133 FERC ¶ 61,226 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 

18 CFR Part 40 

Docket No. RM09-9-000 

Version One Regional Reliability Standards for Facilities Design, Connections, and 

Maintenance; Protection and Control; and Voltage and Reactive 

(December 17, 2010) 

AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 

ACTION: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. 

SUMMARY: Under section 215 of the Federal Power Act, the Commission proposes to 

approve four revised regional Reliability Standards developed by the Western Electricity 

Coordinating Council and approved by the North American Electric Reliability 

Corporation, which the Commission has certified as the Electric Reliability Organization 

responsible for developing and enforcing mandatory Reliability Standards. These 

regional Reliability Standards have been designated by WECC as FAC-501-WECC-1 – 

Transmission Maintenance, PRC-004-WECC-1 – Protection System and Remedial 

Action Scheme Misoperation, VAR-002-WECC-1 – Automatic Voltage Regulators, and 

VAR-501-WECC-1 – Power System Stabilizer. Proposed FAC-501-WECC-1 addresses 

transmission maintenance for specified transmission paths in the Western 

Interconnection. Proposed PRC-004-WECC-1 addresses the analysis of misoperations 

that occur on transmission and generation protection systems and remedial action 

schemes in the Western Interconnection. Proposed VAR-002-WECC-1 is meant to 
Docket No. RM09-09-000 - 2 - 

ensure that automatic voltage regulators remain in service on synchronous generators and 

condensers in the Western Interconnection. Proposed VAR-501-WECC-1 is meant to 

ensure that power system stabilizers remain in service on synchronous generators in the 

Western Interconnection. In addition, under section 215(d)(5) of the Federal Power Act, 

the Commission proposes to direct the Western Electricity Coordinating Council, 

working through its standards development process, to develop modifications to these to 

regional Reliability Standards to address specific issues, as discussed below. 

DATES: Comments are due [insert date that is 60 days after publication in the

FEDERAL REGISTER]. 

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/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 

website, see, e.g., the “Quick Reference Guide for Paper Submissions,” available 
Docket No. RM09-09-000 - 3 - 

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. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

A. Cory Lankford (Legal Information) 

Office of the General Counsel 

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

888 First Street, NE 

Washington, DC 20426 

(202) 502-6711 

Nick Henery (Technical Information) 

Office of Electric Reliability 

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

888 First Street, NE 

Washington, DC 20426 

(202) 502-8636 

Danny Johnson (Technical Information) 

Office of Electric Reliability 

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

888 First Street, NE 

Washington, DC 20426 

(202) 502-8892 

Scott Sells (Technical Information) 

Office of Electric Reliability 

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

888 First Street, NE 

Washington, DC 20426 

(202) 502-6664 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 

Version One Regional Reliability Standards for 

Facilities Design, Connections, and Maintenance; 

Protection and Control; and Voltage and Reactive 

Docket No. RM09-9-000 

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Paragraph Numbers

I. Background...........................................................................................................................3.

A. Mandatory Reliability Standards......................................................................................3.

B. Western Electricity Coordinating Council .......................................................................6.

II. Proposed Regional Reliability Standards ........................................................................8.

III. Discussion...........................................................................................................................10.

A. FAC-501-WECC-1 – Transmission Maintenance ...........................................................11.

B. PRC-004-WECC-1 – Protection System and Remedial Action Scheme 

Misoperation ..........................................................................................................................25.

C. VAR-002-WECC-1 – Automatic Voltage Regulators.....................................................42.

D. VAR-501-WECC-1 – Power System Stabilizer ..............................................................65.

IV. Information Collection Statement...................................................................................88.

V. Environmental Analysis.....................................................................................................92.

VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification .........................................................................93.

VII. Comment Procedures......................................................................................................94.

VIII. Document Availability ...................................................................................................98.
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 2 - 

 

133 FERC ¶ 61,226 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 

Version One Regional Reliability Standards for 

Facilities Design, Connections, and Maintenance; 

Protection and Control; and Voltage and Reactive 

Docket No. RM09-9-000 

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING 

(December 17, 2010) 

1. Under section 215 of the Federal Power Act (FPA),1

 the Commission proposes to 

approve four revised regional Reliability Standards developed by the Western Electricity 

Coordinating Council (WECC) and approved by the North American Electric Reliability 

Corporation (NERC), which the Commission has certified as the Electric Reliability 

Organization (ERO) responsible for developing and enforcing mandatory Reliability 

Standards.2

 These regional Reliability Standards have been designated by WECC as 

FAC-501-WECC-1 – Transmission Maintenance, PRC-004-WECC-1 – Protection 

System and Remedial Action Scheme Misoperation, VAR-002-WECC-1 – Automatic 

Voltage Regulators, and VAR-501-WECC-1 – Power System Stabilizer. Proposed 

FAC-501-WECC-1 addresses transmission maintenance for specified transmission paths 

1

 16 U.S.C. 824o (2006). 

2 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 (D.C. Cir. 2009). 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 3 - 

in the Western Interconnection. Proposed PRC-004-WECC-1 addresses the analysis of 

misoperations that occur on transmission and generation protection systems and remedial 

action schemes in the Western Interconnection. Proposed VAR-002-WECC-1 is meant 

to ensure that automatic voltage regulators remain in service on synchronous generators 

and condensers in the Western Interconnection. Proposed VAR-501-WECC-1 is meant 

to ensure that power system stabilizers remain in service on synchronous generators in 

the Western Interconnection. Under section 215(d)(5) of the Federal Power Act, the 

Commission proposes to direct WECC, through its standard development process, to 

develop modifications to these regional Reliability Standards to address specific issues, 

as discussed below. 

2. Related, the Commission also seeks comment on whether it should direct the ERO 

to develop modifications to the NERC Reliability Standards addressing the use of 

automatic voltage regulators and power system stabilizers. The Commission’s concerns 

regarding the NERC Reliability Standard are introduced here as they correspond with 

certain elements of the WECC standards that are the subject of the immediate proceeding. 

However, any proposal to direct the development of modifications to the NERC 

Reliability Standards would be addressed in a separate proceeding. 

I. Background

A. Mandatory Reliability Standards

3. Section 215 of the FPA requires a Commission-certified ERO to develop 

mandatory and enforceable Reliability Standards, which are subject to Commission 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 4 - 

 

review and approval. Once approved, the Reliability Standards may be enforced by the 

ERO, subject to Commission oversight, or by the Commission independently.3

 

4. Reliability Standards that the ERO proposes to the Commission may include 

Reliability Standards that are proposed to the ERO by a Regional Entity to be effective in 

that region.4

 A Regional Entity is an entity that has been approved by the Commission to 

enforce Reliability Standards under delegated authority from the ERO.5

 When the ERO 

reviews a regional Reliability Standard that would be applicable on an interconnectionwide basis and that has been proposed by a Regional Entity organized on an 

interconnection-wide basis, the ERO must rebuttably presume that the regional 

Reliability Standard is just, reasonable, not unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in 

the public interest.6

 In turn, the Commission must give “due weight” to the technical 

expertise of the ERO and of a Regional Entity organized on an interconnection-wide 

basis.7

3

 16 U.S.C. 824o(e)(3). 

4

 16 U.S.C. 824o(e)(4). 

5

 16 U.S.C. 824o(a)(7) and (e)(4). 

6

 18 CFR 39.5 (2010). 

7

 16 U.S.C. 824o(d)(2). 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 5 - 

5. In Order No. 672, the Commission urged uniformity of Reliability Standards, but 

recognized a potential need for regional differences.8

 Accordingly, the Commission 

stated that: 

As a general matter, we will accept the following two types of 

regional differences, provided they are otherwise just, 

reasonable, not unduly discriminatory or preferential and in 

the public interest, as required under the statute: (1) a 

regional difference that is more stringent than the continentwide Reliability Standard, including a regional difference that 

addresses matters that the continent-wide Reliability Standard 

does not; and (2) a regional Reliability Standard that is 

necessitated by a physical difference in the Bulk-Power 

System.9

 

B. Western Electricity Coordinating Council

6. On April 19, 2007, the Commission accepted delegation agreements between 

NERC and each of eight Regional Entities.10 In its order, the Commission accepted 

 8 Rules Concerning Certification of the Electric Reliability Organization; 

Procedures for the Establishment, Approval, and Enforcement of Electric Reliability 

Standards, Order No. 672, 71 FR 8662 (Feb. 17, 2006), FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,204, at 

P 290, order on reh’g, Order No. 672-A, 71 FR 19814 (Apr. 18, 2006), FERC Stats. & 

Regs. ¶ 31,212 (2006). 

9 Id. P 291. 

10 North American Electric Reliability Corp., 119 FERC ¶ 61,060, at P 432 (2007). 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 6 - 

 

WECC as a Regional Entity organized on an Interconnection-wide basis. As a Regional 

Entity, WECC oversees transmission system reliability in the Western Interconnection. 

The WECC region encompasses nearly 1.8 million square miles, including 14 western 

U.S. states, the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, and the northern 

portion of Baja California in Mexico. 

7. In June 2007, the Commission approved eight regional Reliability Standards for 

WECC including the currently-effective WECC PRC-STD-001-1, PRC-STD-003-1, 

PRC-STD-005-1, VAR-STD-002a-1, and VAR-STD-002b-1.11 The Commission 

directed WECC to develop certain modifications to WECC PRC-STD-001-1, PRC-STD003-1, PRC-STD-005-1, VAR-STD-002a-1, and VAR-STD-002b-1, as identified by 

NERC in its filing letter for the current standards.12 For example, the Commission 

determined that: (1) regional definitions should conform to definitions set forth in the 

NERC Glossary of Terms Used in Reliability Standards (NERC Glossary), unless a 

specific deviation has been justified; and (2) documents that are referenced in the 

Reliability Standard should be attached to the Reliability Standard. The Commission also 

found that it is important that regional Reliability Standards and NERC Reliability 

Standards achieve a reasonable level of consistency in their structure so that there is a 

common understanding of the elements. 

11 North American Electric Reliability Corp., 119 FERC ¶ 61,260 (2007). 

12 Id.
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 7 - 

II. Proposed Regional Reliability Standards

8. On March 25, 2009, NERC submitted a petition (NERC Petition) to the 

Commission seeking approval of four WECC regional Reliability Standards. 13 The four 

proposed WECC regional Reliability Standards are designated as FAC-501-WECC-1, 

PRC-004-WECC-1, VAR-002-WECC-1, and VAR-501-WECC-1.14 In its petition, 

NERC explains that the four proposed regional Reliability Standards are meant to replace 

certain currently approved regional Reliability Standards: 

 FAC-501-WECC-1 is intended to replace the current approved PRC-STD-005-1; 

 PRC-004-WECC-1 is intended to replace WECC PRC-STD-001-1 and 

PRC-STD-003-1; 

 VAR-002-WECC-1 is intended to replace WECC VAR-STD-002a-1; and 

 VAR-501-WECC-1 is intended to replace WECC VAR-STD-002b-1. 

NERC states that the NERC board of trustees approved the proposed regional Reliability 

Standards on October 29, 2008, on the condition that WECC address certain 

shortcomings raised during the comment periods in the next revision of the Reliability 

Standards. 

 13 See 18 CFR 39.5(a) (requiring the ERO to submit regional Reliability Standards 

on behalf of a Regional Entity). 

14 The proposed regional Reliability Standards are not attached to the NOPR. 

They are, however, available on the Commission’s eLibrary document retrieval system in 

Docket No. RM09-9-000 and are posted on the ERO’s web site, available at

http://www.nerc.com. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 8 - 

9. NERC requests an effective date for FAC-501-WECC-1, VAR-002-WECC-1, and 

VAR-501-WECC-1 of the first day of the first quarter after Commission approval. For 

PRC-004-WECC-1, NERC requests an effective date of the first day of the second 

quarter after approval by the Commission. 

III. Discussion

10. As discussed below, the Commission proposes to approve FAC-501-WECC-1, 

PRC-004-WECC-1, VAR-002-WECC-1, and VAR-501-WECC-1 as just, reasonable, not 

unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest. In addition, under 

section 215(d)(5) of the FPA and section 39.5(f) of our regulations, the Commission 

proposes to direct WECC to develop certain modifications to further clarify the 

requirements of the proposed WECC regional Reliability Standards. 

A. FAC-501-WECC-1 – Transmission Maintenance

11. NERC PRC-005-1 applies to all transmission and generator owners as well as 

distribution providers that own a transmission protection system. The Reliability 

Standard is meant to ensure that all transmission and generation protection systems 

affecting the reliability of the Bulk-Power System are maintained and tested. 

12. On June 8, 2007, the Commission approved a WECC regional Reliability Standard 

that corresponds to the NERC Reliability Standard PRC-005-1.15 WECC 

PRC-STD- 005-1 applies to transmission owners and operators identified in an attached 

table titled “Major WECC Transfer Paths in the Bulk Electric System” (WECC Transfer 

 15 North American Electric Reliability Corp., 119 FERC ¶ 61,260 at P 95. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 9 - 

Path Table) and to owners of remedial action schemes identified in the “Major WECC 

Remedial Action Schemes” table (WECC Remedial Action Schemes Table). WECC 

PRC-STD-005-1 requires each transmission owner and operator of the specified 

transmission paths to perform maintenance and inspection on those paths as described by 

its transmission maintenance and inspection plan. The regional Reliability Standard 

identifies specific contents that each applicable transmission owner and transmission 

operator must include in its transmission maintenance and inspection plan. For example, 

a plan must include the scheduled interval for time-based maintenance, describe 

maintenance and inspection methods, provide relevant checklists or forms, and provide 

criteria for assessing the condition of a facility. Each applicable entity must retain all 

pertinent maintenance and inspection records for at least five years. Further each 

applicable entity must annually certify to WECC staff that it has developed, documented, 

and implemented a transmission maintenance and inspection plan. 

WECC and NERC Proposal

13. NERC states that proposed FAC-501-WECC-1 is intended to replace approved 

WECC PRC-STD-005-1. The proposed regional Reliability Standard would apply to 

transmission owners that maintain transmission paths listed in the WECC Transfer Path 

Table, which is no longer an attachment to the Reliability Standard but is maintained on 

the WECC website. Proposed FAC-501-WECC-1 contains three main provisions. 

Requirement R1 provides that each transmission owner must have a transmission, 

maintenance, and inspection plan, and each transmission owner must annually review and 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 10 - 

update as required their transmission maintenance and inspection plan. Requirement R2 

states that each transmission owner must include specified maintenance categories16

when developing their transmission maintenance and inspection plan. Requirement 3 

states that each transmission owner must implement and follow their transmission 

maintenance and inspection plan. 

14. NERC recommends approval of FAC-501-WECC-1, stating that the proposed 

regional Reliability Standard addresses matters that the NERC Reliability Standard does 

not. Specifically, according to NERC, FAC-501-WECC-1 requires, for specified 

transmission paths, a highly detailed maintenance and inspection plan for all transmission 

and substation equipment components, beyond the relay and communication system 

maintenance and testing required by the corresponding NERC Reliability Standard.17

NOPR Proposal

15. The Commission proposes to approve FAC-501-WECC-1 as just, reasonable, not 

unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest. As explained by NERC, 

proposed FAC-501-WECC-1 appears to be more stringent, by virtue of its requirement 

for a highly detailed maintenance and inspection plan, compared to the corresponding 

NERC Reliability Standard. 

 16 The maintenance categories to be included in the transmission maintenance and 

inspection plan are included in Attachment 1 of FAC-501-WECC-1 – “Transmission 

Line and Station Maintenance Details.” 

17 NERC Petition at 11, 14. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 11 - 

16. Further, in approving the currently-effective WECC PRC-STD-005-1, the 

Commission directed WECC to make certain modifications to the regional Reliability 

Standard. To address these directives, the proposed regional Reliability Standard no 

longer references any WECC Forms, and text regarding the Compliance Monitoring 

Period has been removed. The proposed regional Reliability Standard no longer refers to 

a regional definition of Disturbance, which conflicted with the definition of Disturbance 

in the NERC Glossary. Since the term is not included in any of the proposed regional 

Reliability Standards, the Commission proposes to direct the ERO to remove this 

regional definition from the NERC Glossary of terms upon Commission approval of 

FAC-501-WECC-1. The proposed regional Reliability Standard also removes the 

Sanctions Table and includes Violation Risk Factors, Violation Severity Levels, 

Measures, and Time Horizons, as directed by the Commission. These revisions appear 

generally consistent with the Commission’s directives, and signify meaningful 

improvement. Accordingly, we propose to approve FAC-501-WECC-1. We also 

propose to approve NERC’s petition to retire currently-effective WECC 

PRC-STD-005-1. 

17. While we propose to approve FAC-501-WECC-1, we have several concerns 

regarding the requirements of the proposed regional Reliability Standard that were not 

adequately addressed in the NERC petition. Below, we discuss our concerns and, in the 

absence of a satisfactory explanation from WECC, NERC and other commenters, under 

section 215(d)(5) of the FPA and section 39.5(f) of our regulations, we propose to direct 

that the Regional Entity develop modifications to the regional Reliability Standard, as 

discussed below. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 12 - 

WECC Transfer Path Table

18. First, we have a concern regarding the applicability of the proposed regional 

Reliability Standard. As mentioned above, WECC PRC-STD-005-1 is applicable to 

transmission owners or operators that maintain transmission paths listed in the WECC 

Transfer Path Table, which is attached to the regional Reliability Standard. The 

attachment identifies 40 major transmission paths in the Western Interconnection. By 

contrast, FAC-501-WECC-1 removes the attachment and, instead, directs transmission 

owners to the most current WECC Transfer Path Table, which is available on the WECC 

website. The table currently posted on the WECC website identifies the same 40 major 

paths as the attachment to the approved regional Reliability Standard.18 However, the 

Commission is concerned that, by referencing the WECC Transfer Path Table posted on 

the WECC website, the applicability of FAC-501-WECC-1 could change without review 

and approval by the ERO and the Commission, as required to make effective a 

modification to a Reliability Standard. 

19. The possibility for the applicability of the Reliability Standard to change at any 

time could create confusion for entities that need to comply as well as any compliance 

enforcement staff trying to determine which entities are responsible for complying with 

the Reliability Standard. Under section 215(d)(5) of the FPA, we propose to direct that 

WECC develop a modification to the Reliability Standard to address our concern. For 

 18See Major WECC Transfer Paths table available at

http://www.wecc.biz/Standards/Approved%20Standards/Supporting%20Tables/Table%2

0Major%20Paths%204-28-08.pdf. It appears that the list of major transfer paths is 

relatively stable as the list has not changed for at least the past three years. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 13 - 

example, WECC could include its criterion for identifying and modifying major 

transmission paths listed in the WECC Transfer Path Table and make an informational 

filing each time it makes a modification to the table. Another option would be for WECC 

to file its criterion with the Commission and post revised transfer path tables and 

referenced catalogs on its website before they become effective with concurrent 

notification to NERC and the Commission. Alternatively, the Regional Entity could 

include the WECC Transfer Path Table as an attachment to the modified Reliability 

Standard. In this way, the Commission would be able to verify that the Regional Entity is 

applying the requirements of the regional Reliability Standard in a just and reasonable 

manner. 

System Operating Limits (SOL)

20. Second, the Commission is concerned about WECC’s use of the term System 

Operating limit, as it is defined in the NERC Glossary.19 Currently, WECC determines 

transfer capability based on a “rated system path” methodology and the table of Major 

WECC Transfer Paths and associated catalog identify the facilities that make up each 

rated system path. For at least ten years, WECC has used the defined term Operating 

Transfer Capability limits, and not System Operating Limit, to describe transmission 

limitations. WECC TOP-STD-007-0 defines Operating Transfer Capability limits as: 

 19 A System Operating Limit is defined in the NERC Glossary as “the value (such 

as MW, MVar, Amperes, Frequency or Volts) that satisfies the most limiting of the 

prescribed operating criteria for a specified system configuration to ensure operation 

within acceptable reliability criteria.” See NERC Glossary, available at

http://www.nerc.com/docs/standards/rs/Glossary_of_Terms_2010April20.pdf. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 14 - 

 

... the maximum amount of actual power that can be transferred over 

direct or parallel transmission elements comprising: 

 An interconnection from one Transmission Operator area to 

another Transmission Operator area; or 

 A transfer path within a Transmission Operator area. 

The net schedule over an interconnection or transfer path 

within a Transmission Operator area shall not exceed the 

[operating transfer capability], regardless of the prevailing 

actual power flow on the interconnection or transfer path. 

Unlike a System Operating Limit, the definition of Operating Transfer Capability limits 

is limited to direct or parallel transmission elements between or within specific 

transmission operators. Moreover, the rating of a System Operating Limit, which is 

based on an operating criteria that is either thermally (based on facility ratings) or 

stability-based (based on transient stability, voltage stability, or system voltage limits) is 

the first element to calculate in order to determine the Operating Transfer Capability limit 

rating. 

21. Based on the above, it appears that a System Operating Limit is not the same as an 

Operating Transfer Capability limit. Yet, WECC and NERC believe that the terms can 

be used interchangeably and that WECC revised the regional Reliability Standard to refer 

to System Operating Limits to conform its terminology to the NERC Glossary. While we 

believe using NERC Glossary terminology is generally preferable,20 we are concerned 

that, in this instance, the use of a regional definition might be most appropriate. 

20 See W. Elec. Coordinating Council Reg’l Reliability Standard Regarding 

Automatic Time Error Corr., Order No. 723, 74 FR 25442 (May 28, 2009), 127 FERC 

¶ 61,176, at P 38-40 (2009).
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 15 - 

 

22. Specifically, the Commission is concerned that the introduction of the NERC 

Glossary definition of System Operating Limit in Requirement R1 of the proposed 

regional Reliability Standard could create confusion regarding which transmission 

owners are required to maintain a transmission maintenance and inspection plan. 

Requirement R1 of the approved WECC Reliability Standard requires transmission 

owners to inspect and maintain “all bulk power transmission elements (i.e., lines, stations 

and rights of way) included as part of the transmission facilities (or required to maintain 

transfer capability) impacting each of the transmission paths listed ....”21 By contrast, 

Requirement R1 of WECC’s proposed regional Reliability Standard would require 

transmission owners to maintain a transmission maintenance and inspection plan 

detailing their inspection and maintenance requirements that “apply to all transmission 

facilities necessary for System Operating Limits associated with each of the transmission 

paths identified in the WECC Transfer Path Table.”22 Facilities that are System 

Operating Limits associated with transmission paths identified in the WECC Transfer 

Path Table are not necessarily on paths identified in the WECC Transfer Path Table. 

23. Thus, under the proposed language, Requirement R1 could apply to more 

transmission facilities than identified in the WECC Transfer Path Table. For example, a 

System Operating Limit for a rated path in the WECC Transfer Path Table could be 

21 WECC Reliability Standard PRC-STD-005-1, Requirement R1. 

22 Proposed WECC Reliability Standard, FAC-501-WECC-1, Requirement R1, 

emphasis added. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 16 - 

defined by a facility on a path that is not identified in the WECC Transfer Path Table but 

which is associated with an identified path. Under these circumstances, it is unclear 

whether Requirement R1 would require maintenance on these facilities that are not 

identified in the WECC Transfer Path Table. If so, the requirement might need to apply 

to transmission owners that do not own any paths identified in the WECC Transfer Path 

Table. Accordingly, the Commission seeks comment as to whether, under Requirement 

R1, a transmission owner that owns a major path would be responsible for maintaining 

and inspecting transmission facilities owned by another entity if such facilities are 

“necessary for [System Operating Limits] associated with” the major path. 

Summary

24. In summary, the Commission proposes to approve FAC-501-WECC-1. The 

Commission also proposes to approve NERC’s petition to retire currently-effective 

WECC PRC-STD-005-1. In addition, the Commission requests comment on two issues 

discussed above regarding the (1) Major WECC Transfer Path table, and (2) use of the 

term System Operating Limits. 

B. PRC-004-WECC-1 – Protection System and Remedial Action Scheme 

Misoperation

Background – Currently-Effective PRC-STD-001-1 and PRC-STD-003-1

25. Currently-effective WECC PRC-STD-001-1 applies to transmission operators or 

transmission owners of 40 specified transmission paths. The regional Reliability 

Standard requires these entities to certify to WECC that all (1) protective relay 

applications and (2) protective relay settings and logic are appropriate for the specified 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 17 - 

transmission paths. It also requires that these entities, once every three years, certify that 

information is updated and accurate. 

26. WECC PRC-STD-001-1 corresponds with NERC PRC-001-1, which addresses 

protection systems, requires transmission operators and generator operators to notify 

appropriate entities of relay or equipment failures and to coordinate when installing new 

or modified protection systems. 

27. Currently-effective WECC PRC-STD-003-1 applies to transmission operators and 

owners of the same 40 specified transmission paths as Reliability Standard PRC-STD001-1. WECC PRC-STD-003-1 requires applicable transmission operators and owners to 

ensure all transmission and generation protection system misoperations affecting the 

reliability of the bulk electric system are analyzed and mitigated. 

28. WECC PRC-STD-003-1 corresponds to NERC PRC-003-1, which also relates to 

protection system misoperations. 

WECC and NERC Proposal

29. NERC states that proposed PRC-004-WECC-1 is intended to replace two 

currently-effective WECC Reliability Standards, PRC-STD-001-1 and PRC-STD-003-1. 

NERC recommends approval of PRC-004-WECC-1, explaining that it is more stringent 

than the corresponding NERC PRC-004-1. Specifically, NERC explains that PRC-004-

WECC-1 requires that all transmission and generation protection system and remedial 

action scheme misoperations on major WECC transfer paths be analyzed and mitigated 

within a specific timeframe. In contrast, NERC PRC-003-1 requires Regional Entities to 

establish procedures for review, analysis, reporting, and mitigation of transmission and 

generation Protection System Misoperations, but it does not specifically address the 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 18 - 

 

owners of the transmission and generation facilities. NERC also explains that NERC 

PRC-004-1 has requirements for protection system misoperations, but does not provide 

for the additional requirements included in PRC-004-WECC-1.23

30. Proposed PRC-004-WECC-1 contains three main provisions. Requirement R1 

provides that “System Operators and System Protection Personnel” of transmission 

owners and generator owners must analyze all protection system and remedial action 

scheme operations. Requirements R1.1 and R1.2 identify time limits for the review and 

analysis of transmission element tripping, remedial action scheme operations and 

protection systems. Requirement R2 and the associated sub-requirements identify actions 

expected to be performed by transmission owners and generator owners for each 

protection system or remedial action scheme misoperation, including identifying 

timelines for removing the equipment that failed from service. Requirement R3 states 

that transmission owners and generator owners are to submit incident reports for any 

misoperation or repair of equipment that misoperated. 

31. Like the approved regional Reliability Standard, the proposed regional Reliability 

Standard is applicable to transmission owners and transmission operators, but it also is 

applicable to the generator owners that own facilities listed in the WECC Transfer Path 

Table and the WECC Remedial Action Schemes Table, which are available on WECC’s 

website.24 In addition, WECC proposes four new regional definitions for Functionally 

23 See NERC Petition at 11, 19-20. 

24 See proposed regional Reliability Standard PRC-004-WECC-1, Section 4 

(Applicability). 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 19 - 

Equivalent Protection System, Functionally Equivalent Remedial Action Scheme, 

Security-Based Misoperation and Dependability Based Misoperation. 

NOPR Proposal

32. The Commission proposes to approve PRC-004-WECC-1 as just, reasonable, not 

unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest. The Commission also 

proposes to approve NERC’s petition to withdraw currently-effective WECC PRC-STD001-1 and WECC PRC-STD-003-1. As NERC explains above, it appears that the 

proposed PRC-004-WECC-1 is more stringent than the corresponding NERC PRC-004-

1. Moreover, the proposed PRC-004-WECC-1 addresses Commission directives to 

develop modifications to the currently-effective regional Reliability Standards. 

33. Specifically, in approving the currently-effective WECC PRC-STD-001-1 and 

WECC PRC-STD-003-1, the Commission directed WECC to make certain modifications 

in developing replacement Reliability Standards. To address these directives, in the 

proposed Standard, WECC no longer references any WECC forms, and the text regarding 

the compliance monitoring period has been removed from the proposed Standard. In 

addition, the proposed regional Reliability Standard no longer references the regional 

definition of Disturbance, which did not match the NERC definition of Disturbance in the 

NERC Glossary. The proposed regional Reliability Standard also would remove the 

definition for Business Day. Since these terms are not included in any of the existing or 

proposed regional Reliability Standards, the Commission proposes to direct the ERO to 

remove these regional definitions from the NERC Glossary, upon approval of the PRC004-WECC-1. The proposed regional Reliability Standard also removes the sanctions 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 20 - 

table and includes violation risk factors, violation severity levels, measures and time 

horizons. The Commission commends WECC for addressing these directives. 

34. Nevertheless, the Commission has concerns regarding several provisions of the 

proposed regional Reliability Standard, and seeks additional comments, as discussed 

below. 

WECC Transfer Path Table

35. Similar to the discussion above regarding proposed FAC-501-WECC-1, we are 

concerned regarding the removal of the list of major transmission paths from proposed 

PRC-004-WECC-1 and the replacement with a link to the WECC website. Currentlyeffective WECC PRC-STD-003-1 is applicable to transmission owners or operators that 

maintain transmission paths listed in an attachment to the Reliability Standard. The 

attachment identifies 40 major transmission paths in the Western Interconnection. By 

contrast, the proposed PRC-004-WECC-1 removes attachment A and, instead, directs 

transmission owners to the most current WECC Transfer Path Table, which is available 

on the WECC website. Although the table posted on the WECC website lists the same 

40 major paths as the attachment to the approved regional Reliability Standard, the 

Commission is concerned that by referencing the WECC Transfer Path Table posted on 

the WECC website, WECC could modify the document without Commission and 

industry notice and opportunity to respond. 

36. The possibility for the applicability of the Reliability Standard to change at any 

time could create confusion for entities that need to comply as well as any compliance 

enforcement staff trying to determine which entities are responsible for complying with 

the Reliability Standard. Accordingly, the Commission seeks comment on how NERC 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 21 - 

and WECC intend to develop and provide notice of proposed changes to the WECC 

Transfer Path Table. We also seek comment on how NERC and WECC will ensure that 

changes to the applicability of the Reliability Standard will not undermine its 

effectiveness. We propose to direct WECC to develop a modification to the Reliability 

Standard to address our concern. For example, WECC could include its criterion for 

identifying and modifying major transmission paths listed in the WECC Transfer Path 

Table and make an informational filing each time it makes a modification to the table. 

Another option would be for WECC to file its criterion with the Commission and post 

revised transfer path tables and referenced catalogs on its website before they become 

effective with concurrent notification to NERC and the Commission. Alternatively, the 

Regional Entity could include the WECC Transfer Path Table as an attachment to the 

modified Reliability Standard. In this way, the Commission would be able to verify that 

the Regional Entity is applying the requirements of the regional Reliability Standard in a 

just and reasonable manner. 

Proposed Regional Definitions 

37. The proposed regional Reliability Standard includes four new regional definitions 

meant to apply only in WECC. Two of the proposed definitions (Functionally Equivalent 

Protection System and Functionally Equivalent Remedial Action Scheme) have added 

“functionally equivalent” to terms that already exist in the NERC Glossary.25 The NERC 

Glossary definition of Protection System lists the types of equipment that can be used as 

 25 See NERC Glossary definitions for Protection System and Remedial Action 

Scheme. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 22 - 

 

protection systems (i.e. protective relays, associated communication systems, voltage and 

current sensing devices, station batteries and DC control circuitry). By contrast, the 

proposed WECC definition of Functionally Equivalent Protection System is not limited 

to any specific components or operating characteristics but, instead, defines Functionally 

Equivalent Protection Systems based on what they can do: “[e]ach Protection System can 

detect the same faults within the zone of protection and provide the clearing times and 

coordination needed to comply with all Reliability Standards.” In addition, the NERC 

Glossary defines Remedial Action Scheme, or Special Protection System, as “[a]n 

automatic protection system designed to detect abnormal or predetermined system 

conditions, and take corrective actions other than and/or in addition to the isolation of 

faulted components to maintain system reliability.”26 By contrast, WECC proposes to 

define Functionally Equivalent RAS as “[a] Remedial Action Scheme that provides the 

same performance as follows: Each [Remedial Action Scheme] can detect the same 

conditions and provide mitigation to comply with all Reliability Standards. Each 

[Remedial Action Scheme] may have different components and operating 

characteristics.” 

38. The Commission has expressed concern about the unnecessary proliferation of 

glossary terms and has directed the ERO to be vigilant in assuring that a regional 

definition is consistent with both NERC Glossary terms and other approved Regional 

26 NERC Glossary definition of Special Protection System (Remedial Action 

Scheme), available at

http://www.nerc.com/docs/standards/rs/Glossary_of_Terms_2010April20.pdf. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 23 - 

 

Entity glossary terms.27 In the instant proceeding, we are concerned that the proposed 

definitions of Functionally Equivalent Protection System and Functionally Equivalent 

RAS do not add any further clarity to the NERC Glossary terms. Accordingly, we seek 

an explanation from WECC and other interested commenters regarding whether these 

new terms are more inclusive than the corresponding NERC Glossary definitions and, if 

so, how. 

39. WECC proposes to define Functionally Equivalent Protection System as “[a] 

Protection System that provides performance as follows: Each Protection System can 

detect the same faults within the zone of protection ....”28 It is unclear what the phrase 

“detect the same faults” means within this definition. For example, this phrase could 

refer to the ability of one protection system to act as a back-up for another protection 

system. Alternatively, this phrase could imply that a protection system should be able to 

detect a fault within in a different sub-area of the same zone of protection. Accordingly, 

we seek comment on the meaning of the phrase “the same faults” within the definition. 

40. In addition, the current NERC Glossary definition of Misoperation includes: (1) 

failure of a protection system to operate; (2) protection system operation for a fault 

outside of the planned zone of protection; and (3) unintentional operation of a protection 

system. Instead of using this NERC Glossary definition, WECC has developed two new 

terms: Security-Based Misoperations and Dependability-Based Misoperations. The 

27 Order No. 723, 74 FR 25,442 at P 37-40. 

28 See Proposed Reliability Standard PRC-004-WECC-1, proposed definition of 

Functionally Equivalent Protection System. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 24 - 

proposed WECC definitions address: (1) incorrect operation of a protection system 

(Security-Based Misoperation); and (2) absence of a protection system to operate 

(Dependability-Based Misoperation). The bifurcation of the term Misoperation may be 

confusing because at least some of the requirements for each type of misoperation appear 

to overlap. We seek an explanation from WECC and other interested commenters 

regarding why these two new regional terms are necessary or desirable within the context 

of the proposed regional Reliability Standard, and how they will enhance reliability. 

Summary

41. The Commission proposes to approve PRC-004-WECC-1 as just, reasonable, not 

unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest. The Commission also 

proposes to approve NERC’s petition to withdraw currently-effective WECC PRC-STD001-1 and WECC PRC-STD-003-1. In addition, the Commission requests comment on 

three issues discussed above regarding (1) the Major WECC Transfer Path table; (2) 

whether the proposed regional terms, Functionally Equivalent Protection System and 

Functionally Equivalent RAS, are more inclusive than the corresponding NERC Glossary 

definitions; and, (3) the necessity of the proposed regional terms, Security-Based 

Misoperations and Dependability-Based Misoperations. 

C. VAR-002-WECC-1 – Automatic Voltage Regulators

Background

42. Applicable to all generator operators and generator owners, NERC VAR-002-1.1b 

is meant to ensure that generators provide reactive and voltage control necessary to 

ensure voltage levels, reactive flows, and reactive resources are maintained within 

applicable facility ratings to protect equipment and the reliable operation of the 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 25 - 

 

Interconnection. Unless exempted by the transmission operator, each generator operator 

must maintain the generator voltage or reactive power output (within applicable facility 

ratings)29 as directed by the transmission operator. Thus, the NERC Reliability Standard 

does not require generator operators to operate in automatic voltage control mode when 

they are operating outside of their facility rating, e.g., generators that are starting-up or 

generators used to serve peak load that typically run at low megawatt levels. 

43. On June 8, 2007, the Commission approved WECC VAR-STD-002a-1, which 

applies to generator operators of synchronous generating units equipped with automatic 

voltage regulators in the Western Interconnection. The stated purpose of the regional 

Reliability Standard is to ensure that automatic voltage control equipment on 

synchronous generators shall be kept in service at all times, except in specified 

circumstances, and that outages of such equipment must be coordinated. It requires that 

generator operators must normally operate automatic voltage control equipment in 

voltage control mode and set to respond effectively to voltage deviations. Nevertheless, 

the levels of non-compliance associated with the approved regional Reliability Standard 

permit generator operators to operate without automatic voltage control equipment for 

two percent of the operating hours in a calendar year without penalty. The Commission 

approved the current regional Reliability Standard as more stringent than the NERC 

Reliability Standard because the WECC regional Reliability Standard requires 

29 NERC defines “facility rating” as the maximum or minimum voltage, current, 

frequency, or real or reactive power flow through a facility that does not violate the 

applicable equipment rating of any equipment comprising the facility. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 26 - 

synchronous generators to have their automatic voltage regulators in service at all times 

with exceptions limited to specific circumstances. In contrast, the NERC Reliability 

Standard does not specify a list of exceptions, which could mean that transmission 

operators may, upon request of the generator operators, permit outages of automatic 

voltage regulators for a broader range of reasons.30 

WECC and NERC Proposal

44. NERC requests approval of VAR-002-WECC-1 (Automatic Voltage Regulators) 

and requests the concurrent retirement of WECC VAR-STD-002a-1. Proposed 

VAR-002-WECC-1 would be applicable to all generator operators and transmission 

operators that operate synchronous condensers. It would only apply to synchronous 

generators and synchronous condensers that are connected to the bulk electric system. 

45. Proposed VAR-002-WECC-1 contains two requirements. Requirement R1 

provides that each generator operator and transmission operator shall have automatic 

voltage regulators in service and in automatic voltage control mode for synchronous 

generators and synchronous condensers during 98 percent of all operating hours unless 

exempted by the transmission operator. Sub-requirements R1.1 through R1.10 detail the 

type of exemptions that the transmission operator may grant to the generator operator to 

excuse the generator from operating the automatic voltage regulator in automatic voltage 

control mode. Requirement R2 states that each generator operator and transmission 

 30 North American Electric Reliability Corp., 119 FERC ¶ 61,260 at P 116. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 27 - 

 

operator must have documentation identifying the number of hours excluded for each 

sub-requirement R1.1 through R1.10. 

46. WECC also proposes to replace the sanctions table with violation risk factors, 

violation severity levels, measures and time horizons. Finally, WECC proposes a new 

glossary term, Commercial Operation, to be applicable only in the Western 

Interconnection. 

47. During the standards development process, NERC expressed concern that 

proposed Requirement R1 was less stringent than the current NERC Reliability 

Standard.31 WECC responded that, although Requirement R1 appears to decrease the 

number of operating hours that a generator operator and transmission operator must keep 

automatic voltage regulators in service and in automatic voltage control mode from 100 

percent to 98 percent, the 98 percent requirement is a translation of the limits set in the 

levels of non-compliance associated with the current regional Reliability Standard. 32 In 

addition, WECC explained that the two percent allowance provides more time to start up 

generating facilities when the automatic voltage regulators are not yet in voltage control 

mode and allows for evaluation when a generator operator responds to an unforeseen 

31 NERC Petition at 34. 

32 The levels of non-compliance assigned to the currently-effective regional 

Reliability Standard specify that there shall be a level 1 non-compliance if automatic 

voltage regulators are in service less than 98 percent but at least 96 percent or more of all 

hours during which the synchronous generating unit is on line for each calendar quarter. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 28 - 

 

event.33 WECC also pointed out that NERC VAR-002-1a does not place any restrictions 

on the length of time or range of acceptable reasons for operating in modes other than 

automatic voltage control mode. By contrast, WECC pointed out that the proposed 

VAR-002-WECC-1 limits the range of acceptable reasons and time for operating a 

generator without the automatic voltage regulator in service and controlling voltage.34 

48. NERC also notes that, during the Reliability Standards development process, it 

expressed concern regarding sub-requirement R1.1, which includes an exemption for 

units operating less than five percent of all hours during a calendar quarter. NERC 

explains that it raised a concern that the proposed sub-requirement “excludes the hours 

attributed to the synchronous generator or condenser that operates for less than five 

percent of all hours during any calendar quarter.”35 WECC responded by explaining that 

there is no change in the basic five percent threshold between the existing regional 

Reliability Standard and the proposed regional Reliability Standard. WECC further 

explained that peaking units often operate, for short periods, at low megawatt levels 

33 Specifically, WECC explains “[t]he two percent allowance provides for time to 

start up generating facilities when the [automatic voltage regulators] are not yet in 

voltage control mode. It also allows for evaluation when the Generator Operators 

respond to unforeseen events.” WECC further explains “[p]eaking units often operate, 

for short periods, at low megawatt levels (below where manufactures recommend placing 

the [automatic voltage regulators] in-service). The exclusion below the five percent 

threshold during a calendar quarter permits the continued practice of allowing the 

operation of peaking units without penalty for having an out-of-service [automatic 

voltage control regulators] per the manufacturer recommendations.” NERC Petition at 

34-35 

34 Id. 

35 Id. at 34-35. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 29 - 

(below where manufacturers recommend placing the automatic voltage regulators inservice). WECC states that the exclusion below the five percent threshold during a 

calendar quarter permits the continued practice of allowing the operation of peaking units 

without penalty for having an out-of-service automatic voltage regulator per the 

manufacturer’s recommendations.36 

49. NERC states that, whereas NERC VAR-002-1a requires only that a generator 

operator notify its transmission operator when it either removes or operates the automatic 

voltage regulator in a condition other than automatic voltage control mode and does not 

limit the amount of time for such operations, the proposed WECC regional Reliability 

Standard sets only very limited circumstances for when a generator’s automatic voltage 

regulator should be operated in a mode other than the automatic voltage control mode and 

further limits the cumulative timeframe for doing so. Thus, NERC represents that the 

proposed regional Reliability Standard is more stringent than the NERC Reliability 

Standard.37

NOPR Proposal

50. The Commission proposes to approve VAR-002-WECC-1 as just, reasonable, not 

unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest. Further, the Commission 

proposes the concurrent retirement of currently-effective WECC VAR-STD-002a-1. As 

 36 Id. at 35. 

37 Id. at 29. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 30 - 

represented by NERC, it appears that proposed VAR-002-WECC-1 is more stringent than 

the corresponding NERC Reliability Standard. 

51. Moreover, in approving the currently-effective WECC VAR-STD-002a-1, the 

Commission directed WECC to make certain modifications in developing a replacement 

Reliability Standard. To address these directives, WECC has added violation risk factors, 

violation severity levels, measures and time horizons, and has removed the sanctions 

table. WECC also has re-written Requirement WR1 so that it does not include more than 

one main topic, removed language suggested to move to the Additional Compliance 

Information section, and removed the reference to Form A.5 to address recommendations 

made by NERC to modify WECC VAR-STD-002a-1.38 Thus, it appears that proposed 

VAR-002-WECC-1 maintains stringencies above the corresponding NERC Reliability 

Standard while providing additional clarity and conformity. Thus, the Commission 

proposes to approve the regional Reliability Standard. 

52. In addition, the Commission seeks comments on several issues posed by the 

WECC proposal, as discussed below. 

Automatic Voltage Regulators

53. Requirement R1 of proposed VAR-002-WECC-1 provides that “Generator 

Operators and Transmission Operators shall have [automatic voltage regulators] in 

service and in automatic voltage control mode 98% of all operating hours for 

 38 See id. at 31. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 31 - 

 

synchronous generators or synchronous condensers.”39 Requirement R1 then identifies 

ten circumstances in which a generator operator or transmission operator is excused from 

this requirement. By specifying the circumstances in which a generator operator or 

transmission operator is excused from operating in automatic voltage regulator mode, the 

proposed requirement appears to be more stringent than the requirement in NERC 

VAR-002-1.1b. 

54. The Commission believes that, where installed, automatic voltage regulators 

should be in-service at all times except in circumstances when the generator is operating 

at an output level that is not within the design parameters of the automatic voltage 

regulator or operations of the automatic voltage regulator would result in instability. 

Automatic voltage regulators are intended to assist in maintaining the reliability of the 

Bulk-Power System by controlling system voltages. In addition, System Operating 

Limits for transmission paths in the bulk electric system in the Western Interconnection 

assume that automatic voltage regulators are in service to control voltage to support the 

transfer capability.40 When automatic voltage regulators are out of service, the time 

required to appropriately respond to disturbances that cause voltage deviations would 

increase due to the time required to take manual action. If not corrected in sufficient 

time, these voltage deviations could lead to instability, uncontrolled separation and 

cascading outages. 

39 Proposed regional Reliability Standard VAR-002-WECC-1, Requirement R1. 

40 See NERC Petition at 29. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 32 - 

 

55. Although the proposed regional Reliability Standard would limit the 

circumstances in which a transmission operator or generator operator is excused from 

keeping automatic voltage regulators in automatic voltage control mode, it also provides 

a blanket exemption for two percent of all operating hours. In its petition, NERC 

explains that this exemption would accommodate generating facilities when they are 

starting up and when the automatic voltage regulators are not yet in voltage control mode. 

NERC also explains that this exemption allows for evaluation when the generator 

operators respond to unforeseen events.41 These limitations identified by NERC in its 

petition are not explicit in the requirements of the proposed regional Reliability Standard. 

56. We are concerned that the proposed provision is written more broadly than 

necessary. We believe it is appropriate to exempt automatic voltage regulators from 

being in-service during times when the generator is operating outside of applicable 

facility ratings. However, as proposed, Requirement R1 would provide generators with a 

blanket exemption – equal to two percent of all operating hours – from the requirement to 

maintain automatic voltage regulators in-service. We seek comment on whether the 

Commission should direct WECC to develop a modification to the proposed regional 

Reliability Standard to address our concern. For example, consistent with NERC’s 

explanation, NERC could develop a modification replacing the blanket two percent 

exemption with a list of specific exemptions that would accommodate generating units 

41 NERC Petition at 34-35. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 33 - 

 

that are starting up or responding to unforeseen events and are operating outside of 

applicable facility ratings. 

57. The purpose of NERC VAR-002-1.1b is to ensure appropriate reactive and voltage 

control are provided to maintain voltage levels, reactive flows, and reactive resources are 

within applicable facility ratings for Reliable Operation. Requirement R1 of VAR-002-

1.1b states that the “Generator Operator shall operate each generator connected to the 

interconnected transmission system in the automatic voltage control mode (automatic 

voltage regulator in service and controlling voltage) unless the Generator Operator has 

notified the Transmission Operator.” Requirement R2 continues that “[u]nless exempted 

by the Transmission Operator, each Generator Operator shall maintain the generator 

voltage or Reactive Power output (within applicable Facility Ratings) as directed by the 

Transmission Operator.” Based on the same rationale articulated regarding the two 

percent exemption in the regional Reliability Standard, we have a concern regarding the 

corresponding NERC Reliability Standard. In particular, we seek comment on whether it 

would provide additional support for Bulk-Power System reliability to propose to direct 

the ERO to develop a modification to NERC VAR-002-1.1b. Specifically to clarify that, 

if a generator has an automatic voltage regulator installed, it must be in-service and 

controlling voltage at all times, equipment and facility ratings permitting, unless 

exempted by the transmission operator. We believe that such a modification could be 

consistent with Commission precedent.42 The Commission’s concerns regarding the 

42 Order on Reliability Standard Interpretation, 132 FERC ¶ 61,220, at P 27 

(2010) (VAR Interpretation Order). 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 34 - 

NERC Reliability Standard are introduced here as they correspond with certain elements 

of the WECC standards that are the subject of the immediate proceeding. However, any 

proposal to direct the development of modifications to the NERC Reliability Standards 

would be addressed in a separate proceeding. 

Exclusion of Synchronous Generators that Operate for Less than Five 

Percent of All Hours During a Calendar Quarter 

58. Requirement R1.1 of proposed VAR-002-WECC-1 would allow exclusion of any 

synchronous generator or synchronous condenser that “operates for less than five percent 

of all hours during any calendar quarter” from operating with automatic voltage regulator 

in service and in automatic voltage control mode. During the Reliability Standard 

development process of the proposed regional Reliability Standard, NERC expressed 

concern regarding the exclusion of these hours.43 WECC responded by explaining that 

the “exclusion below the five percent threshold during a calendar quarter permits the 

continued practice of allowing the operation of peaking units without penalty for having 

an out-of-service [automatic voltage regulator] per the manufacturer recommendations” 

since “[p]eaking units often operate, for short periods, at low megawatt levels (below 

where manufacture[r]s recommend placing the [automatic voltage regulators] inservice).” 44 Thus, it appears that WECC developed the five percent threshold provision 

to account for out-of-service automatic voltage regulators per the manufacturer 

recommendations regarding automatic voltage regulator design limitations. 

 43 NERC Petition at 34-35. 

44 Id. at 35. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 35 - 

59. We are concerned, however, that the provision is written more broadly than 

necessary. It appears inefficient to allow an exemption for any synchronous generator or 

synchronous condenser that “operates for less than five percent of all hours during any 

calendar quarter” in order to address concerns about operation limits based on 

manufacture recommendations, and could potentially exempt other generator operators 

and transmission operators. The Commission seeks comment on whether it is necessary 

or desirable to direct WECC to develop a modification through its Reliability Standards 

development process that addresses this concern. For example, one reasonable solution 

would be to develop a replacement requirement that directly addresses the need for an 

exemption for peaking units operating automatic voltage regulators when necessary to 

satisfy manufacturer recommendations regarding the operation of an automatic voltage 

regulator. 

Automatic Voltage Regulator Replacement

60. Proposed sub-requirement R1.6 lengthens the automatic voltage regulator 

replacement timeline due to component failure from 15 months to 24 months “to 

accommodate design and procurement especially for nuclear units.”45 The ERO 

supported the extension of the outage time frame for the automatic voltage regulators. 

The Commission, giving due weight to WECC and the ERO, proposes to accept the 

Reliability Standard with the modification to this provision. 

 45 NERC Petition at Exhibit C, “Consideration of Comments for VAR-002-

WECC-1 – Automatic Voltage Regulator Comments were due January 2, 2008.” 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 36 - 

61. We are concerned that allowing an additional nine months of non-operation of 

automatic voltage regulator is not necessary for many, if not most, units. The additional 

replacement time could lead to a decrease in generation that can react in automatic 

voltage regulator mode. In the event of a contingency, this could have an impact on bulk 

electric system reliability. We believe that it may be appropriate to direct WECC to 

develop a modification to this provision to address our concern. For example, WECC 

could allow fifteen months for replacement with an opportunity to seek an extension up 

to nine months where justified. Alternatively, WECC could retain a fifteen month 

replacement period for non-nuclear generator units, and a twenty-four month replacement 

period for nuclear generator units. The Commission seeks comment from WECC, NERC 

and other interested commenters regarding the historical replacement period for nuclear 

and non-nuclear units, and the appropriateness of the Commission proposal. For 

example, comments could include documentation and timeline summary of previous 

“design and procurement” for automatic voltage regulator component failures 

demonstrating that automatic voltage regulator outages frequently last more than 15 

months in order to support extending the replacement period. 

Responding to Voltage Deviations

62. The current regional Reliability Standard provides that “[a]ll synchronous 

generators with automatic voltage control equipment shall normally be operated in 

voltage control mode and set to respond effectively to voltage deviations.” The proposed 

regional Reliability Standard removes this requirement but the NERC Petition does not 

provide any explanation why, or potential impact of, removing the provision. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 37 - 

63. We seek further explanation from WECC, NERC, and public comment, on the 

impact of removing this provision from the currently-effective WECC regional 

Reliability Standard. We are concerned that, by removing the requirement for automatic 

voltage regulators to respond effectively to voltage deviations, the proposed regional 

Reliability Standard would not require entities to assess the performance of the automatic 

voltage regulators to ensure they are appropriately responding to voltage deviations to 

support reliability of the Bulk-Power System. 

Summary

64. The Commission proposes to approve VAR-002-WECC-1 as just, reasonable, not 

unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest. Further, the Commission 

proposes the concurrent retirement of currently-effective WECC VAR-STD-002a-1. In 

addition, the Commission requests comment on issues discussed above regarding whether 

the Commission should direct WECC to develop modifications to the proposed regional 

Reliability Standard that would: (1) replace the blanket two percent exemption with a list 

of specific exemptions; and (2) more narrowly tailor the exemption for any synchronous 

generator or synchronous conductor that operates less than five percent of all operating 

hours during any calendar quarter. The Commission also seeks comment on the 

historical replacement period for nuclear and non-nuclear units and whether the 

Commission should direct WECC to modify the regional Reliability Standard to limit the 

acceptable duration of automatic voltage regulator outages. Finally, the Commission 

seeks comment on the impact of removing the requirement that all generators with 

automatic voltage control equipment be operated in automatic voltage control mode and 

set to respond to voltage deviations. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 38 - 

D. VAR-501-WECC-1 – Power System Stabilizer

Background

65. Currently-effective WECC VAR-STD-002b-1 applies to generator operators with 

generators equipped with power system stabilizers. The current regional Reliability 

Standard requires that generator operators keep power system stabilizers in service at all 

times, except in specified circumstances. Further, currently-effective WECC VAR-STD002b-1 requires that power system stabilizers are properly tuned in accordance with 

WECC Criterion, referenced in the standard. This regional Reliability Standard does not 

have a corresponding NERC Reliability Standard. The Commission approved the current 

regional Reliability Standard because it addresses matters that are not addressed by a 

NERC Reliability Standard.46

WECC and NERC Proposal

66. NERC requests approval of VAR-501-WECC-1 and asks for the concurrent 

retirement of the current WECC VAR-STD-002b-1. Proposed VAR-501-WECC-1 

would apply to generator operators. Its purpose is to ensure that power system stabilizer 

on synchronous generators are kept in service. 

67. Proposed VAR-501-WECC-1 contains two requirements. Requirement R1 

provides that each generator operator with a synchronous generator equipped with a 

power system stabilizer must have the power system stabilizer in service during 98 

percent of all operating hours. NERC explains that a power system stabilizer is part of 

 46 See North American Electric Reliability Corp., 119 FERC ¶ 61,260 at P 122. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 39 - 

 

the excitation control system of a generator used to increase power transfer levels by 

improving power system dynamic performance. Sub-requirements R1.1 through R1.12 

set forth exceptions to the operating requirement in Requirement R1. Requirement R2 

states that each generator operator must have documentation identifying the number of 

hours excluded for each sub-requirement R1.1 through R1.12. 

68. In the Petition, NERC and WECC explain that the purpose of VAR-501-WECC-1 

is to ensure that power system stabilizers on synchronous generators are kept in service. 

NERC and WECC state that the corresponding NERC VAR-002-1.1b requires only that a 

generator operator notify its transmission operator when it removes the power system 

stabilizer from service and does not limit the amount of time for operating generators 

without power system stabilizers in service.47 NERC and WECC explain that, in 

contrast, that proposed VAR-501-WECC-1 requires power system stabilizers to be in 

service except for specific conditions and for a cumulative time limit per quarter. Thus, 

according to NERC and WECC, the proposed regional Reliability Standard is more 

stringent than the corresponding NERC Reliability Standard. 

69. In addition, the Petition explains that the proposed regional Reliability Standard 

includes modifications to address the Commission’s directives in the June 2007 order that 

accepted WECC’s currently-effective standards.48 In particular, WECC proposes to 

replace the current sanctions table with violation risk factors, violation severity levels, 

47 NERC Petition at 36. 

48 North American Electric Reliability Corp., 119 FERC ¶ 61,260 at P 123. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 40 - 

 

measures and time horizons. Proposed VAR-501-WECC-1 removes the definition of 

“disturbance” and makes certain directed formatting revisions. WECC also proposes a 

new glossary term, Commercial Operation, to be applicable only in the Western 

Interconnection.49 

70. In the Petition, NERC notes that, during the Reliability Standards development 

process, NERC expressed concern that the proposed regional Reliability Standard 

appears less stringent than the current regional Reliability Standard because it would 

reduce the number of hours that generator operator must keep power system stabilizers in 

service from 100 percent to 98 percent of all operating hours.50 WECC responded to 

NERC’s concerns by explaining that the requirement had not been modified but rather 

was a translation of the existing levels of non-compliance into the requirements of the 

proposed regional Reliability Standard.51 WECC further explained that the levels of noncompliance for the current regional Reliability Standard allow generator operators to 

operate without power system stabilizers in service for two percent of all operating hours 

without penalty.52 

(continued...) 

49 Pursuant to WECC’s proposal, “Commercial Operation” is defined as “... 

receiving all approvals necessary for operation after completion of initial start-up 

testing.” Requirement R1.1 of VAR-501-WECC-1 excludes a unit from compliance 

when “the synchronous generator has not achieved Commercial Operation.” 

50 NERC Petition at 40. 

51 Id. 

52 The levels of non-compliance assigned to the currently-effective regional 

Reliability Standard specify that there shall be a level 1 non-compliance if power system 

stabilizers are in service less than 98 percent but at least 96 percent or more of all hours 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 41 - 

71. NERC also notes that, during the regional Reliability Standards development 

process, NERC expressed concern that sub-requirement R1.1 of the proposed regional 

Reliability Standard excludes the hours for power system stabilizer operation attributed to 

the synchronous generator that operates for less than five percent of all hours during any 

calendar quarter. WECC responded that there is no change in the basic five percent 

threshold between the current and the proposed regional Reliability Standards. WECC 

further explained that peaking units often operate, for short periods, at low megawatt 

levels where manufacturers do not recommend using a power system stabilizer. WECC 

stated that the exclusion below the five percent threshold during a calendar quarter 

permits the continued practice of allowing the operation of peaking units without penalty 

for having an out-of-service power system stabilizer per the manufacturer 

recommendations. 

NOPR Proposal

72. The Commission proposes to approve VAR-501-WECC-1 as just, reasonable, not 

unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest. The Commission also 

proposes to approve NERC’s proposed retirement of currently-effective WECC VARSTD-002b-1. 

73. As explained by NERC and WECC, proposed VAR-501-WECC-1 is more 

stringent than the corresponding NERC VAR-002-1.1b. Unlike the NERC Reliability 

Standard, proposed VAR-501-WECC-1 requires power system stabilizers to be in service 

 

during which the synchronous generating unit is on line for each calendar quarter. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 42 - 

 

except for specific conditions and for a cumulative time limit per quarter. Further, the 

proposed regional Reliability Standard reflects modifications to address the 

Commission’s concerns in the June 2007 order.53 As discussed above, WECC has added 

violation risk factors, violation severity levels, measures and time horizons and has 

removed the reliability management system sanctions table. WECC also made 

formatting changes, removed the definition for “Disturbance,” and included a definition 

of “Commercial Operation.” Accordingly, the Commission proposes to approve 

proposed VAR-501-WECC-1 because it appears to be more stringent than the 

requirements of the applicable NERC Reliability Standards while providing additional 

clarity and conformity over the current regional Reliability Standard. 

74. In addition to the modifications that address the Commission’s earlier directives, 

WECC’s proposal includes further modifications about which the Commission seeks 

comment. 

75. The language of proposed VAR-501-WECC-1 is similar to the proposed 

VAR-002-WECC-1, addressed above. As a result, the Commission discusses below 

several similar issues as discussed above regarding VAR-002-WECC-1. In particular, 

the same items discussed above regarding the requirement that generator operators meet 

the requirements of the proposed regional Reliability Standard only 98 percent of the 

time, and the exclusion of hours for generators that operate less than five percent of all 

53 See North American Electric Reliability Corp., 119 FERC ¶ 61,260 at P 123. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 43 - 

hours during a calendar quarter, apply to this proposed regional Reliability Standard as 

well. 

In-Service Requirement

76. As proposed, Requirement R1 of VAR-501-WECC-1 provides that “Generator 

Operators shall have [power system stabilizers] in service 98 [percent] of all operating 

hours for synchronous generators equipped with [power system stabilizers].”54 

Requirement R1 also sets forth twelve circumstances in which a generator operator is 

excused from this requirement. By specifying the circumstances in which a generator 

operator is excused from keeping its power system stabilizer in service, the proposed 

requirement appears to be more stringent than the currently-effective requirement in 

NERC VAR-002-1.1b, which requires only that a generator operator notify its 

transmission operator when there is a change in status of its power system stabilizer. 

77. The Commission believes that, where installed, power system stabilizers should be 

in-service at all times, equipment and facility ratings permitting, unless exempted by the 

transmission operator. Power system stabilizers are designed to ensure that the generator 

provides the proper damping to maintain system stability when generation and 

transmission outages occur.55 As NERC explains, in the Western Interconnection System 

Operating Limits for transmission paths in the bulk electric system assume that power 

system stabilizers are in service to enhance system damping. When power system 

 54 Proposed regional Reliability Standard VAR-501-WECC-1, Requirement R1. 

55 Id. at 35. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 44 - 

stabilizers are out of service, generators may not be able to dampen oscillations occurring 

on the system, which could lead to instability, uncontrolled separation and cascading 

outages. 

78. Although the proposed regional Reliability Standard would limit the 

circumstances in which a generator operator is excused from keeping power system 

stabilizers in-service, it also provides a blanket exemption for two percent of all operating 

hours. Similar to our discussion above on VAR-002-WECC-1, we believe that an 

exemption might be appropriate to accommodate generating facilities when they are 

starting up or operating outside of their facility ratings. However, proposed regional 

Reliability Standard provides no limitation as to when generating units may use the two 

percent exemption. 

79. We are concerned that the proposed provision is written more broadly than 

necessary. We believe it is appropriate to exempt power system stabilizers from being 

in-service during times when the generator is operating outside of applicable facility 

ratings. However, as proposed, Requirement R1 would provide a blanket exemption for 

generators to maintain power system stabilizers in-service for two percent of all operating 

hours without qualification. We seek comment on whether the Commission should direct 

WECC to develop a modification to the proposed regional Reliability Standard that 

would address our concern. For example, WECC could develop a modification to 

replace the blanket two percent exemption with a more specific exemption that would 

accommodate generating units that are starting up or are operating outside of applicable 

facility ratings. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 45 - 

80. Requirement R3 and R3.1 of VAR-002-1.1b require a generator operator to inform 

the transmission operator as soon as possible, but within 30 minutes, whenever there is a 

change in status or capability, and the expected duration of this change, of any reactive 

power resource including power system stabilizers. Based on similar concerns articulated 

above regarding the regional Reliability Standard, we have concerns about the NERC 

Reliability Standard and whether it adequately addresses power system stabilizer inservice obligations. In particular, we seek comment on whether it would be appropriate 

to propose to direct the ERO to develop a modification to NERC VAR-002-1.1b to 

clarify that, if a generator has a power system stabilizer installed, it must be in-service at 

all times, equipment and facility ratings permitting, unless exempted by the transmission 

operator. The Commission’s concerns regarding the NERC Reliability Standard are 

introduced here as they correspond with certain elements of the WECC standards that are 

the subject of the immediate proceeding. However, any proposal to direct the 

development of modifications to the NERC Reliability Standards would be addressed in a 

separate proceeding. 

Exclusion of Synchronous Generators that Operate for Less 

Than Five Percent of All Hours During a Calendar Quarter

81. Requirement R1.1 of proposed VAR-501-WECC-1 would allow exclusion of any 

synchronous generator that operates for less than five percent of all hours during any 

calendar quarter from operating with power system stabilizer in service. During the 

Reliability Standard development process of the proposed regional Reliability Standard, 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 46 - 

 

NERC expressed concern regarding the exclusion of these hours.56 WECC responded by 

explaining that the “exclusion below the five percent threshold during a calendar quarter 

permits the continued practice of allowing the operation of peaking units without penalty 

for having an out-of-service power system stabilizer per the manufacturer 

recommendations” since “[p]eaking units often operate, for short periods, at low 

megawatt levels (below where manufacture[r]s recommend placing the [power system 

stabilizer] in-service).”57 Thus, it appears that WECC developed the five percent 

threshold provision to account for out-of-service power system stabilizer per the 

manufacturer recommendations. 

82. We seek comment on whether the proposed provision is written more broadly than 

necessary. Comments should address why it is appropriate to allow an exemption for any 

synchronous generator that “operates for less than five percent of all hours during any 

calendar quarter” to address concerns about limitations based on manufacturer 

recommendations, and could potentially exempt other generator operators. Based on the 

comments received, the Commission may propose to direct WECC to develop a 

modification through its Reliability Standards development process that addresses this 

concern. It appears that one reasonable solution would be to develop a replacement 

requirement that directly addresses the need for an exemption for peaking units that may 

not operate with power system stabilizers to satisfy manufacturer recommendations. 

56 Id. at 40. 

57 Id. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 47 - 

Power System Stabilizer Replacement

83. Proposed sub-requirement R1.10 lengthens the power system stabilizer 

replacement timeline due to component failure from 15 months to 24 months “to 

accommodate design and procurement especially for nuclear units.”58 The Commission 

notes that no other evidence was provided in the record to support the extension of the 

outage time frame for the power system stabilizers from 15 months to 24 months. The 

Commission proposes to accept the Reliability Standard with this modification. 

84. However, since the rationale provided for the increased replacement period is 

based on the needs of nuclear power generators, we are concerned whether the additional 

nine months is necessary for many, if not most, units. The additional replacement time 

could lead to a decrease in generation units operating with the power system stabilizers. 

In the event of a contingency, this could have an impact on bulk electric system 

reliability. Accordingly, the Commission seeks comment from WECC, NERC and other 

interested commenters regarding the historical replacement period for nuclear and nonnuclear units, and the appropriateness of the Commission proposal. For example, 

comments could include documentation and timeline summary of previous “design and 

procurement” for power system stabilizer component failures demonstrating that power 

system stabilizer outages frequently last more than 15 months in order to support 

extending the replacement period. 

 58 NERC Petition at Exhibit C, “Consideration of Comments for VAR-501-

WECC-1 – Power System Stabilizer Comments were due January 2, 2008.” 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 48 - 

Power System Stabilizer Tuning

85. The current regional Reliability Standard requires all generators with power 

system stabilizers to be properly tuned in accordance with the WECC requirements. 59 

The proposed regional Reliability Standard removes the tuning requirement without 

explanation or analysis of the potential impact of removing the provision. The 

Commission believes that, if the power system stabilizer is in service, it must be properly 

tuned to enhance system damping and maintain system stability. The Commission, 

therefore, seeks further explanation from WECC and NERC, and public comment on, the 

impact of removing the tuning requirement. 

86. This highlights another concern. Currently, no NERC Reliability Standard 

addresses power system stabilizer tuning. As explained above, a properly tuned power 

system stabilizer is necessary to enhance system damping. If a power system stabilizer is 

installed, periodic review of the power system stabilizer tuning is a significant component 

of maintaining system stability to ensure that system changes have not impacted the 

performance of the power system stabilizer in supporting system stability. Accordingly, 

the Commission seeks comment on whether it should propose to direct the ERO to 

develop a continent-wide Reliability Standard to address this concern. In particular, we 

seek comment on directing the ERO to develop a Reliability Standard with the purpose of 

ensuring that, if a power system stabilizer is installed, the power system stabilizer must 

 59 Id. Requirement WR1 of the currently-effective regional Reliability Standard 

provides: “Power System Stabilizers on generators shall be kept in service at all times, 

unless one of the exemptions listed in Section C (Measures) applies, and shall be properly 

tuned in accordance with WECC requirements.” 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 49 - 

be properly tuned for operation. Such a Reliability Standard would not require 

installation of a power system stabilizer, but would ensure that power system stabilizer 

that are in service would need to be tuned prior to service and the settings must be 

reviewed periodically to ensure the power system stabilizer operates properly to support 

the reliability of the Bulk-Power System. The Commission’s concerns regarding the 

NERC Reliability Standard are introduced here as they correspond with certain elements 

of the WECC standards that are the subject of the immediate proceeding. However, any 

proposal to direct the development of modifications to the NERC Reliability Standards 

would be addressed in a separate proceeding. 

Summary

87. The Commission proposes to approve VAR-501-WECC-1 as just, reasonable, not 

unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest. Further, the Commission 

proposes the concurrent retirement of currently-effective WECC VAR-STD-002b-1. In 

addition, the Commission requests comment on issues discussed above regarding whether 

the Commission should direct WECC to develop modifications to the proposed regional 

Reliability Standard that would: (1) replace the blanket two percent exemption with a list 

of specific exemptions; and (2) more narrowly tailor the exemption for any synchronous 

generator or synchronous conductor that operates less than five percent of all operating 

hours during any calendar quarter. The Commission also seeks comment on the 

historical replacement period for nuclear and non-nuclear units and whether the 

Commission should direct WECC to modify the regional Reliability Standard to limit the 

acceptable duration of power system stabilizer outages. Finally, the Commission seeks 

comment on whether it should propose to direct the ERO to develop a continent-wide 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 50 - 

Reliability Standard that ensures that, if a power system stabilizer is installed, the power 

system stabilizer must be properly tuned for operation. 

IV. Information Collection Statement

88. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations require that OMB 

approve certain reporting and recordkeeping (collections of information) imposed by an 

agency. The information contained here is also subject to review under section 3507(d) 

of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. As stated above, the Commission previously 

approved the current regional Reliability Standards that are proposed for replacement in 

this rulemaking. In the event that the Commission, after receiving comments, determines 

to adopt the four proposed Reliability Standards, they would not substantially change the 

entities’ current reporting burdens under the five currently effective, approved Reliability 

Standards. 

89. The four proposed WECC regional Reliability Standards (and the five currently 

approved regional Reliability Standards they are intended to replace) are designated as: 

FAC-501-WECC-1 (Transmission Maintenance; to replace approved PRC-STD-005-1); 

PRC-004-WECC-1 (Protection System and Remedial Action Scheme Misoperation; to 

replace approved WECC PRC-STD-001-1 and PRC-STD-003-1); VAR-002-WECC-1 

(Automatic Voltage Regulators; to replace approved WECC VAR-STD-002a-1); and 

VAR-501-WECC-1 (Power System Stabilizer; to replace approved WECC VAR-STD002b-1). The proposed standards do not modify or otherwise affect the burdens related 

to the collection of information already in place. Thus, the proposed replacement 

Reliability Standards will neither increase the reporting burden nor impose any additional 

information collection requirements. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 51 - 

Burden Estimate: The Commission does not foresee any additional impact on the 

reporting burden for small businesses, because the proposed modifications do not 

increase the existing burdens. However, we will submit this proposed rule to OMB for 

review. 

Title: Version One Regional Reliability Standard for Facilities Design, Connections, and 

Maintenance; Protection and Control; and Voltage and Reactive 

Action: Proposed Collection FERC-725E 

OMB Control No.: 1902-0246 

Respondents: Businesses or other for-profit institutions; not-for-profit institutions 

Frequency of Responses: On Occasion 

Necessity of the Information: This proposed rule proposes to approve four requested 

replacements (to five existing approved regional Reliability Standards). The proposed 

regional Reliability Standards help ensure the reliable operation of the Western 

Interconnection. 

Internal Review: The Commission proposes to approve FAC-501-WECC-1, PRC-004-

WECC-1, VAR-002-WECC-1, and VAR-501-WECC-1 as just, reasonable, not unduly 

discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest. In addition, under section 

215(d)(5) of the FPA and section 39.5(f) of our regulations, the Commission proposes to 

direct the ERO to develop certain modifications to further clarify the requirements of the 

proposed WECC regional Reliability Standards. 

90. Interested persons may obtain information on the reporting requirements by 

contacting the following: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 52 - 

Washington, DC 20426 [Attention: Ellen Brown, Office of the Executive Director, 

e-mail: DataClearance@ferc.gov, Phone: (202) 502-8663, fax: (202) 273-0873,]. 

91. For submitting comments concerning the collection(s) of information and the 

associated burden estimate(s), please send your comments to the Commission and to the 

Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 

Washington, DC 20503 [Attention: Desk Officer for the Federal Energy Regulatory 

Commission, phone (202) 395-4638, fax: (202) 395-7285]. For security reasons, 

comments to OMB should be submitted by e-mail to: oira_submission@omb.eop.gov. 

Comments submitted to OMB should include Docket Number RM09-14 and OMB 

Control Number 1902-0246. 

V. Environmental Analysis

92. 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.60 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.61 The actions proposed herein fall within this categorical exclusion in the 

Commission’s regulations. 

 60 Regulations Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 

Order No. 486, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 30,783 (1987). 

61 18 CFR 380.4(a)(2)(ii). 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 53 - 

VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

93. The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA)62 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.63 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.64 The RFA is 

not implicated by this proposed rule because the modification discussed herein will not 

have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Moreover, 

the proposed Reliability Standards reflect a continuation of existing requirements for 

these reliability entities. Accordingly, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required. 

VII. Comment Procedures

94. 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 [insert date that is 60 

 62 5 U.S.C. 601-612. 

63 13 CFR 121.101. 

64 13 CFR 121.201, Sector 22, Utilities & n. 1. 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 54 - 

days from publication in the FEDERAL REGISTER]. Comments must refer to Docket 

No. RM09-9-000, and must include the commenter's name, the organization they 

represent, if applicable, and their address in their comments. 

95. The Commission encourages comments to be filed electronically via the eFiling 

link on the Commission's web site at http://www.ferc.gov. The Commission accepts 

most standard word processing formats. Documents created electronically using word 

processing software should be filed in native applications or print-to-PDF format and not 

in a scanned format. Commenters filing electronically do not need to make a paper 

filing. 

96. 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 website, 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. 

97. 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. 

VIII. Document Availability

98. 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 
Docket No. RM09-9-000 - 55 - 

(http://www.ferc.gov) and in FERC's Public Reference Room during normal business 

hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time) at 888 First Street, NE, Room 2A, 

Washington, DC 20426. 

99. 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. 

100. User assistance is available for eLibrary and the FERC’s website during normal 

business hours from FERC Online Support at (202) 502-6652 (toll free at 1-866-208-

3676) or email at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or the Public Reference Room at (202) 

502-8371, TTY (202)502-8659. E-mail the Public Reference Room at 

public.referenceroom@ferc.gov. 

By direction of the Commission. 

( S E A L ) 

Kimberly D. Bose, 

Secretary.