Public Power - January/February 2008 - (Page 40) RELIABILITY said Henery. Once the mitigation plan is approved, and if you stay on-track to get the corrections made within the specified period of time, then the process, NERC proposes the penalty to FERC. “However, the commission has separate authority,” said McClelland. “For example, we regime are critical elements of the commission’s new regulatory authority over the reliability of the nation’s bulk power system, which Congress good news, because it means the system is working.” The Office of Electric Reliability’s motto for its reliability responsibilities is “to protect and to improve,’” said McClelland. “Our goal is to protect and to improve the reliability of the bulk power system in the United States. The implementation of enforceable standards, along with industry’s cooperation and good work, will help to enacted in the Energy Policy accomplish this goal.” ❚ Act of 2005,” Kelliher said. “The chairman wanted to William Atkinson is a business emphasize that this is an impor- writer in Carterville, Ill., and a tant new function and to be able regular contributor to Public Power to dedicate the proper resources magazine. to it,” said McClelland, who heads the new office. (The other unit is now the Office of Energy Market Regulation.) Henery, when he was still working at APPA, observed that the new office demonstrates the high importance FERC assigns to electric reliability. “I think the industry as a whole has put forth a tremendous amount of effort, which shows the commitment to improve their operations and comply with the requirements,” said NERC’s Whiteley. “This is Prior to June 18, 2007, alleged violations were public information, but that is no longer the case, said FERC’s McClelland. everything should be okay. Prior to June 18, 2007, alleged violations were public information, but that is no longer the case, said FERC’s McClelland. “NERC is responsible for finding alleged violations and then pursuing the matter with the entity.” In Order 693, FERC ordered NERC to concentrate on the most significant standards violations through the end of 2007, understanding that this is a new system and that resources would be strained. NERC has delegated this authority to its eight regional entities. That is, the regional entities are responsible for enforcement. There is also an appeals process. At the end of can invite ourselves in to any investigation. We can also assume control of any investigation. We can also conduct an independent investigation ourselves.” In the majority of cases, though, NERC and the regional entities will police and enforce the standards. On Sept. 20, 2007, FERC Chairman Joe Kelliher announced creation of the new Office of Electric Reliability (where Nick Henery is now working). The reliability office was once part of the Office of Electric Energy Markets and Reliability, but is now a standalone unit. “Mandatory and enforceable reliability standards and a strong reliability 40 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2008 PUBLIC POWER http://www.procoresolutions.com
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