**Tip Sheet for Reporting on Form EIA-860, "Annual Electric Generator
Report"**

I.  **Schedule 3A, Line 10: Can This Generator Deliver Power to the
    Transmission Grid**

Indicate if the generator can or cannot deliver power to the
transmission grid in the absence of contractual restrictions. If the
system interconnection physically allows power flow in either direction
then the proper response is yes.

II. **Schedule 3B, Line 1, Schedule 3D, Line 1, Generator Nameplate
    Capacity**

Report the highest value on the nameplate in megawatts rounded to the
nearest tenth. If the nameplate capacity is expressed in kilovolt
amperes (kVA), convert to kilowatts by multiplying the corresponding
power factor by the kVA, divide by 1,000 to express in megawatts to the
nearest tenth.

Nameplate capacity is not expected to change unless the generator is
rewound, this field is read-only to the respondents. Common errors in
reporting this value:

-   Using capacity data from the prime mover's nameplate: Prime movers
    such as turbines are typically rated in terms of kW (MW). Many
    generator nameplates, particularly those on large units, have kVA
    (MVA) ratings, but do not have a kW (MW). Since the turbine and the
    generator nameplates are often located close to each other, the
    turbine kW (MW) rating is sometimes incorrectly selected rather than
    the generator kVA (MVA) rating.

-   Improper conversion of a kVA (MVA) value to the proper corresponding
    kW (MW) value. In the absence of the kW (MW) value on the generator
    portion of the nameplate, the kVA (MVA) rating should be converted
    to kW (MW) via the relationship described above.

If the nameplate data needs to be changed please contact the survey
manager.

III. **Schedule 3B, Line 2 and Schedule 3D, Line 2: Net Capacity:**

DO NOT introduce factors such as availability of energy sources and
constraints on transmission when determining the summer capacity and
winter capacity to be reported on Form EIA-860. However, the net
capacity should reflect a reduction in capacity due to electricity use
for station service or auxiliaries.

For generators that are out of service for an extended period , on
standby, have no generation or no test results for the respective peak
periods of the data year , report the estimated capacities based on
historical performance as follows: for net summer capacity and net
winter capacity of generators that fall into either of the prior
mentioned categories, report the capacity of the generator that is
generally achievable during the period of June through September and
December through March, respectively, based on historical performance or
report the best estimate of the capacity that could be achieved if the
generator were operated during the respective summer and winter periods.

> **IV. Schedule 3B, Line 3, Schedule 3D, Line 3: Reactive Power
> Output**

Enter the maximum rated reactive power output (MVARs) for the generator.
If the rated power factor (pf) for the generator is not known or is not
available, use a power factor of 0.85, lagging. (A MVAR is a Mega
Voltampere Reactive.) The reactive power output can be calculated from
power factor and nameplate capacity as shown below.

![](media/image1.wmf){width="3.4680555555555554in"
height="2.3229166666666665in"}

> **V. Schedule 3B, Line 5: Synchronized to the Grid**,

If the status code entered on line 5 is standby or back-up, please note
if the generator is currently equipped such that, when operating, it can
be synchronized to the grid. Many generators backup and standby
applications can provide power to their system only upon the loss of
primary power. If the configuration is such that the generator can not
operate in parallel with primary power then the proper response is "no".

IV. **Schedule 3B, Line 8, Schedule 3D, Line 7, Schedule 3E, Line 2 :
    Combined Heat and Power**

A generator is considered to be a combined heat and power (CHP)
generator if the heat or steam from the prime mover (e.g., engine,
turbine) or boiler is used to drive a generator to produce electricity
and is also used for another process such as heating a building,
operating machinery, or other industrial process. Producing electricity
can be either the primary or secondary objective of the process. Steam
that is captured after it passes through the turbine and is then used
for heating or perhaps sent to an outside customer is an example of a
CHP generator. Similarly, another example of a CHP generator is the use
of boiler steam to drive both a electric generator and a mechanical
drive application.