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Reliability Standard Audit Worksheet for British Columbia

VAR-001-3 — Voltage and Reactive Control

This section must be completed by the Compliance Monitor Administrator.

Reliability Standard Effective Date for BC: August 1, 2014

Registered Entity: [Name & ACRO]WECC ID: WCRXXXXXCompliance Assessment Date: [Audit start date – audit end date]Compliance Monitoring Method: [Audit Type]Applicable Function(s): TOP, PSE, LSE, GOP within WECC InterconnectionNames of Auditors:

Note: This RSAW incorporates the WECC Regional Variance to VAR-001-3


Findings Table:Req. Finding Summary & Documentation Functions

MonitoredR1. TOPR 2. TOPR 3. R3 does not apply in the Western Interconnection N/AR 4. R4 does not apply in the Western Interconnection N/AE

.A.13. TOP

E.A .14 . TOP

E.A .15 . GOP

E.A .16 . GOP

E.A.17 . TOP

E.A.18 . GOP

R5. Requirement retired per BCUC Order R-32-14, effective January 21, 2014 LSE, PSER 6. TOPR 7. TOPR 8. TOPR 9. TOP

R1 0. TOPR1 1. TOPR1 2. TOP

Req. Recommendations

Req. Areas of Concern

Subject Matter ExpertsIdentify Subject Matter Expert(s) responsible for this Reliability Standard. (Insert additional rows if necessary)

Registered Entity Response (Required): SME Name Title Organization Requirement(s)


R1 Supporting Evidence and Documentation

R1. Each Transmission Operator, individually and jointly with other Transmission Operators, shall ensure that formal policies and procedures are developed, maintained, and implemented for monitoring and controlling voltage levels and Mvar flows within their individual areas and with the areas of neighboring Transmission Operators.

Registered Entity Response (Required): Describe, in narrative form, how you meet compliance with this requirement.

Registered Entity Evidence (Required):Provide the following for all evidence submitted (Insert additional rows if necessary):

File Name, File Extension, Document Title, Revision, Date, Page(s), Section(s), Section Title(s), Description

This section must be completed by the Compliance Monitor Administrator. Review the evidence to verify the Registered Entity has: Determine if the entity has developed formal policies and procedures for monitoring and controlling voltage levels and MVAR flows:

Within its individual areasIn conjunction with the areas of neighboring Transmission Operators

Evaluate the evidence to verify if the above formal policies and procedures are:MaintainedImplemented

Compliance Su mmary: (Finding Summary):

Primary Documents Supporting Finding:

Auditor Notes:


R2. Each Transmission Operator shall acquire sufficient reactive resources - which may include, but is not limited to, reactive generation scheduling; transmission line and reactive resource switching; and controllable load within its area to protect the voltage levels under normal and Contingency


conditions. This includes the Transmission Operator’s share of the reactive requirements of interconnecting transmission circuits.




This section must be completed by the Compliance Monitor Administrator.Review the evidence to verify the Registered Entity has:

Review the evidence to verify the methodology used by the entity to determine what level of reactive resources are sufficient to protect voltage levels under normal and Contingency conditions.Verify that the entity followed its methodology and acquired the needed resources.Verify that this included the entity’s share of reactive requirements of interconnecting transmission circuits.

Compliance Summary: (Finding Summary):


Auditor Notes:

R3 Supporting Evidence and DocumentationAs of January 1, 2014, R3 does not apply in the WECC (see the Regional Variance in this standard).

R4 Supporting Evidence and DocumentationAs of January 1, 2014, R4 has been replaced by the Requirements below within the WECC due to Regional Variance.

Requirement E.A.13 Supporting Evidence and Documentation

E.A.13. Each Transmission Operator shall issue any one of the following types of voltage schedules to the Generator Operators for each of their generation resources that are on-line and part of the Bulk Electric System within the Transmission Operator Area:

A voltage set point with a voltage tolerance band and a specified period.


An initial volt-ampere reactive output or initial power factor output with a voltage tolerance band for a specified period that the Generator Operator uses to establish a generator bus voltage set point.

A voltage band for a specified period

Registered Entity Response (Required): Summarize, in narrative form, how you meet compliance with this requirement.



This section must be completed by the Compliance Monitor Administrator.Review the evidence to verify the Registered Entity:

Review a list of all generation resources that are part of the BES and within the TOP’s area.Determine if the TOP assigned one of the following types of voltage schedules to all applicable generation resources:

A voltage set point with a voltage tolerance band and a specified period.An initial volt-ampere reactive output or initial power factor output with a voltage tolerance band for a specified period that the Generator Operator uses to establish a generator bus voltage set point.A voltage band for a specified period.

Ensure the assigned voltage schedule was provided to all generation resources.

Complia nce Su mmary: (Finding Summary):


Auditor Notes:

E.A.14 Supporting Evidence and Documentation

E.A.14. Each Transmission Operator shall provide one of the following voltage schedule reference points for each generation resource in its Area to the Generator Operator:

The generator terminals

The high side of the generator step-up transformer


The point of interconnection

A location designated by mutual agreement between the Transmission Operator and Generator Operator.

Registered Entity Response (Required): Summarize, in narrative form, how you meet compliance with this requirement.




Review a list of all generation resources that are part of the BES and within the TOP’s area.Determine if the TOP assigned one of the following voltage schedule reference points to all applicable generation resources:

The generator terminalsThe high side of the generator step-up transformerThe point of interconnectionA location designated by mutual agreement between the Transmission Operator and Generator Operator

Ensure the assigned voltage schedule reference point was provided to all generation resources.

Complian ce Summary: (Finding Summary):


Auditor Notes:


E.A.15. Each Generator Operator shall convert each voltage schedule specified in Requirement E.A.13 into the voltage set point for the generator excitations system.


Question: Did the GOP need to convert a voltage schedule from the TOP into a voltage set point for the generator excitation system? If no, state so and explain why such conversion was not necessary. If yes, provide description of the conversion process.





Review a list of all generation resources operated by the GOP that are part of the BES and subject to audit.Ensure all generation resources have converted the voltage schedule to a voltage set point for the generator excitation system.

Note to Auditor: if the GOP was able to implement the voltage schedule and associated point of reference provided by the TOP without using a set point conversion methodology, the GOP is not required to have a set point conversion methodology.

Complia nce Summary: (Finding Summary):


Auditor Notes:


E.A.16. Each Generator Operator shall provide its voltage set point conversion methodology from the point in Requirement E.A.14 to the generator terminals within 30 calendars days of request by its Transmission Operator.

Registered Entity Response (Required):


Describe, in narrative form, how you meet compliance with this requirement.

Question: Did the GOP receive a request from the TOP, to provide its voltage set point conversion methodology during the audit period? If no, state so and explain the process used to know if such a request had not been received. If yes, provide descriptions and documents demonstrating compliance.





Determine if the GOP received a request to provide a voltage set point conversion methodology by consulting the Question/Response in this RSAW. If no request was received, review the GOP’s explanation of how it knows such a request had not been received.If yes:Review the date the request was made against the date the response was provided to ensure each response was sent within 30 calendar days of the request.

Note to Auditor: If the GOP was able to implement the voltage schedule and associated point of reference provided by the TOP without using a set point conversion methodology, the GOP is not required to have a set point conversion methodology.



Auditor Notes:



E.A.17. Each Transmission Operator shall provide to the Generator Operator, within 30 calendar days of a request for data by the Generator Operator, its transmission equipment data and operating data that supports development of the voltage set point conversion methodology.


Question: Did the TOP receive a request to provide its transmission equipment data and operating data that supports development of the voltage set point conversion methodology during the audit period? If no, state so and explain the process used to know if such a request had been received. If yes, provide documents showing the date of the request and the date the data was provided.





Determine if the TOP received a request to provide its transmission equipment data and operating data that supports development of the voltage set point conversion methodology by consulting the Question/Response in this RSAW. If no request was received, review the TOP’s explanation of how it knows such a request had not been received.If yes:Review the date the request was made against the date the response was provided to ensure each response was sent within 30 calendar days of the request.

Complianc e Summary: (Finding Summary):


Auditor Notes:



E.A.18. Each Generator Operator shall meet the following control loop specifications if the Generator Operator uses control loops external to the Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR) to manage MVar loading:

E.A.18.1. Each control loop’s design incorporates the AVR’s automatic voltage controlled response to voltage deviations during System Disturbances.

E.A.18.2. Each control loop is only used by mutual agreement between the Generator Operator and the Transmission Operator affected by the control loop.


Question: Did the GOP use control loops external to the AVR to manage MVar loading on any of its generation resources applicable to E.A.18 during the audit period? If no, state so and explain the process used to know that such control loops were not used. If yes, answer the question below and provide description and documentation demonstrating compliance.


Question: Did the GOP that used control loops as described in E.A.18, do so only with mutual agreement with the Transmission Operator affected by the control loop? If yes, provide description and documentation of the mutual agreement. If no, explain why control loops were used without the mutual agreement of the affected Transmission Operator.





Determine if the GOP used control loops external to the AVR to manage MVar loading on any of its generation resources applicable to E.A.18 during the audit period by consulting the Question/Response in this RSAW. If no, review the GOP’s explanation of how it knows such control loops were not used.If yes:Verify each generation resource control loop’s design incorporates the AVR’s automatic voltage controlled


response to voltage deviations during System Disturbances by reviewing design specifications or other documentation.Verify each generation resource control loop was only used by mutual agreement between the Generator Operator and the Transmission Operator affected by the control loop.

Note to Auditor: A control loop is a control system, external to the AVR, which automatically adjusts the AVR set-point of individual generators connected at a common generation facility, to share reactive power output. Use of control loops can impact the TOP determination of the voltage schedule and must be coordinated.

Compliance Summary: (Finding Summary):


Auditor Notes:


R5. Each Purchasing-Selling Entity and Load Serving Entity shall arrange for (self-provide or purchase) reactive resources -which may include, but is not limited to, reactive generation scheduling; transmission line and reactive resource switching; and controllable load to satisfy its reactive requirements identified by its Transmission Service Provider.

Requirement retired per BCUC Order R-32-14, effective January 21, 2014


R6. The Transmission Operator shall know the status of all transmission Reactive Power resources, including the status of voltage regulators and power system stabilizers.

R6.1. When notified of the loss of an automatic voltage regulator control, the Transmission Operator shall direct the Generator Operator to maintain or change either its voltage schedule or its Reactive Power schedule.






Using the provided verify that the Transmission Operator knows the status of all Transmission Reactive Power resources including, but not limited to:Voltage regulatorsTransmission capacitorsReactors (inductors)Power system stabilizersDetermine if the Transmission Operator was informed of the loss of an automatic voltage Regulator control, and if so, it directed the Generator Operator to maintain or change either the Voltage schedule or Reactive Power schedule



Auditor Notes:


R7. The Transmission Operator shall be able to operate or direct the operation of devices necessary to regulate transmission voltage and reactive flow.





Review the evidence to verify that the Transmission Operator is able to operate or direct the operation of devices necessary to regulate transmission voltage and reactive flow.


Compl iance Summary: (Finding Summary):


Auditor Notes:


R8. Each Transmission Operator shall operate or direct the operation of capacitive and inductive reactive resources within its area -which may include, but is not limited to, reactive generation scheduling; transmission line and reactive resource switching; controllable load; and if necessary, load shedding – to maintain system and Interconnection voltages within established limits.





Review the evidence to verify the Transmission Operator operates or directs the operation of capacitive and inductive reactive resources within its area to maintain system and Interconnection voltages within established limits which may include, but is not limited to:Reactive generation schedulingTransmission line and reactive resource switchingControllable loadLoad shedding

Compli ance Summary: (Finding Summary):



Auditor Notes:


R9. Each Transmission Operator shall maintain reactive resources- which may include, but is not limited to, reactive generation scheduling; transmission line and reactive resource switching; and controllable load to support its voltage under first Contingency conditions.

R9.1 Each Transmission Operator shall disperse and locate the reactive resources so that the resources can be applied effectively and quickly when Contingencies occur.





Determine if the Transmission Operator maintained reactive resources necessary to support voltage under first Contingency conditionsDetermine if the Transmission Operator dispersed and located the reactive resources within its area so that the resources can be applied effectively and quickly when Contingencies occur




Auditor Notes:


R10. Each Transmission Operator shall correct IROL or SOL violations resulting from reactive resource deficiencies (IROL violations must be corrected within 30 minutes) and complete the required IROL or SOL violation reporting.


Question: Have you experienced an IROL or SOL violation due to reactive resource deficiencies? If yes, provide documentation of the recovery time and a completed violation report.




Review the evidence to determine if the Transmission Operator experienced an SOL or IROL resulting from reactive resource deficiencies.Determine if the Transmission Operator corrected IROL or SOL violations resulting from reactive resource deficiencies.If an IROL, determine if the Transmission Operator corrected the violation within 30 minutes.Determine if the Transmission Operator completed the required IROL or SOL violation reporting.




Auditor Notes:


R11. After consultation with the Generator Owner regarding necessary step-up transformer tap changes, the Transmission Operator shall provide documentation to the Generator Owner specifying the required tap changes, a timeframe for making the changes, and technical justification for these changes.


Question: Have you made a request during the audit period regarding necessary step-up transformer changes to a Generator Owner? If yes, provide documentation.




Determine if the Transmission Operator required the Generator Operator to change the step-up Transformer taps settings. If yes:Review the evidence to verify the Transmission Operator consulted with the Generator Owner regarding necessary step-up transformer tap changes.Review the evidence to verify the Transmission Operator provided documentation to the Generator Owner specifying the required tap changes including:Timeframe for making the changesTechnical justification for the changes

Complianc e Summary: (Finding Summary):



Auditor Notes:


R12. The Transmission Operator shall direct corrective action, including load reduction, necessary to prevent voltage collapse when reactive resources are insufficient.





Review the evidence to verify that the Transmission Operator directed necessary corrective action to prevent voltage collapse when reactive resources were insufficient.



Auditor Notes:

Supplemental Information


Other - The list of questions above is not all inclusive of evidence required to show compliance with the Reliability Standard. Provide additional information here, as necessary that demonstrates compliance with this Reliability Standard.

RSAW Revision HistoryRevision Date Comments

October 13, 2015 RSAW content & format