FERC proposes reliability improvements for power grid

FERC NOPR on GMD Standards directs NERC to bolster grid reliability via operational procedures, vulnerability assessments, and GIC mitigation, while a parallel vegetation management NOPR tightens inspections, clearance distances, and sub-200 kV IROL coverage.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission FERC recently took steps to ensure continued reliable operation of the nation’s bulk power system by proposing to approve a revised vegetation management standard and to require new standards addressing the impacts of a geomagnetic disturbance GMD.

GMDs, which result in distortions to the earth’s magnetic field, may cause severe problems with grid reliability, including blackouts as well as damage to critical or vulnerable equipment. Although strong disturbances are infrequent and the grid is in better shape according to recent assessments, current mandatory reliability standards do not adequately address vulnerabilities.

To address this reliability gap, a recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) proposes to direct the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the FERC-approved Electric Reliability Organization, to develop and submit new GMD standards, similar to its progress on a new cybersecurity standard that is moving forward, in a two-stage process.

First, within 90 days of the effective date of a final rule in the proceeding, NERC would file one or more standards requiring owners and operators of the bulk power system, who have cybersecurity responsibilities under prior advisories, to develop and implement operational procedures to mitigate GMD effects. That such procedures already are in place in some areas should allow for faster development and implementation of these standards, the NOPR says.

In the second stage, FERC proposes that NERC file, within six months of a final rule, standards that require grid owners and operators to conduct initial and continuing assessments of the potential impacts of GMDs and, based on those assessments, implement strategies to protect the bulk power system, including automatic blocking of geomagnetically induced currents, instituting specification requirements for new equipment, inventory management, or isolating certain equipment that is not cost effective to retrofit, drawing on strengthened cybersecurity standards adopted in parallel to support resilience. Stage two would be implemented in phases, focusing first on the most critical and vulnerable assets.

The NOPR does not propose specific requirements, but offers guidance regarding the assessments of the grid’s vulnerability to GMDs, the mechanisms for protecting critical or vulnerable components and an implementation schedule that aligns with a integration for reliability policy overview. FERC seeks comments on all aspects of the proposal.

In a separate NOPR on vegetation management, FERC proposes to approve revisions submitted by NERC that would:

-- Expand the applicability of the standard to include lines operated below 200 kilovolts that are part of an Interconnection Reliability Operating Limit or a Major Western Electricity Coordinating Council Transfer Path

-- Set a new minimum annual inspection requirement

-- Incorporate new minimum clearance distances into the text of the standard

Related News

• Electricity Forum News

• Grid Technologies News