Document name
2012 Winterization Preparation Summary
Category
( ) Regional reliability standard
( ) Regional criteria
( ) Policy
( ) Guideline
( X ) Report or other
( ) Charter
Document date
January 28, 2013
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maintenance and
upkeep)
WECC Staff
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(
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) in effect
) usable, minor formatting/editing required
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) obsolete/archived)
2012 Winterization Preparation Summary
Report
W E S T E R N E L E C T R I C I T Y C O O R D I N A T I N G C O U N C I L • W W W . W E C C . B I Z
155 NORTH 400 WEST • SUITE 200 • SALT LAKE CITY • UTAH • 84103 -1114 • PH 801.582.0353
January 28, 2013
3
2012 Winterization Preparation Summary Report
Executive Summary
At the August 21-22, 2012 Operating Practices Subcommittee (OPS) meeting, OPS
members discussed the recommendations from the North American Electric Reliability
Corporation/Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC/NERC) Joint Inquiry of
February 2011 Cold Weather Event and concurred that WECC should send out a notice
reminding Transmission Operators (TOP) and Balancing Authorities (BA) of the
importance to review their individual Winterization and Cold Weather Preparation
Procedures. It was also agreed that this will be a recurring process each year.
The Winterization and Cold Weather Preparation survey was sent to 54 TOPs and 251
Generator Owner/Generator Operators (GO/GOP). Responses were received from 45
TOPs and 191 GO/GOPs.
Overview of Survey Responses
Most entities reported that their Winterization Plans included a review of lessons
learned after the winter season and that they incorporated those lessons learned as
they deemed appropriate.
Several entities who operate hydro facilities within the Western Interconnection reported
that they routinely expect and prepare for extreme cold winter weather. They noted that
hydropower is inherently different than thermal generation, and their units and ancillary
water systems are fully contained in large concrete structures that are not affected by
extreme weather.
Most entities also reported that their winterization plans include annual verification of
heat tracing circuits; verification of applicable blackstart unit availability during extreme
cold weather; verification of fuel sources of those facilities with duel fuel capability to
ensure sufficient alternate fuel on site to operate for any expected cold weather
duration. They also noted that they schedule routine tests to test dual fuel capabilities
periodically throughout the year.
Several entities reported that they annually conduct table-top exercises on emergency
response procedures executed during extreme weather and other emergency
situations. They also reported that they have communication protocols in place as part
of their business continuity process and these protocols are reviewed during table-top
drills conducted prior to the winter season.
Most entities reported that they maintain emergency plans for several scenarios
including winter readiness as part of their business continuity planning process. These
W E S T E R N E L E C T R I C I T Y C O O R D I N A T I N G C O U N C I L • W W W . W E C C . B I Z
155 NORTH 400 WEST • SUITE 200 • SALT LAKE CITY • UTAH • 84103 -1114 • PH 801.582.0353
January 28, 2013
4
emergency plans are reviewed and updated on a routine basis. Any winter readiness
issues and their status are evaluated annually and communicated by Plant
Management to affected employees.
Most Transmission Operators reported that routine inspections of all transmission
substation equipment by their Substation Operators and maintenance personnel
include:
 inspection of the integrity of heater strips;
 heater blankets;
 gas pressure; and
 system pressure with allowance for temperatures below freezing on BES
transmission facilities.
Most entities reported that winterization plans include increased operator inspection
rounds, inspecting critical equipment for proper operation. They also noted that power
plant operators utilize a winterization checklist to verify both common plant and
individual unit freeze protection elements. Winterization plans ensure adequate staffing
is in place in the event of anticipated cold weather.
Several entities reported that they review all planned work on the BES during times
when winter weather conditions are forecasted to ensure they are not compromising the
reliability of the transmission system. These entities noted that they will proactively
postpone planned outages during events to ensure system reliability. The entities allow
field resources to be available for event response and any maintenance activities are
communicated to adjacent systems.
Several entities reported that generating stations were all designed to operate in
extreme cold weather conditions and/or facilities were housed within indoor facilities
(i.e., the generating components were located inside heated buildings) subsequently
preventing instrumentation, water lines, and other water-filled systems from freezing.
Most entities reported their Winterization Plans included the conducting of winter drills
and training for operations personnel on the winter preparation/winter emergency plans.
In review of responses to the February 2011 Winter Event Survey, several entities noted
that they would provide training to operators in proper-load shedding procedures and
conduct periodic drills to maintain their load-shedding skills, and would review
communication protocols and notification during cold weather events. Follow up with
those entities by WECC staff indicated that all of those entities have completed these
training and review commitments with their staff.
Most of the entities reported that their Winterization Plans include an inventory review,
acquisition, and (if necessary) installation of required items such as emergency
supplies, torches, tarps, heat lamps, and other items. Inventory reviews are conducted
in October and early November timeframes.
W E S T E R N E L E C T R I C I T Y C O O R D I N A T I N G C O U N C I L • W W W . W E C C . B I Z
155 NORTH 400 WEST • SUITE 200 • SALT LAKE CITY • UTAH • 84103 -1114 • PH 801.582.0353
January 28, 2013
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Several entities reported that their plants are designed to operate for extended periods
of time at sub‐zero temperatures. However, cold weather preparation activities are
incorporated into plant work management systems for the seasonal generation of
preventive maintenance work orders that specifically address necessary and prudent
preparation for winter weather operation.
Based on the surveys submitted as of the date of this report, 79 percent of the
Registered Entities surveyed indicated that they have in place procedures and
processes to ensure operators are trained and generating and transmission facilities are
adequately prepared to operate during extreme cold weather conditions.
Winterization Planning Gaps Identified
WECC Staff is following up with those TOPs and GO/GOPs that did not respond to the
initial survey request and will be requesting responses.
It was also noted in several responses that entities reported that they did not have in
place any winterization plans because these extreme temperatures were unlikely to
occur. WECC staff will follow up with these entities to identify the risk of not preparing
for unlikely extreme weather conditions.
W E S T E R N E L E C T R I C I T Y C O O R D I N A T I N G C O U N C I L • W W W . W E C C . B I Z
155 NORTH 400 WEST • SUITE 200 • SALT LAKE CITY • UTAH • 84103 -1114 • PH 801.582.0353