FERC Approves Regional Reliability Standard VAR-501-WECC-3

On April 28, 2017, in Docket No. RD17-5-000, FERC issued an order accepting regional Reliability Standard VAR-501-WECC-3 (Power System Stabilizers). The regional Reliability Standard establishes the performance criteria for power system stabilizers to help ensure the Western Interconnection is operated in a coordinated manner under normal and abnormal conditions. Regional Reliability Standard VAR-501-WECC-3 includes requirements providing transmission operators with procedures informing the operator of when a power system stabilizer will be out of service; having the power system stabilizer in service at all times except during specific circumstances; turning power system stabilizers to stated criteria; installing and completing start-up testing of a power system stabilizer; and repairing or replacing a power system stabilizer within a specified time period.

To view FERC’s order, click here.