Electricity – Rules
Application
As required by s 19(4)(b) of the Transmission Regulation, the Alberta Electric System Operator (“AESO”) forwarded a recommendation to the AUC to approve the following changes to the Alberta Reliability Standards:
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Adopt proposed COM-001-AB-3, Communications;
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Adopt proposed COM-002-AB-4, Operating Personel Communication Protocols;
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Adopt “emergency” term and definition in the Consolidated Authoritative Document Glossary for reliability standards;
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Retire existing COM-001-AB1-1.1, Communications; and
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Retire existing COM-002-AB1-2a, Operating Personnel Communication Protocols.
The AESO also proposed amendments to s 502.4 of the Independent System Operator Rules (“ISO Rules”), Automated Dispatch and Messaging System and Voice Communication System Requirements, which, due to administrative renumbering and retitling, resulted in it becoming section 201.10 of the ISO Rules, Automated Dispatch and Messaging System.
The AESO requested that all of the reliability standards recommendations and the proposed section 201.10 of the ISO Rules become effective the first day of the month following four full quarters after the approval.
Decision
The AUC approved the AESO’s Alberta Reliability Standards recommendations and the proposed new s 201.10 of the ISO Rules, as submitted by the AESO.
Applicable Legislation
Transmission Regulation, Alta Reg 86/2007.
Electric Utilities Act, SA 2003, c E-5.1.
AUC Rule 017: Procedures and Process for Development of ISO Rules and Filing of ISO Rules with the Alberta Utilities Commission.
Pertinent Issues
The AESO identified overlapping voice communication system requirements in COM-001-AB1-1.1, COM-002-AB1-2a and existing s 502.4 of the ISO Rules. The AESO further identified that these overlaps in requirements could result in ambiguity, confusion of market participants and potential double jeopardy situations from duplicative requirements.
The AESO recommended that all voice communication system requirements reside in a reliability standard that mirrors North American Electric Reliability Corporation COM-001-3 and accommodates those other voice communication system requirements from existing s 502.4 deemed necessary for Alberta.
The AUC determined that the proposed amendments to s 502.4, which resulted in proposed new s 201.10 due to administrative renumbering and retitling, are not technically deficient. They support the fair, efficient and openly competitive operation of the market to which it relates, and is in the public interest.
The AUC reviewed the consultation conducted by the AESO as required under ss 4 and 5 of Rule 017 and s 19(4) of the Transmission Regulation. It was satisfied that the informational and consultation requirements were met.
