OVERVIEW
Extreme cold weather spells over the last decade have created a strain on
the Bulk Electric System (BES). In response, NERC has developed reliability
standards designed to regulate cold weather preparedness, ensure that
Generator Owners (GOs) maintain operational reliability during cold weather
events, and require that appropriate freeze protection measures be
implemented. NERC Standard EOP-011-2 is the current standard in effect. On
October 1, 2024, EOP-011-2 will retire and EOP-012-1 will become
enforceable, or possibly EOP-012-2, which has been filed and is currently
pending final regulatory approval.
EOP-012 AUDIT READINESS
REQUIREMENT R4: UNIT-SPECIFIC COLD WEATHER PREPAREDNESS PLAN (CWPP), TO
INCLUDE:
- Language and references to address EOP012-2 requirements
- ECWT
- Generating unit cold weather data
- Generating unit minimums
- Generator Cold Weather Critical Component list
- Freeze protection measures
- Annual inspection and maintenance of freeze protection measures
- Corrective Action Plan (CAP) strategy and process
REQUIREMENT R5: UNIT-SPECIFIC TRAINING, TO INCLUDE:
- References to NERC Standard EOP-012-2
- Historical significance of NERC Standard EOP-012-2
- Unit specific issues and concerns
WE CAN HELP
EOP-012 DEVELOPMENT & REVIEW
- Develop a robust, practical, audit ready CWPP
- CWPP that will point auditors to compliance
-
Develop practical training modules with 2 objectives:
- Educate unit personnel on EOP-012 (audit ready)
- Provide instruction on implementing the CWPP
COLD WEATHER PREPAREDNESS SITE WALKDOWN/AUDIT
- Review site configuration
- Identify freeze protection measures and recommend improvements
- ECWT assessment, including the effects of wind

COLD WEATHER AND WIND SPEED ENGINEERING EVALUATION
- Calculated ECWT
- Review historical operating data
- Review plant equipment and systems
- Conduct site interviews with plant personnel
- Provide documented engineering analysis (audit ready)