maintenance and testing
program requirements included:
R1.1. Transmission protection system identification shall
include but are not limited to (emphasis added):
R1.1.1. Relays.
R1.1.2. Instrument transformers.
R1.1.3. Communications systems, where appropriate.
R1.1.4. Batteries.
R1.2. Documentation of maintenance and testing intervals and
their basis.
R1.3. Summary of testing procedure.
R1.4. Schedule for system testing.
R1.5. Schedule for system maintenance.
R1.6. Date last tested/maintained.
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A. Request 2
12. In response to Request 2, NERC stated that the existing
definition of ``Protection System'' ``does not include auxiliary
relays,'' and that auxiliary relays need only be maintained if an
entity's maintenance and testing program ``for DC control circuits
involves maintenance and testing of imbedded auxiliary relays.''
Further, the interpretation excludes the maintenance of all devices
that ``respond to quantities other then electrical quantities'' and,
specifically, sudden pressure relays. We are concerned that these
exclusions contradict the purpose statement of PRC-005-1, which
provides that ``all transmission and generation Protection Systems
affecting the reliability of the BES are maintained and tested,'' and,
as discussed below, will result in a gap in the maintenance and testing
of Protection Systems affecting the reliability of the Bulk-Power
System.
13. If auxiliary relays are included within the Protection System,
in conjunction with other protective relays (e.g., as a contact
multiplier or interface between dissimilar protective systems), or as
part of the Protection System scheme (e.g., as the relay that initiates
a protective action for Bulk-Power System elements), they must be
maintained and tested to prevent a gap in the reliability affecting the
Bulk-Power System. This requirement is consistent with NERC's
recommendation of Protection System components specified for
performance
[[Page 81155]]
tests based on NERC's historical standards, and experience from system
events.\16\ Components include protective relays, AC current and
voltage sources, communication channel, DC control circuitry, auxiliary
relay, breaker trip coil, and DC source as components of a Protection
System. This requirement is also consistent with the Commission's
understanding of the term ``protective relay'' used in the NERC
Glossary definition of Protection System as including all of the
individual devices that are either programmed or set to respond to
specific conditions, provide input as to the status of facilities,
provide or receive signals from communication channels, and initiate
actions as required to assure faults, other abnormal conditions, and
any other automatic action associated with a fault or abnormal action
intended to assure reliability. Auxiliary relays that are used either
within the DC control circuitry of a Protection System or in
conjunction with other Protective System components,\17\ such as those
used as part of the communication channels to provide or receive
signals to interface with the DC control circuitry, and are necessary
for the correct operation of the Protection System, and the failure to
maintain the auxiliary relay will result in a gap in the maintenance
and testing of Protection System affecting the reliability of the Bulk-
Power System.
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\16\ See NERC Protection System Maintenance, A Technical
Reference, September 13, 2007; NERC Protection System Reliability,
Redundancy of Protection System Elements, November 2008.
\17\ Such auxiliary relays may include lockout relays, timer
relays, breaker status relays, and transfer trip output contacts
which form the necessary logic and decisions of the Protection
System that ultimately result in a trip or reclose of a Bulk-Power
System element through the trip coil(s) of the circuit breaker or
other interrupting devices.
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14. As noted previously, we also are concerned that the proposed
interpretation excludes non-electrical sensing relays. ``Protective
relays'' are listed as a component in the NERC definition of
``Protection System.'' Under a plain reading, the term ``protective''
describes a relay that serves to protect the Reliable Operation of the
Bulk-Power System, and thus includes all relays with no stipulation or
requirements on device inputs. Some protective relays that do not
respond to electric quantities (e.g., sudden pressure relays)
nevertheless should be considered as part of the Protection System
because they can be crucial for ensuring reliable operation. If a
component is designed to sense or take action against an abnormal
system condition that will affect the reliable operation of the Bulk-
Power System, excluding that component results in a gap in the
maintenance and testing of relays affecting the reliability of the
Bulk-Power System. Accordingly, pursuant to section 215(d)(5) of the
FPA, we propose that NERC propose a modification to the Reliability
Standard to address our concern. Specifically, we propose to direct
NERC to include any device, including auxiliary and backup protection
devices, that is designed to sense or take action against any abnormal
system condition that will affect reliable operation.
B. Request 3
15. In request 3, the Working Group asks whether Requirement R1
requires maintenance and testing of transmission line re-closing
relays. Reclosing relays are typically used on the Bulk-Power System to
address concerns with system stability, system security, or continuity
of service, and must be maintained to ensure correct operation.\18\ In
addition, because the operation of such high-speed reclosing relays is
usually automatic and within one second of the tripping of the Bulk-
Power System element,\19\ the operation of these relays must also be
coordinated with the initial tripping of the Bulk-Power System element.
A misoperating or miscoordinated reclosing relay may result in the
reclosure of a Bulk-Power System element back onto a fault or that a
misoperating or miscoordinated reclosing relay may fail to operate
after a fault has been cleared, thus failing to restore the element to
service. As a result, not only is damage to the Bulk-Power System
element a concern, but where misoperation and miscoordination is an
issue, the stability/reliability of the Bulk-Power System is
threatened. While a reclosing relay is not identified as a specific
component of the Protection System, if it either is used in
coordination with a Protection System to achieve or meet system
performance requirements established in other Commission--approved
Reliability Standards,\20\ or can exacerbate fault conditions when not
properly maintained and coordinated,\21\ we are concerned that
excluding the maintenance and testing of these reclosing relays will
result in a gap in the maintenance and testing of relays affecting the
reliability of the Bulk-Power System. Accordingly, pursuant to section
215(d)(5) of the FPA, we propose that NERC propose a modification to
the Reliability Standard to include the maintenance and testing of
reclosing relays affecting the reliability of the Bulk-Power System.
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\18\ We further note that the operation of reclosing relays are
also used in the derivation of Interconnection Reliability Operating
Limits (IROLs) if high speed reclosing is part of the protection
scheme associated with the transmission lines, which system
operators use in real-time to maintain reliable operation of the
Bulk-Power System.
\19\ High-speed reclosing is generally not used for certain
Bulk-Power System elements, fault types, and conditions, e.g.,
transformers and underground cables.
\20\ For example, they may be needed to meet the performance
requirement of the TPL (transmission planning) Reliability
Standards.
\21\ One such outage occurred in ReliabilityFirst resulting in
the loss of over 4,000 MW of generation and multiple 765 kV lines.
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C. Request 4
16. In Request 4, the Working Group asks whether maintenance and
testing of the entire DC control circuitry is required under
Requirement R1. As discussed above, we understand that maintenance and
testing of DC control circuitry includes all components of DC control
circuitry necessary for ensuring Reliable Operation. For a Protection
System to operate reliably, the DC control circuitry must both have
appropriate current carrying capability and be insulated sufficiently
to maintain appropriate voltages within the protection system. We are
concerned that not establishing the specific requirements relative to
the scope and/or methods for a maintenance and testing program for the
DC circuitry results in a gap in the maintenance and testing of
Protection System components affecting the reliability of the Bulk-
Power System. Accordingly, pursuant to section 215(d)(5) of the FPA, we
propose to direct NERC to develop a modification to the Reliability
Standard to address our concern. Specifically, we propose to direct
NERC to develop a modification to the Reliability Standard that
explicitly includes maintenance and testing of all DC control circuitry
that is necessary to ensure proper operation of the Protection System,
including voltage and continuity.
D. Conclusion
17. As discussed above, we propose to accept the proposed
interpretation. However, we are concerned that there are gaps in
Protection System maintenance and testing, as highlighted by the
interpretation. To address our concerns, the Commission proposes to
direct NERC to develop modifications to the PRC-005-1 Reliability
Standards through its Reliability Standards development process.
[[Page 81156]]
V. Information Collection Statement
18. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations require
that OMB approve certain reporting and recordkeeping (collections of
information) imposed by an agency.\22\ The information contained here
is also subject to review under section 3507(d) of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995.\23\
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\22\ 5 CFR 1320.11.
\23\ 44 U.S.C. 3507(d).
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19. As stated above, the Commission previously approved, in Order
No. 693, the Reliability Standard that is the subject of the current
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR). This NOPR accepts an
interpretation of the currently approved Reliability Standard and does
not change this standard. The interpretation of the current Reliability
Standard at issue in this rulemaking is not expected to change the
reporting burden nor impose any additional information collection
requirements.
20. For the purposes of reviewing this interpretation, the
Commission seeks information concerning whether the interim
interpretation as approved will cause respondents to alter reporting
frequencies and potentially impose an additional burden.
21. We will submit this proposed rule to OMB for informational
purposes.
Title: Mandatory Reliability Standards for the Bulk-Power System.
Action: Proposed Collection.
OMB Control No.: 1902-0244.
Respondents: Businesses or other for-profit institutions; not-for-
profit institutions.
Frequency of Responses: On Occasion.
Necessity of the Information: This proposed rule would approve an
interpretation of the specific requirements of a Commission-approved
Reliability Standard. The proposed rule would find the interpretation
just, reasonable, not unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the
public interest.
22. Interested persons may obtain information on the reporting
requirements by contacting the following: Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426 [Attention:
Ellen Brown, Office of the Executive Director, phone: (202) 502-8663,
fax: (202) 273-0873, e-mail: [email protected]]. For submitting
comments concerning the collection(s) of information and the associated
burden estimate(s), please send your comments to the contact listed
above and to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office
of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503 [Attention:
Desk Officer for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, phone (202)
395-7345, fax: (202) 395-7285, e-mail: [email protected]].
VI. Environmental Analysis
23. The Commission is required to prepare an Environmental
Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement for any action that may
have a significant adverse effect on the human environment.\24\ The
Commission has categorically excluded certain actions from this
requirement as not having a significant effect on the human
environment. Included in the exclusion are rules that are clarifying,
corrective, or procedural or that do not substantially change the
effect of the regulations being amended.\25\ The actions proposed
herein fall within this categorical exclusion in the Commission's
regulations.
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\24\ Regulations Implementing the National Environmental Policy
Act, Order No. 486, FERC Stats. & Regs. ] 30,783 (1987).
\25\ 18 CFR 380.4(a)(2)(ii).
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VII. Regulatory Flexibility Act
24. The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) \26\ generally
requires a description and analysis of final rules that will have
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
The RFA mandates consideration of regulatory alternatives that
accomplish the stated objectives of a proposed rule and that minimize
any significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Size
Standards develops the numerical definition of a small business.\27\
The SBA has established a size standard for electric utilities, stating
that a firm is small if, including its affiliates, it is primarily
engaged in the transmission, generation and/or distribution of electric
energy for sale and its total electric output for the preceding twelve
months did not exceed four million megawatt hours.\28\ The RFA is not
implicated by this NOPR because the interpretation discussed herein is
being accepted. With no changes to the Reliability Standard as
approved, the proposal in this NOPR will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
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\26\ 5 U.S.C. 601-612.
\27\ 13 CFR 121.201.
\28\ Id. n.1.
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25. In Order No. 693, the Commission adopted policies to minimize
the burden on small entities, including approving the ERO compliance
registry process to identify those entities responsible for complying
with mandatory and enforceable Reliability Standards. The ERO registers
only those distribution providers or load serving entities that have a
peak load of 25 MW or greater and are directly connected to the bulk
electric system or are designated as a responsible entity as part of a
required under-frequency load shedding program or a required under-
voltage load shedding program. Similarly, for generators, the ERO
registers only individual units of 20 MVA or greater that are directly
connected to the bulk electric system, generating plants with an
aggregate rating of 75 MVA or greater, any blackstart unit material to
a restoration plan, or any generator that is material to the
reliability of the Bulk-Power System. Further, the ERO will not
register an entity that meets the above criteria if it has transferred
responsibility for compliance with mandatory Reliability Standards to a
joint action agency or other organization. The Commission estimated
that the Reliability Standards approved in Order No. 693 would apply to
approximately 682 small entities (excluding entities in Alaska and
Hawaii), but also pointed out that the ERO's Compliance Registry
Criteria allow for a joint action agency, generation and transmission
(G&T) cooperative or similar organization to accept compliance
responsibility on behalf of its members. Once these organizations
register with the ERO, the number of small entities registered with the
ERO will diminish and, thus, significantly reduce the impact on small
entities.\29\
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\29\ To be included in the compliance registry, the ERO
determines whether a specific small entity has a material impact on
the Bulk-Power System. If these small entities should have such an
impact then their compliance is justifiable as necessary for Bulk-
Power System reliability.
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26. Finally, as noted above, this NOPR accepts the interpretation
of the PRC-005-0 Reliability Standard, which was already approved in
Order No. 693, and, therefore, does not create an additional regulatory
impact on small entities.
VIII. Comment Procedures
27. The Commission invites interested persons to submit comments on
the matters and issues proposed in this notice to be adopted, including
any related matters or alternative proposals that commenters may wish
to discuss. Comments are due February 25, 2011. You may submit
comments, identified by docket number and in accordance with the
requirements posted on the Commission's Web site, http://www.ferc.gov.
Comments may be
[[Page 81157]]
submitted by any of the following methods:
Agency Web Site: Documents created electronically using
word processing software should be filed in native applications or
print-to-PDF format and not in a scanned format, at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp.
Mail/Hand Delivery: Commenters unable to file comments
electronically must mail or hand deliver an original copy of their
comments to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the
Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. These
requirements can be found on the Commission's Web site, see, e.g., the
``Quick Reference Guide for Paper Submissions,'' available at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp, or via phone from FERC Online
Support at 202-502-6652 or toll-free at 1-866-208-3676.
28. All comments will be placed in the Commission's public files
and may be viewed, printed, or downloaded remotely as described in the
Document Availability section below. Commenters on this proposal are
not required to serve copies of their comments on other commenters.
IX. Document Availability
29. In addition to publishing the full text of this document in the
Federal Register, the Commission provides all interested persons an
opportunity to view and/or print the contents of this document via the
Internet through FERC's Home Page (http://www.ferc.gov) and in FERC's
Public Reference Room during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Eastern time) at 888 First Street, NE., Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426.
30. From FERC's Home Page on the Internet, this information is
available on eLibrary. The full text of this document is available on
eLibrary in PDF and Microsoft Word format for viewing, printing, and/or
downloading. To access this document in eLibrary, type the docket
number excluding the last three digits of this document in the docket
number field.
31. User assistance is available for eLibrary and the FERC's Web
site during normal business hours from FERC Online Support at 202-502-
6652 (toll free at 1-866-208-3676) or e-mail at
[email protected], or the Public Reference Room at (202) 502-
8371, TTY (202) 502-8659. E-mail the Public Reference Room at
[email protected].
List of Subjects in 18 CFR Part 40
Electric power; Electric utilities; Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements by direction of the Commission.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2010-32356 Filed 12-23-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P