Want to be a Path Operator?

• No true definition of Path Operator in Reliability requirements, responsible entities listed are RC, TOP, TO, BA, GO, GOP, LSE………….. No mention of Path Operator

• Rely on neighboring TOP and BAAs to submit correct outage information– For the Northwest utilities the NWPP Outage Coordination process is utilized –

manual process open for mistakes 01MAR, 2012. Also NWPP process has an exclusion list that contains line elements at 115kV and 230kV that are non-radial.

– WECC and FERC states NWPP process not mandatory requiring the BPA to emit TOP-004-2 R6 requests for required outage information for study purposes

– FERC and WECC would have every individual TOP file their own requirements – coordination nightmare?

– The BPA proposes use of WECC COS with longer reporting duration (two weeks prior)

– Utilities do not want their elements listed as critical due to outage coordination requirements

– Path Operator Outage office must be diligent to assure it’s received all information – requirement falls on Path Operator Outage office to assure correct topology to the WECC RC

– WECC RC does not use information from individual TOP but relies on path operator to submit correct information

• If neighboring utility gives incorrect outage information WECC enforcement finds the TOP that has assigned Path Operator responsibilities as being responsible.

• Capital “D” Directives issued to Path/Flowgate operator(s) for Path SOL exceedences regardless of element not being owned or operated by the Path Operator.

• Path Operators have no assigned authority, in reality for the Western Interconnection they are the same as a TOP– Have to perform all the studies that involves

everyone's BES/BPS elements.– WECC RC COS requires short notification

timeframes – Are they performing SOL/IROL studies for both transient voltage and thermal capabillities?

• Eastern Interconnection the Path Operator is assigned to ISOs. The RCs for the Eastern Interconnection are co-located with the ISO - Western Interconnection should follow this model.– In the East TLR and IDC implemented by

ISO/RC

• Rating information from neighboring utilities– Some utilities only want to share Summer

ratings at 40degree C (104F) and do not allow the path Operator to extrapolate ratings for lower temperatures – creates concerns during outage conditions with these ratings utilized in studies. Mitigation of ultraconservative SOLs can lead to increased Firm curtailments and possible load shedding

• Compensation for path Operator?