Background In its original Versions 1 and 2, VAR-001-4.1 Voltage and Reactive Control allowed the TOP to exempt GOPs from operating the AVR in automatic mode. With the onset of Version 3 and later (May 9, 2012), the additional WECC Variance was added taking away the TOP’s discretion to exempt a GOP from the requirement to operate an AVR in automatic mode. Although the discretion of VAR-001-X was not fully transferred to the VAR, 10 stated exclusions were added there to counterbalance that loss. VAR-002-WECC-2 is Less Stringent VAR-001-04.1 requires that AVRs be in operation 100% of the time, unless otherwise exempted via discretionary powers. requires AVRs be in operation 98% of the time, unless otherwise excluded by claiming under a limited universe of exclusions. This makes VAR-002-WECC-2 less stringent than VAR-001-04.1. Thus, reliability is better served under the more stringent approach of VAR-001-04.1. Standard to be Retired VAR-002-WECC-2 Automatic Voltage Regulators VAR-002-WECC-2 Requirement in Approved Standard Addressed in Other Standards Description and Change Justification 98% of all operating hour R1. Generator Operators and Transmission Operators shall have AVR in service and in automatic voltage control mode 98% of all operating hours for synchronous generators or synchronous VAR-002-4 Generator Operation for Maintaining Network Voltage Schedules 100% of all operating hours R1. The Generator Operator shall operate each generator connected to the interconnected transmission system in the automatic voltage control mode (with its automatic voltage regulator (AVR) in service and controlling voltage) or in a different control mode as instructed by the Transmission Operator unless: 1) the generator is exempted by the Transmission Operator, or 2) the Generator Operator VAR-002-4 is superior. The more stringent approach of better serves reliability. 98% of all operating hours
condensers. Generator Operators and Transmission Operators may exclude hours for R1.1 through R1.10 to achieve the 98% requirement. [Violation Risk Factor: Medium] [Time Horizon: Operations Assessment] HOW WE ARGUE ALLOWING THE TOP OFF THE COMPLIANCE HOOK? WHAT DO WE DO WITH THE SYNCHRONOUS CONDENSORS? ARE THEY COVERED IN THE OTHER STANDARD(S)? has notified the Transmission Operator of one of the following: [Violation Risk Factor: Medium][Time Horizon:Real-time Operations] • That the generator is being operated in start-up, shutdown, or testing mode pursuant to a Real-time communication or a procedure that was previously provided to the Transmission Operator;or •That the generator is not being operated in automatic voltage control mode or in the control mode that was instructed by the Transmission Operator for a reason other than start-up,shutdown,or testing. VAR-002-WECC-2 requires that Generator Operators operate generators in automatic voltage mode (automatic) 98 percent of the time, excluding certain periods that qualify under the listed exemptions. 100% of all operating hours NERC Standard, VAR-002-4, requires that Generator Operators operate generators in AVR mode when connected to the Bulk Electric System, unless instructed otherwise by the Transmission Operator, or if the Generator Operator has notified the Transmission Operator that the AVR is not operating in the automatic mode either because the generator is operating below a level the AVR can operate or for another reason. R1.1. The synchronous generator or synchronous condenser operates for less than five percent of all hours during any calendar quarter. VAR-002-4 “…unless otherwise exempted.” The discretionary exemption allowed under VAR-002-4 subsumes all of VAR R1.1. R1.2. Performing maintenance and testing up to a maximum of seven calendar days per calendar quarter. R1, Bullet one allows for an exemption for start-up, shutdown, and testing; R2, Bullet two allows for an exemption for “a reason other than start-up, shutdown, or testing. Because VAR-002-WECC-2, R1, Bullets 1 and two address the testing included in VAR R1, the VAR R1 is redundant and can be deleted.
R1.8. The Transmission Operator directs the Generator Operator to operate the synchronous generator, and the AVR is unavailable for service. R1.9. The Reliability Coordinator directs Transmission Operator to operate the synchronous condenser, and the AVR is unavailable for service. R1.10. If AVR exhibits instability due to operation of a Load Tap Changer (LTC) transformer in the area, the Transmission Operator may authorize the Generator Operator to operate the excitation system in modes other than automatic voltage control until the system configuration changes.