NERC SOS quiz Questions and Answers (Already GRADED A)

If a Balancing Authority does not comply with the Control Performance Standard, the Balancing Authority is not permitted to provide which of the following for any other Balancing Authority entities? Regulation of other ...

If a Balancing Authority does not comply with the Control Performance Standard, the Balancing Authority is not permitted to provide which of the following for any other Balancing Authority entities? Regulation of other services related to control performance 1. It is the obligation of each Balancing Authority to fulfill its commitment to the Interconnection and not ________ the other balancing Authorities in the Interconnection Burden A Balancing Authority is performing Overlap Regulation Service for another Balancing Authority. Which of the following statements applies to the Balancing Authority providing this service? The Balancing Authority's Frequency Bias Setting shall be modified to reflect the combined Frequency Bias Setting of both Balancing Areas. Balancing Authority A is currently reading a system frequency of 59.95 Hz. Its Net Actual Interchange is +100 MW and its Net Scheduled Interchange is +200 MW. If Balancing Authority A's frequency bias setting is 100 MW/0.1 Hz, Balancing Authority A's AGC is pulsing its generators to do what? Increase MW output Which of the following is a Real-time measurement of a Balancing Authority's control performance BAAL Each Balancing Authority shall monitor which of the following against two standards: CPS1 and BAAL? Control performance In the calculating of CPS1, which of the below conditions would contribute to ta favorable score? Negative ACE when frequency is high, positive ACE when frequency is low. If the frequency bias setting is a higher value than the frequency response of a Balancing Authority and a frequency decline is caused by a sudden loss of generation is an external balancing area, what will be the result? A- The ACE will be a negative value and AGC will increase generation Which statement best describes the CPS1 requirement? The Responsible Entity shall operate such that its CPS1 is greater than or equal to 100% for the preceding 12 month period. To be in compliance with the BAL-001 requirements, a Balancing Authority must have which of the following? CPS1 greater than or equal to 100% and ACE does not exceed the BAAL more than 30 consecutive minutes Actual System Frequency (FA) is 60.03 Hz, a Balancing Authority is under-generating slightly to prepare for an upcoming interchange transaction. What is the Balancing Authority doing? The BA is helping the Interconnection Frequency. You are a Balancing Authority Operator. A neighboring Balancing Authority in the Interconnection suddenly had a 500 MW generator to trip off line by generator differential. What part of the ACE equation, ACE = (NIA-NIS) - 10B (FA-FS) - IME, allows you and other Balancing Authorities in the Interconnection to contribute to the stabilization of the Interconnection frequency error? 10B (FA-FS) In your Interconnection, a generator tripped that was large enough to reduce the frequency from 60.000 Hz to 59.940 Hz. Your Balancing Authority's Frequency Bias is 200 MW/0.1 Hz. How many MW would your system initially contribute to frequency support? 120 MW Which of the following would be a use of the IME portion of the ACE equation? Represent flow of a tie line with an out of service meter. What happens to the Balancing Authority ACE Limit (BAAL) when frequency moves farther away from scheduled frequency? The limit gets more restrictive. How is the Frequency Response Obligation (FRO) of a Frequency Response Sharing Group determined? By adding the individual FRO's of each member. A Balancing Authority has an ACE reading of -100MWs and frequency is 60.12 Hz. Is the BA exceeding the BAAL? No A Balancing Authority that is a member of a Generation Reserve Sharing Group is the Responsible Entity only in periods during which the Balancing Authority is not in active status under the applicable agreement or the governing rules for the Generation Reserve Sharing Group. False The minimum compliance for NERC DCS is 100% for all reportable disturbances. A generator tripped in your Interconnection that was large enough to cause frequency to drop to 59.950 Hz. Your Balancing Authority's Frequency Bias is 120 MW/0.1 Hz. How many MWs would your system initially contribute to frequency support? 60 MWs A Balancing Authority has a normal load of around 8500 MW. Its most severe single contingency is a 700-MW coal-fired steam unit. At 0810 the ACE value was at -55 MW when a 600-MW generator in the Balancing Authority's northern area tripped off line as the result of a generator differential. This resulted in a large negative ACE for the Balancing Authority. What value must the ACE return to and in what time frame to avoid a DCS violation? -55 MW ACE in 15 minutes How is the Frequency Response Measure (FRM) of a Balancing Authority determined? It is the median of the BA's frequency response for the frequency deviation events identified by NERC for the previous year. The Contingency Reserve Restoration period is ________. ninety minutes When does the Contingency Reserve Restoration Period begin? At the end of the Disturbance Recovery Period. A Balancing Authority has a normal load of around 8500 MW. Its most severe single contingency is a 700-MW coal-fired steam unit. At 0810 the ACE value was at -55 MW when a 600-MW generator in the Balancing Authority's northern area tripped off line as the result of a generator differential. This resulted in a large negative ACE for the Balancing Authority. What value must the ACE return to and in what time frame to avoid a DCS violation? -55 MW ACE in 15 minutes A Balancing Authority's largest single contingency is a unit rated at 1,000 MW. Which of the following disturbances would constitute a reportable disturbance for DCS evaluation based on the NERC DCS criteria? The loss of a 950 MW generating unit at 100%. If a Reserve Sharing Group member has experienced a Reportable Disturbance condition but does not call for reserve activation from other members, the entire group shall still be considered to be in a disturbance condition. False Which of the following is a potential source of Contingency Reserve? 1. Offline generation that takes 10 minutes to start at full output. 2. Online generation at 100% capacity 3. Controllable load resources. 4. Voltage reductions. 1 and 3 The minimum compliance for NERC DCS is _____________? 100% for all reportable disturbances. How is the Frequency Response Measure (FRM) of a Balancing Authority determined? It is the median of the BA's frequency response for the frequency deviation events identified by NERC for the previous year. In order to achieve sufficient Frequency Response, the Frequency Response Measure (FRM) of a Balancing Authority or Frequency Response Sharing Group must be: Equal to or more negative than the Frequency Response Obligation (FRO) A Balancing Authority is performing Overlap Regulation Service for another Balancing Authority. Which of the following statements applies to the Balancing Authority providing this service? The Balancing Authority's Frequency Bias Setting shall be modified to reflect the combined Frequency Bias Setting of both Balancing Areas. Balancing Authority A is currently reading a system frequency of 59.95 Hz. Its Net Actual Interchange is +100 MW and its Net Scheduled Interchange is +200 MW. If Balancing Authority A's frequency bias setting is 100 MW/0.1 Hz, Balancing Authority A's AGC is pulsing its generators to do what? Increase MW output In order to achieve sufficient Frequency Response, the Frequency Response Measure (FRM) of a Balancing Authority or Frequency Response Sharing Group must be: Equal to or more negative than the Frequency Response Obligation (FRO) If the frequency bias setting is a higher value than the frequency response of a Balancing Authority and a frequency decline is caused by a sudden loss of generation is an external balancing area, what will be the result? The ACE will be a negative value and AGC will increase generation What is the primary purpose of governor dead band? It prevents governors from operating when slight variations occur in the system's frequency. How is the Frequency Response Obligation (FRO) of a Frequency Response Sharing Group determined? By adding the individual FRO's of each member. A portion of a Balancing Authority's EMS has gone down and the EMS can no longer calculate ACE. According to NERC, how long can a Balancing Authority operate without the ability to calculate ACE before notifying its Reliability Coordinator? 30 minutes What type of service is a method of providing regulation in which the providing Balancing Authority incorporates all of the other Balancing Authorities tie lines, frequency response, and schedules into its own AGC/ACE equation? Overlap regulation service According to NERC, by the end of the business day following the actual operation, two adjacent Balancing Authorities must agree upon what values with regard to inadvertent interchange? 1.) The hourly values of Net Interchange Schedule 2.) The hourly values of each Interchange Transaction 3.) The hourly integrated megawatt-hour values of individual interconnecting tie lines 4.) The hourly integrated megawatt-hour values of Net Actual Interchange 1 and 4 only Inadvertent power flow is a natural occurrence in an Interconnection. Which characteristic would minimize inadvertent power flow? Correct interchange schedules and meters that are maintained and kept accurate NERC requires that each Balancing Authority perform tie line flow error checks using MWh meters associated with each tie line every ______ to determine the accuracy of its control equipment. hour Automatic Generation Control uses the ACE equation to... minimize Inadvertent Interchange among Balancing Authority areas provide frequency support for the Interconnection How do you calculate net tie deviation from schedule? NIA - NIS A Balancing Authority is providing Regulating Services for another Balancing Authority. If for some reason it is unable to provide Regulating Services any longer, it should _____. notify the Host Balancing Authority and any Intermediate Balancing Authorities that might be affected Interconnection frequency is 59.80 Hz. Your ACE is a large negative value and your AGC is pulsing your units down. What should you do? Suspend AGC and investigate. In an Interconnection, which of the following is required to be in the metered boundaries of a Balancing Authority Area? All are required to be within the metered boundaries of a BA. The Balancing Authority selling power to an end user entered the wrong schedule for the upcoming hour. Which part of the ACE equation [ACE = (NIA - NIS) - 10B (FA - FS) - IME], will cause Inadvertent Interchange to occur as the result of the incorrect schedule? Both the Interchange portion and frequency portion of the ACE equation (NIA-NIS)-10B (FA-FS) will contribute. How often must inadvertent interchange be calculated and recorded? Hourly Which part of the ACE equation reflects dynamic schedules? The scheduled interchange component, NIS NERC requires that Balancing Authority operators be provided with sufficient instrumentation. For ACE Calculation, which of the following are the minimum required real time values that must be available to the Balancing Authority operator? Real-Time values for ACE, Interconnection Frequency and Net Actual Interchange with each adjacent Balancing Authority Area Which entities may determine if a deviation of a Dynamic Schedule constitutes a reliability concern? What entity must they notify of that determination? A Reliability Coordinator or Transmission Operator makes the determination and must notify the Purchasing-Selling Entity What is the purpose of NERC Standard INT-004? Purchasing-Selling Entity What is the difference between a Dynamic Schedule and a Pseudo-tie? A Dynamic Schedule is a time-varying energy transfer that is updated in Real-time and included in the Net Interchange Scheduled term of the ACE equation, while a Pseudo-tie is included in the Net Interchange Actual term. The Confirmed Interchange associated with a Dynamic Schedule is 370 MWs. Assuming the deviation is expected to persist, how much must the actual hourly integrated energy deviate from the Confirmed Interchange to require an update to be submitted for future hours? More than +/- 37 MWs Some inadvertent interchange is unavoidable. Which of the following would help keep inadvertent interchange down to a minimum? Have correct interchange schedules and accurate tie line metering. Each Balancing Authority shall ensure all of its Balancing Authority Area interconnection points are equipped with ___________? common megawatt-hour meters providing readings to the control centers both adjacent Balancing Authorities. What are the two types of Inadvertent Interchange? Primary and Secondary Each Balancing Authority shall, through daily schedule verification, and the use of ________, accurately account for inadvertent interchange. reliable metering equipment In order to implement a bilateral payback for inadvertent interchange with another Balancing Authority, what two conditions must be satisfied? The other Balancing Authority must have inadvertent accumulation in the opposite directions. The amount schedules shall be agreed upon by all involved Balancing Authorities and Transmission Providers. Two marketers arranged a transaction but neglected to tell the appropriate Balancing Authorities about it until it had been in effect for two hours. The marketers ask the Balancing Authorities to adjust the inadvertent interchange accounts for the month to account for the energy for those two missed hours. Should the affected Balancing Authorities agree to this request? No, this is not a proper use of inadvertent accounting A Balancing Authority's inadvertent accumulation reflects over-generation during on-peak hours. When system load is decreasing, what actions could a Balancing Authority system operator take to limit additional on peak inadvertent accumulation? Decrease transactions into their system Decrease generation Which of the following entities is responsible for approving or denying an Arranged Interchange? Select all that apply. Involved Transmission Service Providers Involved Balancing authorities Which of the following best describes Available Transfer Capability (ATC)? The amount of transfer capability in the transmission network remaining for further commercial activity over and above already committed uses Entities have limited amount of time to evaluate the potential impact of a Request for Interchange. Where would entities find the timing requirements? Attachment 1 in Standard INT-006 What is the definition of Confirmed Interchange? The state where no party has denied, and all required parties have approved the Arranged Interchange There are four Balancing Authorities involved in an Interchange Transaction. Balancing Authority D is the Sink and Balancing Authority A is the Source. BA-B and BA-C are Intermediate BAs. BA-B is adjacent to the Source BA. With whom must BA-B agree on Composite Confirmed Interchange? Balancing Authorities A and C INT-009 requires Attaining and Native Balancing Authorities to account for Pseudo-Ties using a dynamic value from an agreed upon common source? Where should they account for this value? In the Actual Net Interchange term of their respective ACE equations What is the purpose of INT-009, Implementation of Interchange? To ensure that Balancing Authorities implement the Interchange as agreed upon in the Interchange confirmation process What is the purpose of INT-010? To provide guidance for required actions on Confirmed Interchange or Implemented Interchange to address reliability Balancing Authority ABC is a member of a Reserve Sharing Group (RSG). At 0605 Balancing Authority ABC lost a 500 megawatt generator. It calls on its RSG to replace the lost generation until Balancing Authority ABC can get more generation, such as gas turbines, on line and loaded. What time must Balancing Authority ABC stop using RSG power to avoid submitting a Request for Interchange? 0705 What is the role of the Reliability Coordinator in the scheduling or modification of Interchange for actual or anticipated reliability-related reasons? Direct the scheduling or modification of Confirmed or Implemented Interchange The requirements called out in INT-010 for the initiation and modification to Interchange for reliability purposes are applicable to whom? Balancing Authorities An isolating 138 kV disconnect switch is mistakenly opened when it still has load current flowing through it. The resulting arc that forms between the disconnect's arm and its receiver eventually jumps to the steel support structures, creating a ground fault. The circuit breaker and relays that should have detected and immediately isolated this fault fail. As a result, the fault stays on the system 15 cycles. How does this mis-operation affect system voltage? System voltage decreases due to the fault. As a result of high MW flows, a transmission line sags significantly and current flashes over to a tree growing directly below it. This causes the protective relays to take the transmission line out of service. How would you classify this type of fault? Ground fault A transformer differential zone has Circuit Breakers 624 and 634 protecting the transformer. Breaker 624 receives 1500 MVA and Breaker 634 sends 1200 MVA to the bus. Based on these conditions, determine which of the following statements is true. All of the above What type of relays would you most likely find on each end of a 75 mile 230 kV transmission line? 21 Distance or 67 Directional Overcurrent A protective relay may send transfer trip signals to a remote location in order to trip a circuit via a communication channel. Transfer trip signals may either trip a circuit breaker directly or initiate operation of an auxiliary tripping relay. The use of transfer trip signals, however, is limited because they can only be sent via a power line carrier. False A Generator Operator shall coordinate installation of all new protective systems and changes to existing protective system with its ______________. Transmission Operator and Host Balancing Authority A storm blows the A phase and B phase conductors of a 138 kV transmission line together, creating a phase-to-phase fault. The magnitude of the current and voltage on the line immediately change, causing the distance relays at each end of the line to operate. How did the current and voltage on the line change causing the relay to indicate a fault? The voltage decreased and current increased. When a high voltage transmission line circuit breaker trips open as a result of a fault, a synchronous check relay will monitor certain values on both the line side and the bus side of the open circuit breaker. Before the synchronous check relay re-closes the open circuit breaker, which of the following values has to be within a certain limit before the circuit breaker will close automatically? Frequency Voltage magnitudes Phase Angle between the voltages What type of relay uses a combination of current transformer (CT) measurements and potential transformer (PT) measurements and operates when the ratio of the PT measurements to CT measurements is below a certain limit for a given period of time? Distance Relay (Device 21) A Generator Operator is planning to increase the capacity of an existing 500 MW generator to support the addition of new equipment. Which entity must be notified of the changes in generation capacity? Its Transmission Operator and others that may require changes in their protection system Protective relays used on transmission and distribution systems are designed to... minimize damage and isolate problems on the system. an entire bus at a substation was cleared instantaneously. A substation maintenance employee calls the control room to inform them the relayed target displays indicate operation of a relay 87 on its bus relay panel. What type of relay has operated? Differential Relay A relay controlling circuit breaker A detects a zone 2 fault outside its line section. Normally, under this condition, the relay is designed to trip circuit breaker A only it its zone 2 timer times out. However, in this case, circuit breaker A trips at high speed. The tripping of circuit breaker A would be classified as a ___________. misoperation Which of the following situations would require an analysis and corrective action plan be submitted to the local Regional Reliability Organization (RRO)? A 161/69/13 kV transformer was de-energized due to a transformer differential relay operation at exactly the same time that a 161 kV line ground fault occurred on one of the 161 kV lines that feed from the station's 161 kV bus. The Transmission Operator you work for is installing relays with new technology on some of their major transmission tie lines. Who should your company notify before it begins installation of these new relays? Neighboring Transmission Operators and Balancing Authorities. Examples of ________ reactive resources include generators and static VAR compensators. dynamic The voltage on the power system is starting to drop due to the normal load pick-up during the morning hours. As a Transmission Operator, where should you increase the reactive power on the transmission and distribution systems? As close to the heaviest inductive load areas as possible. MVAR production can be increased or decreased by which of the following: by placing a high voltage transmission line in service or taking one out of service. What are the two factors that determine the amount of voltage rise on a line? Strength of the bus at the closed end. Length of the line being energized. Which of the following is an action a Transmission Operator would perform in Real-time when reactive resources are expected to be limited? Ensure that sufficient dynamic and static MVAR sources are available. The voltage on the power system is increasing due to an unexpected drop in customer load. Which of the following devices would a Transmission Operator bring on-line to get the voltage level back into a normal range? Reactors What is the Ferranti Voltage Rise Effect? The voltage rise that occurs when the transmission system has an open-ended, energized transmission line. What could cause low voltage on the Transmission and/or Distribution system? A shortage of reactive resources A 354 kV line carrying 1250 MWs of power trips off-line. This results in a SOL and IROL violation for a 230 kV parallel line and some substation buses to be 10% below their nominal voltage. What can the transmission operator do to return the system to its established voltage limits ready, for the next contingency? Re-dispatch generation, request MVAR support from each generator, place all available voltage support equipment on line, and curtail load if necessary. If your generator is offline for a scheduled maintenance and not in start-up mode, which of the following is also true? A Real-time communication or procedure has been provided to the Transmission Operator notifying it the generator is offline and will be in manual voltage control until it's ramped up to its minimum continuously sustainable load. Why must the Generator Operator use an alternative method to control the generator voltage and reactive output when the Automatic Voltage Regulator is out of service? To meet the voltage or Reactive Power Schedule. The Transmission Operator and Transmission Planner have requested the tap settings, available fixed tap ranges, and impedance data for several generator step-up transformers. How long does the Generator Owner(s) have to provide this information? 30 Calendar Days The Transmission Operator has determined the tap settings of a generators step-up transformer must change. Which entity is required to ensure the requested changes are implemented? Generator Owner Who is responsible for providing the Transmission Operator and Transmission Planner with requested information about generator step-up transformers and auxiliary transformers with primary voltages equal to or greater than the generator terminal voltage? Generator Owner When power flow is expected to reach or exceed System Operating Limits, the System Operator must: Redistribute power flow to relieve the overloaded transmission line. Which procedure utilizes Power Transfer Distribution Factors to curtail transactions and reduce power flows? Transmission Loading Relief. Outage Transfer Distribution Factors help System Operators __________. (select best answer) estimate the effect of an outaged transmission elements Generation Shift Factors help System Operators determine which ___________. (select best answer) generators could be adjusted to relieve the loading on the transmission lines. System load is continuing to increase when a transmission line becomes overloaded by 100 MWs. Both St. Clair and Grand River generators affect the overloaded line; the St. Clair generator has a GSF of +0.6 and the Grand River generator has a GSF of -0.4. Which of the following options is best for the System Operator to perform? Increase the Grand River generator by 250 MWs. How does a negative Generation Shift Factor affect line loading? When a generator with a negative shift factor increases its output, it relieves line loading. Which type of tools use Line Outage Distribution Factors to predict the loading on transmission elements in the event of a transmission line outage? Contingency analysis tools. How does a positive Generation Shift Factor affect line loading? When a generator with a positive shift factor increases its output, it contributes to loading on the transmission line. A transmission line is overloaded by 100 MWs. The Harbor and Greenwood generators affect the overloaded line; the Harbor generator has a GSF of 0.25 and the Greenwood generator has a GSF of -0.5. Which of the following dispatch scenarios will provide adequate relief for the line? Increase the Greenwood generator 200 MWs. Which of the following is a method(s) Reliability Coordinators and Transmission Operators may use to manage transmission outages? Verify voltage control equipment are on automatic to supply the required support. Optimize the use of Load Tap Changer transformer, capacitor, and reactors. Coordinate and adhere to voltage schedules to minimize reactive power flow. Choose the answer that best describes the operation of a rotor. The excited (energized) field winding that rotates inside the stator to induce voltage into the stator winding and allows current to flow out of the stator when the generator is connected to the power grid. n a system that is more capacitive than inductive, the current sine wave will ___________ the voltage sine wave which tends to ___________ voltage. lead; raise Generator ratings specify the _________ and ___________ at which they can operate safely. voltage; frequency Sustained operation with a power angle or torque angle above ________ can lead to system instability. 90 degrees A(n) ___________ is the value that satisfies the most limiting of the prescribed operating criteria for a specified system configuration to ensure operation within acceptable reliability criteria. System Operating Limit What is the main purpose of the system of electrical conductors and substations we call the transmission system? Deliver power from generators to consumer loads What is the effect on power losses if voltage is doubled and load magnitude stays the same? Losses decrease by a factor of four What physical law allows transformation of voltage and current using a transformer? Electromagnetic induction The power system serves mostly inductive loads which consume reactive power. What equipment is used most often to counteract inductive loads? Shunt capacitors Substation equipment regulates voltage and provides critical information back to control centers for monitoring. When maintenance is required, the substation provides which of the following? 5% greater than nominal and 5% less than nominal A transmission line is rated at 1000 MVA. The power flow is currently 990 MW and 100 MVAR. Is this transmission line overloaded? No How do we protect the power system from abnormal current or voltage surges? Relay protection Impedance is the combination of which properties? Resistance and reactance 200 MW is scheduled to flow from Bus X to Bus Y with a Transmission line X-Y with an 80% distribution factor for this schedule. How much of the 200 MW schedule will flow on transmission line X-Y? 160 MW Why do power companies choose to operate a three-phase power system? Distribution of power at a more constant rate, increased efficiency and more economical Station configurations vary, balancing the economics of building a station with additional breakers and lines. The most expensive and reliable station bus scheme is which of the following? Double bus, double breaker What is the MVAR output of a 50 MVAR shunt capacitor energized when a 100 kV bus is at 90 kV (or 90% of its nominal voltage)? 40.5 Transmission lines, transformers, and other equipment have System Operating Limits or SOLs. What is a SOL? A MW, MVAR, amp, voltage value that satisfies the most limiting of the prescribed operating criteria for a specified system configuration. Transmission line transfer capability is determined by which characteristics? System loading, voltage, impedance Which of the following communications methodologies would be considered an alternative Interpersonal communications system for a telephone based Interpersonal communications system? Cell phone based system VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) based system Satellite telephone based system If a Reliability Coordinator is testing the Alternative Interpersonal Communications system, and after the test determines the system is not functioning in accordance with requirements, what must the Reliability Coordinator do to address this issue? Initiate action to repair or designate a replacement Alternative Interpersonal Communication system capability within 2 hours. What does NERC's concern with communications systems center mostly on? Reliability Where applicable, telecommunications facilities shall utilize different infrastructure. Which of the following is also required of these facilities? Redundancy Vital telecommunications facilities shall be managed and alarmed in addition to what other action? Tested and/or actively monitored Each control room should test its telecommunications facilities. Special attention should be given to emergency telecommunications facilities as well as what other equipment? Equipment not used for routine communications Which of the following actions would be required in accordance with COM-002-4 when communicating an Operating Instruction? A Reliability Coordinator confirms the Balancing Authority understood what is to be done. A Reliability Coordinator corrects the response if it is not repeated back correctly. A Reliability Coordinator clearly states the Operating Instruction. A Balancing Authority repeats the operating instruction back to the Reliability Coordinator. A Transmission Operator who issues an oral single-party to multiple-party burst All Call Operating Instruction during an emergency is ____________. Required to confirm or verify that the Operating Instruction was received by at least one receiver of the all call Operating Instruction. NERC COM-002-4 requires initial training for which operating personnel who either issue and/or receive Operating Instructions? Reliability Coordinators Generator Operators Distribution Providers Balancing Authorities and Transmission Operators An operating Instruction is defined as: A command by operating personnel responsible for the Real-time operation of the interconnected Bulk Electric System to change or preserve the state, status, output, or input of an Element of the Bulk Electric System or Facility of Bulk Electric System. Per NERC COM-002-4, which of the following elements MUST be included in the documented communication protocols for operating personnel that issue and receive Operating Instructions? Specify nomenclature for transmission interface Elements and Facilities. Use the English language unless agreed to otherwise. During an emergency situation, a Reliability Coordinator issues an Operating Instruction to a Transmission Operator. The Transmission Operator repeats the Operating Instruction back with a mistake in it. What should the Reliability Coordinator do? Repeat the original statement to resolve any misunderstandings. A Transmission Operator receives an Operating Instruction from its Reliability Coordinator. The Transmission Operator must repeat the Operating Instruction back to the Reliability Coordinator: Not necessarily verbatim as long as the major components of the Operating Instruction are repeated correctly. The Transmission Operator shall distribute data specification to entities that must provide data. Which of the following is the data used for? Real-time assessments Real-time monitoring Which of the four types of data are needed to support real-time assessments? Generator status MVAR output Transmission status MW output When receiving a data specification, which of the following formats should satisfy the obligations of the documented specification? A mutually agreeable security protocol. A mutually agreeable format. Operational and Planning responsibilities for which of the following entities require monitoring transmission and generation resource, availability, output, power flows, and frequency. Transmission Operators, Balancing Authorities, and Reliability Coordinators What is the purpose of the conduction system studies? To predict operations. To identify constraints. Which two functions shall have data specification for real-time monitoring and analysis? Balancing Authority Transmission Operator Outages have a significant impact on which of the following? The direction of power flow. The distance of power flow. Real and reactive power supply. Which of the following Bulk Electric System facilities does the Reliability Coordinator monitor to evaluate the reliability of the Bulk Electric System? Generators Transmission lines Which function(s) shall have documented specification for data and information to support its reliability-related tasks. Reliability Coordinator In order to ensure primary functional obligations are met, System Operators shall have an Operating Plan including procedures to be exercised if the main monitoring system is unavailable?. The contingency plan for continued real-time monitoring and assessment is which of the following? Relocate to a tested backup control room facility Which of the following information is required to be provided to Reliability Coordinators: Current status of BES elements Real and Reactive power reserves What is the responsibility of the Reliability Coordinator whenever a Remedial Action Scheme/Special Protection System (RAS/SPS) that may have inter-Balancing Authority, or inter-Transmission Operator impact (e.g., could potentially affect transmission flows resulting in SOL or IROL violations) is armed? to be aware of the impact of the operation of that RAS/SPS on inter-area flows. Reliability Coordinators must have monitoring systems that provide needed information for monitoring and assessing their area. These monitoring systems must meet which of the following criteria? Must be over a redundant infrastructure. What is the value that satisfies the most limiting of the prescribed operating criteria for a specified system configuration to ensure operation within acceptable reliability criteria? System Operating Limit The Reliability Coordinator shall have real-time monitoring capability in addition to Operational Planning Analysis of its area to ensure what? SOL and IROL exceedances are identified. Responsible Entities must report certain events as defined in Attachment 2 of EOP-004. Which of the following is required of the Responsible Entities in accordance with EOP-004? Transmission Operators Must have an Operating Plan for event reporting that includes protocols for reporting events to NERC and other organizations. Reliability Coordinators A Transmission Operator has experienced a loss of its ICCP communication, resulting in the inability to perform reliability analysis on its system. While in the process of implementing its Loss of Control Center Functionality plan, ICCP is restored. Which of the following statements is true? If analysis capability was unavailable for more than 30 minutes, an event report must be submitted. Which of the following events would require submitting an event report? A Balancing Authority making a public appeal for load reduction due to abnormally hot temperatures and expected Energy Emergency. A Reliability Coordinator experiences an event requiring evacuation of the primary control center from 2100 to 2215 on Friday night. How long does the Reliability Coordinator have to report the event? Until the end of business the following Monday. Which of the following is/are reasons that Bulk Electric System disturbances should be analyzed? To help eliminate similar occurrences. To implement corrective actions. To ensure "lessons learned" are documented. Which of the following communications methodologies would be considered an alternative Interpersonal communications system for a telephone based Interpersonal communications system? Cell phone based system VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) based system Satellite telephone based system Which language has been established for all communications between and among operating personnel responsible for real-time generation control and operations of the Interconnected Bulk electric system? English NERC Standard COM-002-4 states documented communication protocols must require operating personnel who issue an oral or written Operating Instruction to: Use English language, unless agreed to otherwise. Specify instances that require time identification when issuing an oral or written Operating Instruction and the format for that time identification. Why is it important for Real-time operators to have Situational Awareness? Detect SOL violations and predict what might happen on the power system Real-time monitoring and assessment are a critical task for Reliability Coordinators. If analysis tools are unavailable or telecommunication is unavailable to receive data due to planned maintenance activities, it is the responsibility of the Reliability Coordinator to have procedures in place that address which of the following? Mitigate the effects of analysis tools outages. Why is it important for Responsible Entities such as Reliability Coordinators and Balancing Authorities to report certain events and/or disturbances that occur in their area? To improve the reliability of the Bulk Electric System. Which of the following is a reportable event? BES Emergency requiring system-wide voltage reduction BES Emergency requiring public appeal for load reduction BES Emergency requiring manual firm load shedding Physical threats to a BES Control Center A Transmission Operator receives an oral two-party, person-to-person Operating Instruction from the Reliability Coordinator but doesn't completely understand the Instruction. He/she can: Request that the Reliability Coordinator reissue the Operating Instruction. Transmission Operators and Balancing Authorities are responsible for the reliability of the power system and must perform which of the following? Real-time monitoring Real-time assessments Analysis functions NERC Standard COM-002-4 states that each Transmission Operator, Balancing Authority, and Generator Operator shall do what at least once every 12 months: Assess adherence to the documented communication protocols in Requirement R1 by its operating personnel who issue and receive Operating Instructions. Provide feedback to those operating personnel and take corrective action, as deemed appropriate by the entity, to address deviations from the documented protocols. Assess the effectiveness of its documented communications protocols for its operating personnel who issue and receive Operating Instructions and modify its documented communication protocols, as necessary. A Transmission Operator uses a phone system for its primary Interpersonal communications system in the control room. If this system goes out of service, which of the following methods of communications would be a good choice for the Alternative Interpersonal Communications system? Satellite phone and a cell phone Balancing Authority A has an Operating Plan for event reporting in accordance with EOP-004. How often must Balancing Authority A validate the contact information identified in the Operating Plan? Each calendar year Coordinating communications among Reliability Coordinators, Transmission Operators and Balancing Authorities must include the ability to do which of the following? Investigate and recommend solutions to internal and external telecommunications problems. If a Balancing Authority determines that its Interpersonal Communications system has been disabled for 30 minutes due to a power supply failure, how long does the Balancing Authority have to notify its Transmission Operator of the failure? One (1) hour What is an Operating Instruction? Real-time Operating personnel command to change the state of an element of the BES Following a contingency or other event resulting in an Interconnection Reliability Operating Limit violation, the Transmission Operator shall return its transmission system to within limits as soon as possible, but no longer than ________. 30 minutes How does a Balancing Authority contribute to unscheduled power flow that may overload the transmission system? Not maintaining a balance of generation-interchange-load for their Balancing Authority Area Why is it necessary to report SOL and IROL violations to the Reliability Coordinator? The Reliability Coordinator will then evaluate actions being taken and direct additional corrective actions as needed. A Transmission Operator instructs the Generator Operator to change the MW output of their hydro plant to relieve an overloaded transmission line. That is an example of which of the following? Operating Instruction Transmission Operators will take which appropriate actions to mitigate System Operating Limits (SOL) and maintain system reliability? Change the output of generators Reduce Interchange or load Switch equipment When part of a Transmission Operator's system exceeds its operating limit, the Operator reports the events causing the exceedance and actions being taken to mitigate the exceedance to its Reliability Coordinator. However, after 20 minutes, the Reliability Coordinator realizes the Transmission Operator's actions will not return the system to its normal operating limits. What is the appropriate action for the Reliability Coordinator at this point? Issue Operating Instruction to the Transmission Operator to take actions that will return the system to within its normal operating limits. The Reliability Coordinator shall have clear decision-making authority to act and to direct actions to be taken by which of the following entities within its Reliability Coordinator Area? Transmission Operator, Balancing Authorities, Generator Operators, and Distribution Providers. Which of the following are tasks of the Reliability Coordinator for its Reliability Coordinator Area? Determine potential SOL and IROL violations. This functional entity was established to provide a "big picture" view of the system and to coordinate with other entities. Reliability Coordinator An Operating Procedure has been written to mitigate potential System Operating Limit violation on Sunflower 500 kV line. Real-time contingency analysis indicates that Sunflower line will exceed its SOL if the Seed line trips. Which of the below is the most appropriate next step for a Reliability Coordinator of Sunflower 500 kV line? Issuing an Operating Instruction per the Operating Procedure Once a Reliability Coordinator issues an Operating Instruction to mitigate an emergency and preserve the reliability of the Bulk Electric System, actions shall be taken without delay and no longer than how much time? 30 minutes. Curtailing an Interchange Transaction that crosses an Interconnection boundary can be accomplished through this process: Transmission Loading Relief (TLR) Which entity initiates an Interconnection-wide Transmission Loading Procedure or authorizes a transmission relief process. Reliability Coordinator You are the Reliability Coordinator for Area Z and have issued a Transmission Loading Relief procedure to relieve a constrained path. You have notified the impacted Reliability Coordinators. The interchange curtailment adversely affects a Sink Balancing Authority in Area X. The Sink Balancing Authority will be in a potential load shed situation if the schedules are curtailed whom should the Sink Balancing Authority notify? Reliability Coordinator X. Balancing Authority ABC has a transaction to receive 200 MW flowing from Balancing Authority XY. The Reliability Coordinator for XY has ordered a Transmission Loading Relief procedure that would reduce the scheduled Interchange to 100 MW. What should Balancing Authority ABC do? Comply with request. A Balancing Authority is meeting their Balancing Authority Area's load demand with generation operated within their Balancing Authority Area. They have enough Operating Reserves for the most severe single contingency. Interchange transactions are being curtailed for schedules Sourcing and Sinking outside of their Balancing Authority area through the Transmission Loading Relief Procedures. What is this Balancing Authority response to the TLR issued? Curtail interchange as requested and no further action is needed During next-day analysis, Reliability Coordinator D identifies a possible IROL in its area. Which of the following actions would be most appropriate for the Reliability Coordinator? Develop an Operating Process, Procedure, or Plan identifying actions to be taken to prevent the IROL exceedance. The Reliability Coordinator is looking ahead to record summer peak loads. Generator Delta is riding a boiler tube leak but may be able to ride it through the expected peak. What should the Reliability Coordinator's Operational Planning study take into consider? Generator Delta will not be available for peak demand Reliability Coordinator X and Reliability Coordinator Y are connected by two 500 kV transmission lines. Studies indicate that loss of one of the lines will result in an IROL. Through Operational Planning Analysis, Reliability Coordinator X determines the Tv as 30 minutes and Reliability Coordinator Y determines it to be 20 minutes. What should the Reliability Coordinators do? Operate to the 20 minute Tv. A disturbance on the system has resulted in the exceedance of an IROL with a Tv of 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, re-dispatch and reconfiguration options have been implemented but the IROL violation has not cleared. Which of the following actions from the Reliability Coordinator would be appropriate? Issue a directive to shed load to return to within the IROL limit. The Reliability Coordinator shall initiate control actions or emergency procedures to relieve a SOL or IROL exceedance without delay and within which time limit? 30 minutes A Reliability Coordinator develops an Operating Procedure that requires another Reliability Coordinator to take certain actions. Which of the following is required of the Reliability Coordinator developing the procedure? All answers are correct. Interconnected operations have reliability benefits. Which of these is created to ensure that each Reliability Coordinator's operations are coordinated and will not adversely impact other Reliability Coordinator Areas? Operating Procedures and Operating Processes A Reliability Coordinator has Operating Procedures, Processes and Plans for notification and coordination of actions that may impact adjacent Reliability Coordinators. Which of the following information should be included in these documents: 1. Criteria and processes for notifications 2. Energy and capacity shortages 3. Control of voltage 4. Time Error Corrections 1, 2, and 3 A 500 kV tie-line between two Transmission Operators also crosses the boundary between two Reliability Coordinators. The substation at one end of the line is just within Reliability Coordinator A's area, while the other end is well within Reliability Coordinator B's area. This line often has voltage problems due to heavy unscheduled flow. Which of the following statements is most correct? Both Reliability Coordinators should have Operating Procedures, processes, or Plans to address voltage control issues on the line. Reliability Coordinator A has determined there is a problem in his area which requires action by Reliability Coordinator B. Both A and B have agreed upon the problem and solution. What should the Reliability Coordinators do next? Conference in all Reliability Coordinators, Implement the agreed upon solution and notify the involved Reliability Coordinators. A Reliability Coordinator has identified a potential problem between it and another Reliability Coordinator area. Declaring a TLR is one of the options to prevent the potential problem. What is the first action the Reliability Coordinator should take? Contact the other Reliability Coordinator and confirm there is a problem. Reliability Coordinators A and B have determined that there will be a problem that effects reliability of the system during the next hour. They have agreed that the solution will involve opening a low voltage transmission line on one of Reliability Coordinator B's transmission systems. What is the next step? Reliability Coordinator B should direct the operator of the low voltage transmission line to open the line. Reliability Coordinator A is experiencing a severe low voltage situation in one of its Transmission Operator areas and the Transmission Operator has requested assistance. The Reliability Coordinator determines that an adjacent Reliability Coordinator may have resources available in the vicinity to assist in resolving the issue. Which of the following actions would be appropriate? Inform the adjacent Reliability Coordinator of the issue and request assistance. Power flow studies conducted by a Reliability Coordinator identifies a planned and approved outage scheduled for later today will possibly cause a SOL violation. What action should the Reliability Coordinator take? Do not allow the outage to proceed. Reliability Coordinator A anticipates an overload of a high voltage transmission line that interconnects with Reliability Coordinator B's region. Reliability Coordinator A has a procedure on file that calls for Reliability Coordinator A to reduce Interchange Transactions to relieve the issue if it cannot be resolved within 15 minutes. What should Reliability Coordinator A do? Immediately contact Reliability Coordinator B to discuss options. Studies show there will be an overloaded line on the transmission system in Reliability Coordinator A's area. Reliability Coordinator A has determined that the solution is for Reliability Coordinator B to open a low voltage transmission line in his area. Although Reliability Coordinator B shows that opening the low voltage line will not cause any other issues, he states that his preferred solution is for Reliability Coordinator A to remove the 345 kV transmission line from service. What is the best solution? Opening the low voltage line. Reliability Coordinator A has determined that there may be an overload on one of the transmission lines in his area during the next hour. He determines that the solution to the problem will involve Reliability Coordinator B taking corrective action. He contacts Reliability Coordinator B who disagrees that the overloaded condition will exist. If there is NOT enough time to resolve the disagreement before corrective actions must be taken, what actions should the Reliability Coordinators take? Both Reliability Coordinators should operate as though the problem exists. Reliability Coordinators must have Operating Procedures, Operating Processes, or Operating Plans for activities that require notification or coordination of actions that may affect adjacent Reliability Coordinator Areas to support reliability. Which of the following must be included? 1. Criteria and process for notification 2. Energy and capacity shortages 3. Control of voltage 4. Planned and unplanned outage information 1, 2, 3, and 4 Reliability Coordinator A has determined that as demand increases there may be an actual overload on a 100 kV tie-line in his area in the next hour. A solution to the problem will involve Reliability Coordinator B taking corrective action per an Operating Plan that address this condition. Reliability Coordinator A contacts Reliability Coordinator B to discuss but Reliability Coordinator B disagrees that the overload condition will exist. What actions should the Reliability Coordinators take? evaluate the causes of the disagreement. Reliability Analysis studies conducted by Reliability Coordinators should include planned outages. If a previously planned outage causes an issue for a neighboring Reliability Coordinator. What should the RC do? 1. Discuss with the impacted Reliability Coordinator 2. Postpone the outage 3. Proceed with the outage and monitor closely 4. Create an operating procedure that may weaken the transmission 1 and 2 What tool relies on the State Estimator? Contingency Analysis Four parallel lines are loaded as indicated below. Line C has an OTDF of 0.3 for the loss of line D. A 50 MW B 200 MW C 200 MW D 200 MW 260 MW What is a contingency? Unexpected failure of a system component. What is a Transmission Loading Relief? A process identified by each Interconnection to relieve loading on the transmission system caused by power transfers across areas What is Outage Transfer Distribution Factor? Percentage of change of electrical power transfer when a facility is removed from service. What is Power Transfer Distribution Factor? Percentage change of electrical loading on a line due to change in power transfers from one area to another. If an Operational Planning Analysis or a Real-time assessment indicates a potential emergency, what is the system operator's first action? Develop an Operating Plan to mitigate the emergency A Reliability Coordinator performs an Operational Planning Analysis for the next day, and studies indicate a scheduled outage will cause an SOL violation. What is the best course of action for the system operator? Reschedule the outage for a later date. After a disturbance on the system, a Balancing Authority Area experiences a tie-line loading up. What action should the Balancing Authority take? Contact their Reliability Coordinator and discuss mitigation options. Transmission Operators perform Operational Planning Analysis to study next day operations. The results will inform the Transmission Operator of which two parameters? Ensure real and reactive resources are sufficient to meet demands. Identify potential SOLs. The Transmission Operator uses the results of the Operational Planning Analysis to determine SOL exceedances. What action would the Transmission Operator perform when the study results in potential system Operator Limit (SOL) exceedance? Create an Operating Plan When a transmission line trips, the power flow on that line will be reflected in other transmission lines and equipment. In order to ensure that the redistribution of power flowing on the remaining elements will not result in further uncontrolled outages and possibly cascading outages, System Operators should plan on mitigating the consequences of contingencies. What method is used to determine the reliability of the power system after a contingency? Operational Planning Analysis The Transmission Operator has written an Operating Plan as a result of a situation identified in their Operational Planning Analysis. Which entities must be notified of the Operating Plan? Entities that have a role in utilizing the plan. and the Reliability Coordinator A Transmission Operator must return its transmission system to within Interconnection Reliability Operating Limit (IROL) as soon as possible, and no longer than how many minutes or risk uncontrolled and cascading outages. 30 minutes Operational Planning Analysis were conducted with no reliability issues. There is an unplanned outage of a transmission line during your shift. As the Transmission Operator which of the following actions would you take first? Perform a Real-time Assessment Which type(s) of power transformers are affected by GMDs? Wye connected transformers Which of the following would you most likely experience during a GMD event? Overheating in some transformer cores Which of the following is NOT a requirement of the Reliability Coordinator concerning GMDs? Specify actions to be included in the Transmission Operator's GMD Operating Procedures According to EOP-010, which of the following must be included in the Transmission Operator's GMD Operating Procedure or Process? Select all that apply. Define steps or tasks on receiving space weather information Actions to be taken by System Operators based on predetermined conditions Conditions for terminating the Operating Procedure or Process The Reliability Coordinator's restoration plan must include.. A high level strategy for restoring the Interconnection Operating processes for restoring the Interconnection Coordination with Transmission Operators and their Restoration Plans Geomagnetically Induced Currents enter the Bulk Power System through __________ equipment. Grounded An Operating Plan is a document that identifies a group of activities that may be used to achieve some goal. An Operating Plan may contain Operating Procedures and Operating Processes. Which of these is a company-specific example of an Operating Plan that would need procedures and process to support the plan? System Restoration State the elements needed in a Transmission Operator's Operating Plan and a Balancing Authority's Operating Plan and why the Reliability Coordinator must review the Operating Plans in its area. 1, 2, 3 are needed in an Operating Plan and the Reliability Coordinator will review for compatibility and inter-dependency and coordination A Balancing Authority experiences generators that become unavailable to start -up due to fuel shortages. When a large generator trips the Balancing Authority reaches out to its Reliability Coordinator. What would the Reliability Coordinator next actions include? The Reliability Coordinator will notify the Balancing Authorities and Transmission Operators within its RC Area within 30 minutes Each Reliability Coordinator shall conduct ___________ System Restoration drill(s), exercise(s), or simulation(s) per calendar year; Two The goal or purpose of Transmission Operations standards is to ensure that Transmission Operators and Balancing Authorities operate within specified limits. The Balancing Authority meets its demand and energy requirements and the Transmission Operator maintains system operating limits in the normal operating range. When studies indicate that limits will be exceeded, what should a System Operator do? Create Operating Plans that will mitigate the predicted issues A Transmission Operator must return its transmission system to within Interconnection Reliability Operating Limit (IROL) as soon as possible, and no longer than how many minutes or risk uncontrolled and cascading outages. 30 minutes GMDs have the potential to affect the bulk power system. Which of the following phenomenon produces an effect on the system? Geomagnetically Induced Currents Each Reliability Coordinator must review its neighboring Reliability Coordinator's restoration plan (s) to ensure there are no conflicts between its restoration plan and any of its neighbors. If a conflict is found, the conflict must be resolved within ______ calendar days. 30 Several lines have tripped due to a weather event. The remaining lines are heavily loaded, and voltage is 90% and dropping. Which emergency actions should a System Operator consider to mitigate further voltage decay on the power system? Shed Load in the area power is flow into Reliability impacts have been evaluated and mitigation plans have been developed by the Transmission Operator and reviewed by the Reliability Coordinator. The Reliability Coordinator notices that the contingent conditions exist as stated in S-O-P-14. Who should activate the System Operating Plan? Role and responsibilities for activating the Operating Plan should be identified in document S-O-P 14. A Balancing Authority experiences generators that become unavailable to start -up due to fuel shortages. When a large generator trips the Balancing Authority reaches out to its Reliability Coordinator. What would the Reliability Coordinator next actions include? The Reliability Coordinator will notify the Balancing Authorities and Transmission Operators within its RC Area within 30 minutes A Balancing Authority Area is facing extreme cold weather conditions and their load is tracking 1000 MW higher than previously planned. If load reaches 11,000 MW, the BA will have all available resources committed. What should the Balancing Authority consider doing prior to reaching the peak? Discuss with the Reliability Coordinator and initiate an Energy Emergency Alert Level 1 How often must a System Restoration Plan be reviewed? Annually Which is NOT a verification method Transmission Operators use to ensure that the System Restoration Plan accomplishes the intended function? Through Contingency Analysis The Transmission Operator shall re-synchronize area(s) with neighboring Transmission Operators, but only with authorization or in accordance with the established procedures of the __________. Reliability Coordinator It is the responsibility of the __________ to have a restoration plan for restoring its system following a Disturbance in which one or more areas of the Bulk Electric System (BES) shuts down and the use of Blackstart Resources is required to restore the shutdown area to service. Transmission Operator (TOP) To assure the proper execution of the System Restoration Plan, each Transmission Operator must provide a training program for their System Operators with annual training material that includes ______. The System Restoration Plan Restoration priorities building of cranking paths Synchronizing Each Generator Operator with a Blackstart Resource shall notify its Transmission operator of any known changes to the capabilities of that Blackstart Resource affecting the ability to meet the Transmission Operator's restoration plan within one hour following such change. False Transmission Operators must participate in the Reliability Coordinator's restoration drills, exercises, and/or simulations ________________. as requested In the event of a partial or total shutdown of its system, it is important for each Reliability Coordinator to have a __________ restoration plan in place to reestablish its electric system in a stable and orderly manner. Reliability Coordinator Area Reliability Coordinators are required to keep a copy of their Restoration Plan, as well as, copies of each of their Transmission Operators' approved plans, in their ___________. Primary Control Room Backup Control Room Each Reliability Coordinator shall review its restoration plan within _________ of the last review. 13 calendar months What is the role of the Reliability Coordinator in the system restoration process? Monitor restoration progress Coordinate restoration activities Take actions to restore the Bulk Electric System (BES) frequency within acceptable operating limits Each Reliability Coordinator shall include within its operations training program ____________ for its System Operators to assure the proper execution of its restoration plan. annual System Restoration training Each Reliability Coordinator shall conduct ___________ System Restoration drill(s), exercise(s), or simulation(s) per calendar year; Two Standard EOP-008 is NOT applicable to which of the following entities? Transmission Owner In the Operating Plan for the loss of the control center functionality, where should the alternate site (the Backup Control Center) be located? EOP-008, R1: EOP-008 does not recommend a site Each Balancing Authority and Transmission Operator must have backup functionality sufficient for maintaining compliance with all Reliability Standards that include which elements? Monitoring, control, logging, and alarming How often must a Reliability Coordinator review and update their backup functionality Operating Plan? Annually EOP-008 requires certain Reliability Entities to have an Operating Plan for backup functionality in the event the primary control center functionality is lost. Which of the following is(are) required to be part of that plan? A summary description of elements required for backup functionality An Operating Process describing actions to be taken during the transition period Operating Procedures for determining when to implement the Operating Plan for backup functionality Location and method of implementation Many possible scenarios could cause the control center to become inoperable. Which of the following would be likely to cause the Operating Plan for backup functionality to be implemented? Hurricane Loss of total ICCP communication Fire A periodic test is required to be performed for an entity's Operating Plan for backup functionality. Which of the following is a requirement of the periodic test? Must demonstrate that backup functionality can be maintained for two (2) continuous hours. Where must each entity have a copy of its current Operating Plan for backup functionality available? Primary Control Center Location providing backup functionality Following a Disturbance in which one or more areas of the BES shuts down and the use of Blackstart Resources is required to restore the area to service, who is responsible for implementing the System Restoration Plan? Transmission Operator Within 30 calendar days of creation or revision, the Reliability Coordinator must distribute its most recent Reliability Coordinator Area Restoration Plan to all of the following EXCEPT ... Its Balancing Authority How often should the Operating Plan for loss of Primary Control Center be tested to ensure viability? At least annually When an emergency condition occurs in real-time or is predicted to occur due to a contingency, what is the first thing a system operator should do? Develop an Operating Plan to mitigate the emergency As the demand for electricity varies, which parameter is monitored to ensure a generation-load balance in each interconnection? Frequency Each Transmission Operator and Balancing Authorities determine which Operating Plans need to be developed based on what information? Current or pre-determined operating situation that create a reliability concern Why do under frequency load shed programs operate automatically? Protect the system and prevent generators from tripping An analysis is conducted to ensure generation will meet expected loads even if a generator trips off line. If sufficient generation is not available to meet load and reserves requirement, what is Balancing Authority's situation? Capacity and Energy Emergencies Load Shed programs are available and should be used in which emergency condition? Heavy flows to inductive loads are causing voltage drops in excess of 10% stem restoration plans must be thought out and methodical for which purpose? Enable personnel to effectively coordinate and re-establish the interconnection is a term used to describe the loss of a generating unit or plant after a close-in fault, or short circuit that is not cleared quickly enough. Transient Instability Which of the following best describes a blackout? A condition where a major portion or all an electrical network is de-energized NERC Standard EOP-005 Attachment 1 "Elements for Consideration in Development of Restoration Plans" lists the items that should be included in the "System Restoration Plan". The first item described mentions the relationships and responsibilities of the personnel needed to implement the restoration process. Who should be included in this list? The Operating Manager, supervisors, support engineers, Outage Coordinators, computer personnel, and communications personnel NERC Standard EOP-005 states that, "Each Transmission Operator and Balancing Authority shall periodically test its telecommunication facilities needed to implement the restoration plan." Why is this important? A functional communication system is critical for assessing the extent of a blackout and determining the status of generation and transmission facilities. When is restoring or energizing network load (customer load) during the initial stages of restoration most appropriate according to NERC? Restoring network load should be limited to stabilizing the generators that are on line and for voltage control NERC Standard EOP-005 says that each Entity must have a "System Restoration Plan" in place. According to the "System Restoration Plan", who must you communicate with at the onset of a major system event such as a blackout? Power plants, critical substations, and neighboring operations centers Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) should be powered by which of the following? DC power Which of the following is the responsible party for: monitoring, operating, coordinating, and performing activities within their jurisdiction; conducting assessment; coordinating activities and notifying the Reliability Coordinator and neighboring transmission interconnections of appropriate actions; performing or directing switching to isolate critical paths and energize critical facilities; coordinating stat-up power to generating facilities; providing load for generator stability; ensuring that voltage, thermal, and stability limits are respected? Transmission Operator Which of the following loads should be restored first and included in restoration plans? Critical loads that are required to stabilize the system NERC Standard EOP-005 Attachment 1, "Elements for Consideration in Development of Restoration Plans", includes an item that is important for System Operators reference when islanded. What reference material should the System Operator have on hand? Operating Instructions and procedures for synchronizing areas of the system that have become separated What is the principle cause of voltage collapse? Heavily loaded transmission lines absorbing all the reactive resources from the system exhausting the reactive reserves followed by growing load requiring additional MVARs beyond what is already available When are system blackouts most likely? During periods of daily or seasonal peak load What process according to NERC Standard EOP-005 Attachment 1 directs operating personnel to evaluate how well the Restoration Plan works? Develop a set of procedures to test and/or simulate the plan What is the first step in performing System Restoration following a widespread blackout? Identify the affected area and perform a complete system assessment Which of the following loads should be restored first and included in restoration plans? Critical loads that are required to stabilize the system According to NERC Standard COM-001, "Telecommunications", each Reliability Coordinator, Transmission Operator, and Balancing Authority shall provide adequate and reliable telecommunications facilities for the exchange of Interconnection and operating information:Internally Between the Reliability Coordinator and its Transmission Operators and Balancing Authorities With other Reliability Coordinators, Transmission Operators, and Balancing Authorities as necessary to maintain reliability Where applicable, these facilities shall be redundant and diversely routed Why is this important? Knowing the neighboring utilities' status can enhance restoration efforts through pooling restart sources, sharing reserves, and interconnection transmission in NERC priority order, which facilities have the highest priority following a widespread regional blackout? Bulk Electric System facilities A blackout usually occurs instantly. False What would happen to generators when synchronizing power is lost? Generators will trip off line NERC Standard EOP-005 Attachment 1, "Elements for Consideration in Development of Restoration Plans", includes an item that is important for System Operators reference when islanded. What reference material should the System Operator have on hand? Operating Instructions and procedures for synchronizing areas of the system that have become separated The Transmission system and transmission facilities are designed to withstand contingencies even while heavily loaded if they remain within their operating limits. Major blackouts are usually caused by.: Several significant events that are related to the same area What is the first step in performing System Restoration following a widespread blackout? Identify the affected area and perform a complete system assessment One of the highest priorities concerning generators following a complete system blackout and after a complete assessment is performed is to...... Start units with blackstart capability and provide auxiliary power to units that were on line prior to the blackout According to NERC Standard EOP-005, each control room operator, regardless of rank or stature, must be trained in implementation of the Restoration Plan how often? Annually Why is it important to consider nuclear power plants as one of the first priorities during restoration? Nuclear power plants may be susceptible to loss of cooling accidents (LOCA) if station service is not restored within a reasonable period What entity is responsible for: monitoring, coordinating and directing the restoration effort within its control area; knowing the status of all generation, transmission and load within its boundaries; identifying generation resources to be used for restoration, possible island conditions, hot tie line interconnections, cranking paths and prospective synchronizing points; balancing islanding generation with load to maintain system frequency and identifying any stabilizing effects that load may have on generation frequency. Balancing Authority NERC Standards and Regional Criteria describe adequacy and security requirements. What is the interconnected electric network designed and operated to do? Maintain system reliability and reduce the likelihood of uncontrolled, cascading or widespread interruptions All the following information is important for a System Operator to know when assessing steam power plants in preparation for returning the system to normal following a widespread blackout EXCEPT: Boiler feed pump status Cranking power or energizing power (station service) should be restored to power plants how soon? Within 30 minutes What is the best way to identify if a faulted device is still connected to the transmission system following a widespread event? Dispatch field personnel to inspect facilities and retrieve relay targets and correlate that information with the SCADA and EMS data and alarms NERC Standard EOP-005 Attachment 1"Elements for Consideration in Development of Restoration Plans" mentions the provision for having a reliable Blackstart Capability Plan. What is the purpose of such a plan? To identify all facilities that are required to black-start the system and ensures that they are operable According to the NERC Electric System Restoration Reference Document, why is it important that System Operators know the frequency trip setting of all underfrequency relays on their system after a blackout has occurred? The underfrequency relay operation status should be identified and segmented by trip frequency so that the System Operators know what underfrequency protection has already activated and what is remaining A unit separated from the system due to a system underfrequency relay operation (opening transmission lines and/or performing distribution load shed) or triggering an intentional islanding scheme may result in islanded generation. Islanded generators may continue to generate power for their station auxiliary load. The generating plant auxiliary demand will be quite small with little or no system load on the generators. Intermediate and large size steam generator output may be difficult to control under these conditions. What single action should the System Operator perform next? Immediately pick-up load The syncroscope should be used to synchronize two systems together when at least one if not both systems are in an islanded condition. How is synchronization performed? The frequency and voltage must be equal. The incoming system should be a bit faster than the running system and the phase angle lights must be out (dark) when the breaker is closed. Why are isolating substation buses and load feeders a necessary step in the restoration process? It prevents unwanted loads from being energized and possibly causing another blackout Whose role is it in the early stages of power system restoration to coordinate the exchange of information among the systems under the neighboring coordination areas, NERC, and the Regions? Reliability Coordinator The switching transients that cause system oscillations are usually highly damped out and of short duration. The dampening effect in conjunction with sustained overvoltage may cause which of the following to fail? Lightning Arrestors Training goals should be established based on the job tasks performed by the operators involved with restoration activities in the control room. What types of goals should operator training specifically focus on? Operations and conditions experienced in your specific area The relays that cause System Operators the greatest concern during the restoration process are the ______________. Reclosing Relays Which type of power plant has the most stability with respect to frequency excursions and should be given high priority when restoring the system to normal? Hydroelectric units Coordination between Entities is required by NERC Standard EOP-005, Attachment 1 with respect to the System Restoration efforts. The coordination process must take place between which Entities? Reliability Coordinators and neighboring Transmission Operators Why are cold weather interruptions a concern to System Operators? Breakers may not operate properly unless re-energized within 30 minutes unless heaters have been installed. Motor-operated disconnects may be frozen in their normal position. Lowering voltage on newly energized transmission lines can be accomplished by: Adding local load, moving taps on ULTC transformers Static VAR compensators Closing reactors (Inductors) What is the primary voltage control concern when re-energizing the transmission system following a blackout? High voltage caused by closed capacitor banks and Under Load Tap Change Transformers being in the full raised position One of the primary concerns when developing a plan for System Restoration Training is: Can the plan be supported, and the training accomplished? Operating entities may choose what type of safety strategy during the restoration activities to minimize the likelihood that a circuit will automatically reclose when a substation or line is energized? System Operators may be directed to perform a supervisory OPEN control on all "open" breakers prior to being energized What are the allowable voltage excursions during System Restoration? 90% to 110%