Grid Code
Grid Code
ELECTRICITY GRID
CODE
REPUBLIC OF GHANA
JULY 2022
National Electricity Grid Code
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Interchange Management..........................................................................................60
Operating reserves criteria.............................................................................................60
Types of reserves...........................................................................................................60
Determination and allocation of operating reserves......................................................61
System voltage and reactive power criteria...................................................................62
Co-ordination of reactive power compensation.............................................................62
Basic reactive power compensation...............................................................................63
Supplementary reactive power compensation...............................................................64
Compliance of generating plants with instructions.......................................................64
Transmission operations planning.................................................................................65
Power system operating states.......................................................................................65
Normal State..............................................................................................................65
Alert State..................................................................................................................66
Emergency State........................................................................................................67
Extreme State.............................................................................................................67
Restorative State........................................................................................................68
Power system operation criteria.....................................................................................68
Power system frequency control....................................................................................69
Power system voltage control........................................................................................70
Protection co-ordination................................................................................................71
Appointment of agents and authorised communications...............................................72
Demand management....................................................................................................73
Automatic Frequency Load Shedding (AFLS)..............................................................73
Demand management in an Emergency Operating State..............................................74
Ancillary services..........................................................................................................74
Standards for ancillary services.....................................................................................75
Spinning reserves.......................................................................................................75
Non-spinning reserves...............................................................................................75
Voltage and reactive power control..........................................................................76
Black start capability.................................................................................................76
Dispatch, monitoring and testing of ancillary services..................................................77
Ancillary Services Agreement.......................................................................................78
Power system restoration...............................................................................................79
Restoration Plan........................................................................................................79
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Restoration Process...................................................................................................80
Outage/maintenance planning.......................................................................................81
General......................................................................................................................81
Requirements and exceptions to prior approval for outages.....................................82
Responsibility for preparation of outage plans.........................................................83
Outage planning process...........................................................................................84
Outage/maintenance coordination............................................................................85
Restoration or return of equipment into service........................................................86
Outage records and reporting...................................................................................86
Equipment testing..........................................................................................................87
Equipment identification and nomenclature..................................................................88
Communication systems and facilities..........................................................................89
ETU Communication Procedures..................................................................................90
Guidelines and requirements for notification................................................................90
Notification of planned ETU operations........................................................................91
Notification of Grid Participant operations...................................................................91
Notification of Alert conditions and events...................................................................91
Reporting of emergency, automatic or unplanned ETU operations..............................92
Routine monthly reporting.............................................................................................93
Quarterly and Annual reports........................................................................................93
Event and disturbance recording...................................................................................93
Disturbance monitoring requirements...........................................................................94
Monitored data..........................................................................................................95
Required Locations of recorders...............................................................................95
Incident and fault reporting...........................................................................................95
General......................................................................................................................95
Reporting of significant incident by Grid Participant...............................................95
Reporting of significant incidents by the ETU........................................................96
Guidelines for written reports...................................................................................96
Investigation of incidents...............................................................................................97
Investigation of significant incidents.............................................................................97
SECTION 10....................................................RENEWABLE ENERGY SUB-CODE
99
Background, Purpose and scope....................................................................................99
Technical Connection Conditions..................................................................................99
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Voltage Unbalance...................................................................................................103
Harmonics................................................................................................................103
Reactive Power Control (Q Control).......................................................................106
Power Factor Control (cosφ-Control)......................................................................107
Active Power Control..................................................................................................108
Frequency Response....................................................................................................108
High Frequency Response for VRPPs.....................................................................108
Primary and Secondary Frequency Control.............................................................109
Behaviour during Abnormal Voltage Conditions........................................................109
Low Voltage Ride Through (LVRT)/High Voltage Ride Through (HVRT)
Capability for VRPPs..............................................................................................109
Reactive Current Support During LVRT/HVRT Situations....................................110
Active and Reactive Power Behaviour During Voltage Recovery..........................111
Automatic Resynchronization......................................................................................112
Protection and Fault Levels.........................................................................................112
Communication and Control.......................................................................................113
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition..................................................................113
Section 11. SCHEDULING AND DISPATCH SUB-CODE...................................115
Background and scope.................................................................................................115
Demand Forecast.....................................................................................................115
Generation scheduling and dispatch.......................................................................116
Purpose........................................................................................................................116
Responsibilities of the ETU.........................................................................................116
Responsibilities of NITS Asset Owners......................................................................117
Responsibilities of Wholesale Suppliers.....................................................................117
Responsibilities of Distribution Companies, Bulk Customers and other off-takers....118
Demand forecast process.............................................................................................118
Generation margin.......................................................................................................119
Scheduling and dispatch criteria..................................................................................120
Scheduling and dispatch data.......................................................................................120
Merit order operation...................................................................................................121
Merit Order Table........................................................................................................122
Generation scheduling procedure................................................................................123
Preparation of the Generation Schedule......................................................................124
Adjustments to Generation Schedule...........................................................................125
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PART A: GENERAL PROVISIONS
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Section 1. Preamble .
Art 1.01 This Grid Code is issued by the Commission and it is based on the provisions of
sections 24, 27 and 28 of the Act, that work together to ensure the coordinated
operation of the high voltage transmission system within Ghana.
Art 1.02 The Grid Code describes the responsibilities and obligations associated with all
the functions involved in the supply, transmission and delivery of bulk electric power
and energy over the NITS including the functions of the ETU, a NITS Asset Owner,
a Wholesale Supplier, a Distribution Company and a Bulk Customer.
Art 1.04 Accordingly the operational and physical boundary of the NITS includes
(a) the disconnect switch on the high voltage side of a step-up transformer at
a generating station,
(b) all transmission lines, and
(c) substation equipment up to either the step-down transformer of a single-
user sub-station or the last shared-use feeder equipment.
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This shall exclude auxiliary equipment required for safe, reliable and efficient operation of the NITS by ETU.
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For the avoidance of doubt the term NITS incorporates all equipment which form
part of the high voltage transmission system irrespective of ownership or whether it
is dedicated to the service of an entity.
Art 1.06 The following provisions of Act 541 define the three legal instruments required
for the regulation of the NITS:
(a) Section 24 – Conditions of Transmission Licence;
(b) Section 27 – Standards of Performance for Public Utilities; and
(c) Section 28 – Technical and Operational Rules of Practice.
Art 1.07 The Parts of the Grid Code are generally organized according to the legal
instruments by which they are to be implemented.
Art 1.08 Part A of the Grid Code covers those provisions that are common to all the three
legal instruments. These legal instruments are Act 541, Electricity Transmission
(Technical Operational and Standards of Performance) Rules, 2008, LI 1934 and
Electricity Regulations, 2008, LI 1937. This Part, the General Provisions, contains a
definition of roles, responsibilities, terminology, exemptions and transitional
measures as well as arrangements for the governance and management of the Grid
Code.
Art 1.09 Part B of the Grid Code defines the Conditions of Transmission Licence. This
Part contains the sub-codes that deal with planning responsibility, renewable energy
and conventional supply, connection arrangements, rights and the requirements for
transparency and non-discrimination.
Art 1.10 Part C, the Rules of Practice, details the arrangements for system operations,
scheduling and safety.
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Art 1.11 Part D, the Standards of Performance, states the indicators and benchmarks for
quality and reliability of supply. It also contains the sub-code for metering which
describes the applicable standards and installation arrangements for metering.
Art 1.12 Part E, the Definitions, provides meanings and definitions for special words and
technical terms used in the text to bring out the meanings in the context that they
have been used in the Grid Code
Art 1.13 .Part F, the Technical Schedules, contains detailed technical information
relevant for the implementation of the Grid Code to guide the operation of the NITS.
Art 1.14 Despite the separation, the different Parts of the Grid Code are intended to be
consistent and complementary for the satisfactory delivery of transmission services.
Art 1.15 Nothing in this Grid Code precludes the application of evolving technologies
and processes as they become available.
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Section 2. Abbreviations .
BC..............................Bulk Customer
CT..............................Current Transformer
DC…………………...Distribution Company
GoG............................Government of Ghana
HV…………………...High Voltage
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POC…………………Point of Connection
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Background
Art 3.0 The open-access transmission service that is envisaged for the NITS requires
extensive coordination of the roles and responsibilities of the several actors to
successfully deliver the required service.
Art 3.02 The ETC of the Commission shall have the mandate to oversee the activities and
decisions of the ETU towards ensuring the attainment of the objectives of the NITS.
Art 3.03 A NITS Asset Owner shall design, construct, own and maintain the transmission
assets which will be used in providing transmission services in accordance with
prescribed standards and instructions of the ETU.
Art 3.04 A Wholesale Supplier shall construct, maintain and operate power plants in
accordance with the instructions of the ETU to provide supply through the NITS to
consumers.
Art 3.05 A Distribution Company that seeks to receive power from the NITS shall
design, construct, operate and maintain its network connected to the NITS in
accordance with
Art 3.06 A Bulk Customer that seeks to receive power from the NITS may design,
construct or maintain its network connected to the NITS in accordance with
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Art 3.07 Any construction work under paragraphs 1 or 2 shall only be carried out further
to the written approval of the Commission.
Art 3.08 A Grid Participant who may wish to import or export electricity through the
NITS from or to the electricity networks of neighbouring countries in the WAPP
shall do so in accordance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Energy Protocol, the
WAPP Operation Manual and this Grid Code.
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Art 3.11 The ETU shall collect information and statistics, publish reports and disseminate
information relating to the performance of the NITS.
Art 3.12 The ETU shall operate the NITS efficiently in accordance with the Grid Code.
Art 3.13 The ETU shall liaise with other bodies within Ghana that have regulatory
functions with respect to the power industry in order to ensure consistent and
effective development and application of the Grid Code.
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Art 3.18 A Distribution Company or bulk customer is responsible for the procurement
and deployment of adequate reactive power compensation and any other device to
meet its obligations under the Grid Code. Responsibilities of the ETC
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(b) ensure the effective and consistent application of the rules and standards
in the Grid Code;
(c) approve “Non-compliance Listing” and associated Compliance Plans
compiled by the ETU in accordance with Article 4.02;
(d) issue guidance on the interpretation and implementation of the Grid
Code;
(e) establish procedures for dispute resolution concerning the provisions of
the Grid Code and the use of the NITS;
(f) consider changes to the Grid Code in order to achieve sector objectives
and goals; and
(g) perform any other function conferred on it by the Grid Code.
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Scope
Art 4.0 This section defines the arrangements for the management and governance of the
provision of NITS services and for the implementation of the Grid Code.
Art 4.02 The ETU shall not accept any advice, directions or instructions that may have
the effect of subverting the fundamental principles of fairness, transparency, non-
discrimination and open access in the governance and management of the NITS.
Art 4.03 The ETU, as the ISO of the NITS, shall neither act nor be considered as a Grid
Participant in the NITS.
Art 4.04 The activities of the ETU shall be open for review by any interested Grid
Participant.
Art 4.05 The ETU shall be accountable to the ETC for the performance of the NITS and
compliance with the letter, spirit and intent of the Grid Code.
Art 4.06 A Grid Participant shall be a legal entity having a valid Connection Agreement
with the ETU for the purposes of :
(a) constructing, owning and providing NITS infrastructure or ancillary
services;
(b) injecting, wheeling, or off-taking power for its own use or for retail; or,
(c) exchanging power either with the electricity networks of neighbouring
countries or within the WAPP.
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Mandate of ETC
Art 4.08 The ETC shall oversee all technical operations, activities and transactions of
Grid Participants on the NITS and also supervise the performance of all the functions
of the ETU towards ensuring the fulfilment of its role as an ISO as required under
the Grid Code.
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Art 4.11 All proposals for Grid Code revisions shall be in writing and shall be sent to the
Commission with a copy to the ETU.
Art 4.12 The Commission shall receive, register and acknowledge all submissions and
pass on the proposals to the Secretariat of the ETC located at the Commission.
Art 4.13 The Secretariat of the ETC shall notify all Grid Participants and the ETU of all
such proposals and make copies accessible to them either over the internet or through
other appropriate means.
Art 4.14 The ETU shall within three months of its receipt of a revision proposal, provide
the ETC and the “Proposer” with its views, comments and advice on each proposal.
Art 4.15 The ETC shall consider each revision proposal at the next regular meeting and
make recommendations which shall be forwarded to the Commission.
Art 4.16 The Commission shall consider the submissions of the “Proposer”, the ETU and
the ETC and advise all the parties of its decision with written justifications.
Art 4.18 A Grid Participant may also lodge a complaint in writing with the ETC
Secretariat where it believes that the ETU or a Grid Participant is not acting in
accordance with the Grid Code.
Art 4.19 The ETC Secretariat shall receive, register and acknowledge all complaints.
Art 4.20 The ETC Secretariat shall promptly notify the relevant parties to the complaint,
the ETU and the ETC of the receipt of such a complaint and make copies of the
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complaint accessible to them either over the internet or through other appropriate
means.
Art 4.21 All affected parties shall, within three months of their receipt of a complaint,
provide the complainant, the ETU and the ETC with their views, comments and
responses to the complaint.
Art 4.22 The ETC shall consider each complaint at the next regular meeting and in
accordance with its procedures for dispute resolution make recommendations to the
parties for the amicable resolution of the complaint or dispute.
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PART B: CONDITIONS OF
TRANSMISSION LICENCE
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Publication of procedures
Art 5.01 The ETU shall develop and publish in detail all the requirements, qualifications
and administrative procedures to be fulfilled or followed by those seeking to be
provided services by the ETU.
Art 5.02 The requirements shall include all technical standards for connection equipment,
communication, operating parameters and performance benchmarks for service
provision.
Art 5.03 The qualifications shall include all legal, financial and technical qualifications to
be fulfilled.
Art 5.04 The procedures shall include all administrative, financial, technical and any
other procedures to be followed prior to the commissioning of the connection as well
as the obligations of the Grid Participant for the continued operation of the
connection.
Art 5.05 The Commission shall make readily available to the public copies of the Grid
Code and all related publications upon the payment of a published fee.
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Transparency criteria
Art 5.07 The ETU shall conduct all its affairs as an ISO that follows well publicised
rules, regulations and procedures that are known to all interested parties such that all
its actions are predictable and in accordance with the Grid Code.
Art 5.08 There shall be transparency in all ETU decisions, procedures, application of
rules, regulations and charges of the ETU regarding participation in the development
of the NITS, connections to the NITS, utilisation of NITS’ services, allocation of
resources and costs of service provision.
Art 5.09 To ensure transparency regarding access, use and operation of the NITS only
fees and charges that have previously been published by the ETU may be levied on
applicants or Grid Participants and the dispatch of generating plants shall follow
strictly the procedures prescribed in the Scheduling and Dispatch Sub-Code.
Art 5.10 The primary function of the ETC is ensuring transparency, consistency and
fairness for all Grid Participants, in which regard, the ETC may demand and consider
justifications and explanations for the ETU’s actions and decisions and may direct
the review or revision of any ETU action or decision.
Art 5.11 In furtherance of the transparency objective, the following rules shall apply to
the performance of the functions of the ETC:
(a) the agenda for meetings of the ETC shall reflect the priorities of all the
stakeholders and shall be announced and made public well in advance;
(b) the dates and places of meetings shall be announced;
(c) any interested Grid Participant shall be allowed to be physically present
at any meeting (except when discussing individuals or appointments) to
observe the proceedings where decisions are taken; and
(d) the minutes of meetings and documentation shall be published within 10
working days.
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Art 5.12 The ETU may delegate or contract the functions associated with performance
monitoring and merit-order dispatch to independent companies or persons provided
they are not likely to have a “conflict of interest” towards entrenching a non-
discriminatory, fair and competitive environment.
Art 5.13 The ETU shall only delegate or contract independent parties for the performance
of any of those other functions that could influence the nature of open access and
competition within the NITS.
Art 5.14 The ETU may contract or delegate to a Grid Participant any technical function
that does not influence the outcome of the competitive environment.
Art 5.16 The ETU may in the situation of emergency use its discretion and good
judgment in making decisions on any matter on which this Grid Code does not
contain complete or adequate stipulations. The exercise of any discretionary powers
or judgment shall however be fully justified by providing in writing at the same time
that such decision is issued, corresponding principled arguments and rationale for the
decision.
Art 5.17 The principles and rationale for any discretion exercised or judgement issued by
the ETU shall be published and made available to any person upon request.
Art 5.18 Any person who believes that a discretionary decision taken by the ETU is either
inconsistent with the principles of the NITS, discriminatory or not sufficiently
transparent may appeal to ETU.
Art 5.19 Any person who is not satisfied with the decision of the ETC may request for a
review by the ETC.
Art 5.20 The ETC shall hear the arguments and either approve or recommend a
reconsideration of the decision.
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Art 5.21 A discretionary decision or judgment once approved by the ETC shall be
considered as a precedent which shall be applied uniformly and equally to all similar
situations unless explicitly reversed or revised in writing.
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Art 6.03 The ETU shall discharge all functions relating to the planning and coordination
of grid developments. The ETU shall arrange for the performance of studies and with
the use of a power sector master plan developed by the Commission formulate and
present a ten-year plan of transmission development (the Grid Development Plan).
The ETU shall keep the plan updated regularly to take care of revisions in actual and
forecast demand in a power sector master plan and transmission transfer capacity.
Art 6.04 The planning activities leading to the Grid Development Plan shall be
undertaken sufficiently in advance so that all prudent and required steps for
coordination, design, construction and commissioning of the needed facilities are
performed without disturbing the delivery of power over the NITS and so that all
stakeholders have an opportunity to contribute to all the steps.
Art 6.05 The planning process shall also provide sufficient time for the preparation of
designs and proposals so that all interested persons have an adequate non-
discriminatory opportunity to participate in any invitation to build or supply the
facilities.
Art 6.07 The draft Grid Development Plan shall be submitted to the ETC for approval
prior to any commitments being made for its implementation.
Art 6.08 The ETC shall monitor the implementation of the approved Grid Development
Plan, and any modifications to the plan shall be submitted to the ETC for approval
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Art 6.09 The planning criteria for the grid shall be based on a network security
philosophy that has been submitted to and agreed with the Commission as well as the
guidelines below.
Art 6.10 The NITS shall be capable of withstanding the following contingency outages
without contravening NITS Performance Standards:
(a) outage of any single transmission plant or equipment or line segment; and
(b) outage of any one generating unit or power in-feed or out-feed from any
cross-border or regional interconnection such as WAPP.
Art 6.11 Any of the events defined in Art 7.09 shall not cause:
(a) loss of supply;
(b) unacceptable high or low voltage outside the specified limits;
(c) unacceptable overloading of transmission elements;
(d) prolonged operation with system frequency outside the specified
performance and reliability limits; and,
(e) system instability.
Art 6.13 Grid planning studies shall also be conducted to assess the impact of any
proposed addition or change of equipment in the NITS or in a Grid Participant’s
facility that is connected or is to be connected to the NITS.
Art 6.14 The purpose of such studies shall be to identify the technical specifications or
corrective measures needed to eliminate any potential non-compliance with the Grid
Code that may result from such changes or additions.
Art 6.15 The standard studies to be performed shall include the following:
(a) Load Flow studies to evaluate the behaviour of the NITS for existing and
proposed NITS facilities under minimum and maximum loads;
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(b) Short Circuit studies to evaluate the effect on equipment of the NITS
due to the connection of new generating plants, lines and other facilities
which are likely to result in increased fault duties on the equipment;
(c) Voltage Stability Analysis to determine if the grid is vulnerable to
voltage collapse;
(d) Steady State Stability Analysis to determine if the NITS is vulnerable to
small-signal stability problems; and
Art 6.16 Additional analyses, such as for reliability, transient stability or electromagnetic
transient studies which may be required, shall be performed when determined by the ETU
to be necessary.
Art 6.18 The Standard Planning Data generally shall include the prime technical
characteristics of generation and transmission facilities as well as forecast data on
energy and capacity demand for each connection point or NITS node.
Art 6.19 In addition to Standard Planning Data, Detailed Planning Data as specified in the
Technical Schedule TS-P or other specific details shall also be provided by any Grid
Participant within thirty days of being requested by the ETU.
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Art 7.01 The Connection Sub-code aims to ensure that the basic rules and conditions for
connection and access to the NITS or to a Grid Participant’s system or facility are
clear, transparent, fair and non-discriminatory. It is also to provide Grid Participants
with an assurance of service provision whilst also ensuring secure and reliable
operation of the NITS and all other facilities.
Principles
Art 7.03 This Sub-code is based on the following principles relating to connection to the
NITS:
(a) provided they satisfy all requirements in this Sub-Code, all Wholesale
Suppliers, Distribution Companies and permitted Bulk Customers
shall have the opportunity to connect to the NITS and have fair and
equitable access to the services provided by the ETU;
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(b) the terms and conditions under which connection to the NITS and
provision of service is to be granted shall be set out in a commercial
agreement designated as the Connection Agreement entered into between
the ETU and the Grid Participant;
(c) the operations under this Sub-code should result in the achievement of
i) long term benefits to Grid Participants in terms of costs and
reliability of the NITS, and
ii) open communication and information flows between the ETU and
Grid Participants while ensuring the security of confidential
information belonging to Grid Participants;
(d) no facilities shall be connected without a minimum arrangement for
communications, metering and protective relaying being in place.
Art 7.04 The ETU shall not assume any responsibility for the protection of a Grid
Participant’s plant or equipment or any other portion of the Grid Participant’s
electrical equipment. A Grid Participant shall be responsible for protecting its
equipment in such a manner that faults or other disturbances in the NITS do not
cause damage to the Grid Participant’s equipment.
Art 7.05 A Grid Participant shall ensure that faults or other disturbances in its Facility do
not cause damage to the NITS or other Grid Participant’s Facility.
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(d) comply with the power system performance and quality of supply
standards as described in Technical Schedule TS-L and the Connection
Agreement between Grid Participants and the ETU;
(e) ensure that to the extent that a Connection Point relates to its part of the
NITS, every arrangement for connection with a Grid Participant or any
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(d) ensure that all facilities which are owned, operated or controlled by it
and are associated with a Connection Point at all times comply with
applicable requirements and conditions of connection for Grid
Participants and in accordance with the Connection Agreement with the
ETU;
(e) provide to the ETU information on energy and power demand forecasts
as specified in the relevant sections of the Grid Code;
(f) permit and participate in inspection and testing of facilities and
equipment in accordance with the provisions of the Grid Code;
(g) permit and arrange for the witnessing and participation of the ETU and
the relevant NITS Asset Owner in the commissioning or re-
commissioning of facilities and equipment which are to be connected to
the NITS
(h) operate its facilities and equipment, at all times, in accordance with the
instructions of the ETU; and
(i) provide prior notice of any intended voluntary disconnection in
accordance with the provisions of this Sub-code.
(j) Ensure that all embedded generators of capacity 1MW and above
provides relevant communication and data acquisition system linked to
the ETU’s SCADA system
Art 7.12 The ETU shall provide NITS Asset Owners with the requirements for the
complete telecommunication equipment that is required for monitoring and control
within the NITS.
Art 7.13 A NITS Asset Owner shall provide the complete telecommunication equipment
prescribed by the ETU for monitoring and control of all Connection Points within the
NITS.
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Art 7.14 Every grid participant shall put in place cyber security systems in collaboration
with the ETU to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operation of the NITS
Art 7.16 The Remote Terminal Unit shall be compatible with the Master Station protocol
and in accordance with the requirements and specifications defined by the ETU.
Art 7.17 The Grid Participant shall also provide, if necessary, other related equipment
and interfaces for interconnection with the SCADA system of the ETU.
Art 7.20 The ETU shall lodge with the Commission, the PURC and any other- relevant
regulatory authority, copies of
(a) the Connection MOU and any subsequent revisions to the Connection
MOU within thirty days after its conclusion, and
(b) the Connection Agreement within thirty days after its conclusion.
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Art 7.21 A Grid Participant seeking a modification of an existing connection to the NITS
shall, prior to commencement of modification works of the existing connection to the
NITS,
(a) apply for the modification of an existing connection in accordance with
Articles 7.30 and 7.31,
(b) submit to the ETU a Connection Modification Proposal in accordance
with Article 7.33, and
(c) sign a Connection Modification MOU with the ETU.
Art 7.22 The applicant shall negotiate and execute an Amended Connection Agreement
with the ETU before completion of the modification works.
Art 7.23 The ETU shall lodge with the Commission, the PURC and any other relevant
regulatory authority, copies of
(a) the Connection Modification MOU and any subsequent revisions to the
Connection Modification MOU within thirty days after its conclusion,
and
(b) the Amended Connection Agreement within thirty days after its
conclusion.
Art 7.25 The ETU shall develop the required technical studies for evaluating the impact
on the Grid of any proposed new connection or modification to an existing
connection.
Art 7.26 A Grid Participant may indicate whether it wishes the ETU to undertake
additional technical studies and shall bear the cost of any additional technical studies
it requires of the ETU.
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Art 7.28 The ETU shall disapprove an application for connection or a modification to an
existing connection if the Grid Impact Studies show that the proposed development
will result in unacceptable degradation of the NITS.
Art 7.29 To enable the ETU carry out the necessary detailed Grid Impact Studies, a Grid
Participant may be required to provide the data as specified in the relevant sections
of the Planning and Connection Sub-Codes and any additional data that may be
specified by the ETU.
Art 7.32 The Applicant shall submit to the ETU the completed application form for a new
connection or modification of an existing connection to the NITS and pay the
published application fee to the ETU.
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Art 7.34 The ETU shall evaluate the application and inform the applicant whether the
proposed Grid Participant’s development is acceptable or not within sixty days from
the date of submission of the completed application.
Art 7.35 If the application is acceptable, the ETU shall approve the Connection Proposal
or the Connection Modification Proposal and sign a Connection MOU or a
Connection Modification MOU, as the case may be, with the Applicant.
Art 7.36 If the application is not acceptable, the ETU shall notify the applicant stating
why the application is not acceptable. The ETU shall include in its notification
suggestions on how the application could be improved and made acceptable.
Art 7.37 The applicant may revise and resubmit the application as it deems appropriate
and the ETU shall reconsider the resubmission.
Art 7.38 If the ETU and the applicant cannot reach agreement on the proposed
connection or modification to an existing connection, any of the Parties may bring
the matter to the attention of the ETC for resolution.
Art 7.40 The applicant shall thereafter secure all regulatory permits and licences before
commencement of construction of the facility
Art 7.41 The applicant and the ETU shall negotiate and execute a Connection Agreement
or Amended Connection Agreement, as the case may be, before the completion of
construction. The Connection Agreement or the Amended Connection Agreement
shall however only come into force after the satisfactory construction and
commissioning of the facility and the issuance by the ETU of a Certificate of
Approval to Connect.
Data Registration
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Art 7.44 Once a Connection MOU or Connection Modification MOU is signed, the
Preliminary Project Planning Data as may have been amended during the
consideration of the relevant Proposal shall become the Committed Project Planning
Data, and shall be utilised in the evaluation of other similar applications and in the
preparation of the Grid Development Plan.
Art 7.45 The Committed Project Planning Data shall be updated, conformed and replaced
with validated actual values of parameters and information about the facility at the
time of commissioning and shall be transformed to become the Connected Project
Planning Data.
Art 7.46 The Connected Project Planning Data shall be registered to replace the
Committed Project Planning Data that had hitherto been utilised in the evaluation of
other applications for a new connection or modification of existing connection and in
the preparation of the Grid Development Plan.
Data forms
Art 7.47 The applicant, in consultation with the ETU, shall complete and submit the
forms for all data requirements in fulfilment of either a Connection MOU or
Connection Modification MOU, as the case may be.
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Commissioning
Requirement to inspect and test equipment
Art 7.49 Any new or replacement equipment to form part of or to be connected to the
NITS shall be inspected and tested by the ETU to demonstrate that it complies with
relevant Standards, the provisions of the Grid Code and any relevant Connection
Agreement prior to or within an agreed time after being connected to the NITS, and
the relevant NITS Asset Owner is entitled to witness such inspections and tests.
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Art 7.51 The procedure for any tests shall be jointly agreed, scheduled and performed by
the applicant or Grid Participant and the ETU.
Art 7.52 Where the tests are considered to be successful and the installation ready for
connection, the applicant or Grid Participant shall submit to the ETU, a statement of
readiness to connect, which shall include the test results and the Pre-commissioning
report.
Art 7.53 The ETU may within fourteen days after the receipt of the statement of readiness
to connect, perform at its sole discretion, any tests it deems necessary so as to accept
or decline the statement of readiness to connect.
Art 7.54 Upon acceptance of the statement of readiness to connect received from an
applicant or Grid Participant, the ETU shall issue a Certificate of Approval to
Connect and arrange to connect the facility at the convenience of the applicant or the
Grid Participant as may be appropriate.
Art 7.55 The physical connection to the NITS shall be made only after the Certificate of
Approval to Connect has been issued by the ETU.
Art 7.56 Valid test certificates shall be produced on the demand of affected Grid
Participants or within an agreed time thereafter, showing that the equipment has
passed the tests and complies with the required standards before connection to a
network.
Commissioning Tests
Art 7.57 The relevant NITS Asset Owner and the ETU shall witness commissioning tests
relating to new or replacement equipment that could reasonably be expected to alter
performance of the power system or the accurate metering of energy.
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Art 7.58 The relevant NITS Asset Owner and the ETU shall, within a reasonable period
of receiving advice of commissioning tests, notify the Grid Participant whose new or
replacement equipment is to be tested to witness or observe the commissioning tests
and finds the proposed commissioning time to be suitable.
Art 7.59 A Grid Participant whose new or replacement equipment is tested under this
provision shall submit to the relevant NITS Asset Owner and the ETU the
commissioning test results demonstrating that a new or replacement equipment
complies with the provisions of the Grid Code or the relevant Connection Agreement
or both to the satisfaction of the relevant NITS Asset Owner and the ETU.
Art 7.60 If the commissioning tests conducted in relation to a new or replacement item of
equipment demonstrates non-compliance with one or more requirements of the Grid
Code or the relevant Connection Agreement then the Grid Participant whose new or
replacement equipment was tested shall promptly meet with the ETU to agree on a
process aimed at the achievement of compliance of the relevant equipment with the
provisions of the Grid Code.
Art 7.61 The ETU may independently or at the request of a Grid Participant direct that
the commissioning and subsequent connection of the particular equipment must not
proceed if the relevant equipment does not meet the technical requirements and
applicable standards.
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Art 7.63 Not less than four months prior to the proposed commencement of
commissioning of a new or replacement equipment (other than replacement by
identical equipment) that could reasonably be expected to alter performance of the
power system, the Grid Participant shall submit to the ETU sufficient design
information including proposed parameter settings to allow critical assessment and
analytical modelling of the effect of the new or replacement equipment on the
performance of the power system.
Art 7.64 The ETU shall consult with other relevant Grid Participants as appropriate and
within twenty working days of receipt of the design information notify the Grid
Participants of any comments on the proposed parameter settings for the new or
replacement equipment.
Art 7.65 The ETU and the affected Grid Participants shall consult and agree on the
parameter settings.
Commissioning program
Art 7.66 Not less than three months prior to the proposed commencement of
commissioning by a Grid Participant of any new or replacement equipment that
could reasonably be expected to alter performance of the power system, the Grid
Participant shall advise the relevant NITS Asset Owner and the ETU in writing of
the commissioning program including test procedures and proposed test equipment
to be used in the commissioning.
Art 7.67 The relevant NITS Asset Owner and the ETU shall, within fifteen working days
of receipt of such advice notify the Grid Participant either that it agrees with the
proposed commissioning program and test procedures or that it requires changes in
the interest of power system security, safety or quality of supply.
Art 7.68 If the NITS Asset Owner or the ETU require changes, then the parties shall co-
operate to reach agreement and finalize the commissioning program within a
reasonable period.
Art 7.69 A Grid Participant shall not commence commissioning until the commissioning
program has been finalized.
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Art 7.70 The relevant NITS Asset Owner and the ETU shall not unreasonably delay
finalizing a commissioning program.
Art 7.72 The Electrical Diagrams shall provide an accurate record of the layout and
circuit connections, ratings, identification of equipment and related apparatus and
devices at the Connection Point.
Art 7.73 The ETU shall provide each Grid Participant with an Electrical Diagram for all
the equipment on the NITS side of the Connection Point, in accordance with the
requirements of the Connection Agreement or Amended Connection Agreement.
Art 7.74 The ETU shall prepare and distribute the composite Electrical Diagram for the
entire Connection Point.
Art 7.75 The ETU shall specify the format to be followed in the preparation of the
Electrical Diagrams for any Connection Point.
Art 7.76 All Symbols used in Electrical Diagrams shall be in accordance with IEC 60617
Standards as updated.
Art 7.78 The Electrical Diagrams shall represent, as closely as possible, the physical
arrangement of the equipment and their electrical connections.
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Art 7.79 The title block of the Electrical Diagram shall include the names of authorized
persons together with provisions for the details of revisions, dates and signatures.
Art 7.81 If the modification involves the replacement of existing equipment, the revised
Electrical Drawing shall be provided to the ETU and other affected Grid Participants in
accordance with the requirements of the Amended Connection Agreement.
Art 7.82 The revised Electrical Diagram shall incorporate the new equipment to be
added, or the replacement for existing equipment. .
Art 7.83 The Composite Electrical Diagram prepared by the ETU in accordance with the
provisions of this Sub-code shall be the Electrical Diagram to be used for all
operation and planning activities associated with the Connection Point.
Art 7.84 If a dispute involving the accuracy of the Composite Electrical Diagram arises, a
meeting between the ETU and the Grid Participant or any other relevant parties shall
be held as soon as possible, to resolve the dispute.
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to suffer an adverse effect, then the first Grid Participant may complain to the ETU
who may enter the relevant facility for the purpose of investigating the situation in
order to assess compliance with the technical obligations under the Grid Code.
Art 7.86 The ETU or any of its authorized representatives may, at any time and without
notice, inspect a facility of a Grid Participant and the operation and maintenance of
that facility in order to:
(a) assess compliance by the relevant Grid Participant with its operational
obligations under the Grid Code or an ancillary services agreement;
(b) investigate any possible past or potential threat to power system security;
or
(c) conduct any periodic familiarization or training exercise associated with
the operational requirements of the NITS.
Art 7.87 The ETU shall within seven (7) days report findings and results of the inspection
carried out to the complaining Grid participant.
Art 7.88 Where the equipment is determined by the tests to be non-compliant with the
relevant Connection Agreement or the Grid Code, all reasonable costs of such tests
shall be borne by the Grid Participant that owns the facility.
Right of testing
Art 7.89 A Grid Participant who has reasonable grounds to believe that its equipment or
facilities may not comply with the Code shall give the ETU adequate prior notice of
the intention to conduct a test in respect of equipment within the Grid Participant’s
facility.
Art 7.90 A Grid Participant who has reasonable grounds to believe that equipment or
facilities owned by others may not comply with the Code or the Connection
Agreement may request testing of the relevant equipment by giving notice in writing
to the ETU.
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Art 7.91 The ETU shall notify the relevant Asset Owner and may conduct either by itself
or by contract or otherwise arrange for the relevant test(s) to be conducted at a time
suitable to the ETU and the Asset Owner, if the Asset Owner’s involvement is
necessary.
Art 7.92 The costs of such tests shall be borne by the Grid Participant that requested the
test, unless the equipment is determined by the tests to be non-compliant with the
relevant Connection Agreement or the Grid Code, in which case all reasonable costs
of such tests shall be borne by the Owner of that facility.
Art 7.93 Tests shall be conducted using test procedures agreed between the relevant
parties, which agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
Art 7.94 Tests shall be carried out only by persons with the relevant skills and
experience.
Art 7.95 The Grid Participant who requests a test under this Section may appoint a
representative to witness the test and the representative so appointed shall be
provided with all the necessary information, schedules and procedures by the ETU to
enable that representative follow the stages of the test as it is being conducted.
Art 7.96 An accredited testing officer or expert who conducts a test shall within two
weeks, submit a report to the Grid Participant who requested the relevant test, the
ETU and the Asset Owner
Art 7.97 The ETU shall submit copies of the report to any other Grid Participant who is
likely to be affected by the results of the test within two weeks of receiving the
report.
Art 7.98 The ETU may, at the request of a Grid Participant and subject to the other
provisions of this Sub-code regarding entry and inspection instruct an Asset Owner
to arrange and attach a test or monitoring equipment to its plant.
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Art 7.99 In carrying out a monitoring directive, the performance of the monitored plant or
equipment shall not be constrained in any way.
Art 7.100 Notwithstanding any provisions in this section, the ETU may undertake
equipment testing at any time it deems necessary.
(a) promptly notify the relevant Grid Participant and the ETU of that fact;
(b) promptly advise the Grid Participant and the ETU of the remedial steps it
proposes to take and the timetable for such remedial work;
(c) diligently undertake such remedial work and report at monthly or any
other reasonable intervals to the Grid Participant and the ETU on progress
of implementing the remedial action; and
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(d) conduct further tests and monitoring on completion of the remedial work
to confirm compliance with the relevant technical requirement.
Art 7.104 If a Grid Participant or the ETU reasonably believes that a generating unit is
not complying with one or more technical requirements of the Grid Code and the
relevant Connection Agreement, the ETU may instruct the Wholesale Supplier to
conduct tests to demonstrate that the relevant generating unit complies with those
technical requirements.
Art 7.105 Where the tests provide evidence that the relevant generating unit continues to
comply with the technical requirement(s), the Grid Participant or the ETU (as
appropriate) shall reimburse the Wholesale Supplier for the reasonable expenses
incurred as a direct result of conducting the tests.
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and make these records available to the relevant Grid Participant and the ETU on
request.
Art 7.110 A Grid Participant shall conduct protection system tests as follows:
(a) prior to the plant at the relevant Connection Point being placed in
service; and
(b) at intervals specified in the Connection Agreement or in accordance with
a plan agreed between the ETU and the Grid Participant.
Art 7.111 A Grid Participant shall bear its own costs of conducting tests under this
Section.
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Art 7.116 If the ETU determines that the proposed test does fulfil one of the conditions
specified above or in its reasonable opinion, the test could threaten public safety,
damage or threaten to damage equipment or adversely affect the operation of the
power system, the ETU may:
(a) direct the proposed test procedure to be modified or that the test
rescheduled or both following which the ETU shall issue the appropriate
Test Permit.
(b) disapprove the test with reasons, if the procedure cannot be modified to
satisfy Art. 8.123.
Art 7.117 The ETU shall advise any other Grid Participant who might be adversely
affected by a proposed test and take into consideration any reasonable requirements
of those Grid Participants when approving the proposed test.
Art 7.118 A Grid Participant who conducts a test under this Section shall ensure that the
person responsible for the coordination of the test promptly advises the ETU when
the test is complete.
Art 7.119 If the ETU approves of a proposed test, the ETU shall use its best endeavours
to ensure that power system conditions reasonably required for that test are provided
as close as is reasonably practicable to the proposed start time of the test and
continue for the proposed duration of the test.
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Art 7.120 Within a reasonable period agreed between the ETU and the Grid Participant
after any such test has been conducted, the Grid Participant who has conducted a test
must provide the ETU with a report in relation to that test, including full test results
where appropriate or requested by the ETU.
Art 7.122 Adequate notice of not less than thirty days shall be given by the ETU before
the proposed date of a test as indicated above.
Art 7.123 The ETU shall ensure that the tests are conducted at a time which will
minimize the departure from the commitment and dispatch schedule that are due to
take place at that time.
Art 7.124 A Wholesale Supplier shall provide any reasonable assistance requested by the
ETU in relation to the conduct of the tests.
Art 7.125 Tests conducted under this Section shall be conducted in accordance with test
procedures agreed between the ETU and the relevant Wholesale Supplier and a
Wholesale Supplier shall not unreasonably withhold its agreement to test procedures
proposed for this purpose.
Art 7.126 A Wholesale Supplier shall bear its own costs associated with tests conducted
under this Section and no compensation shall be payable for financial losses incurred
as a result of these tests or associated activities.
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Art 7.129 Operational conditions for each test shall be arranged by the ETU and the test
procedures shall be coordinated by an officer nominated by the ETU who has the
authority to stop the test or any part of it or vary the procedure within pre-approved
guidelines if that officer considers any of these actions to be reasonably necessary.
Art 7.130 Each Grid Participant shall cooperate with the NITS Asset Owner(s) and the
ETU when required during the planning, preparation and conduct of tests on the
NITS to assess the technical performance of the transmission network and, if
necessary, conduct coordinated activities to prepare for power system-wide testing or
individual on-site tests of a Grid Participant's facility or plant, including the
disconnection of a generating unit.
Art 7.131 The ETU may direct changes in operation of generating units during power
system tests if this is deemed necessary to achieve operational conditions on the
NITS which are reasonably required to achieve valid test results.
Art 7.132 The ETU shall plan the timing of tests so that the variation from schedule
dispatch that would occur is minimized and the duration of the tests is as short as
possible and consistent with test requirements and power system security.
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Art 7.134 Subject to the terms of the relevant Connection Agreement, a Grid Participant
is entitled to request voluntary permanent disconnection or decommissioning of its
equipment from the NITS, in which case appropriate operating procedures necessary
to ensure that the disconnection will not threaten power system security must be
implemented in accordance with the provisions of the Grid Code.
Art 7.135 The ETU shall perform studies to determine the impact of voluntary
disconnection of a Grid participant’s facility to enable the ETU establish any threat
to the power system as a result of the voluntary disconnection
Art 7.136 The Grid Participant shall pay all costs including the cost of grid impact study
directly attributable to the voluntary disconnection and decommissioning.
Decommissioning Procedures
Art 7.137 In the event that a Grid Participant's facility is to be permanently disconnected
from the NITS, the ETU, the relevant Asset Owner and the Grid Participant shall,
prior to such disconnection occurring, coordinate and follow an agreed procedure for
the disconnection.
Art 7.138 The Asset Owner shall notify the ETU and any other Grid Participant with
whom the ETU has a Connection Agreement if it believes, in its reasonable opinion,
that the terms and conditions of such a Connection Agreement will be affected by the
procedures for disconnection or proposed procedures agreed with any other Grid
Participant. The parties shall negotiate any amendments to the procedures for
disconnection or any amendments to the Connection Agreement that may be
required.
Involuntary Disconnection
Art 7.139 The ETU or a NITS Asset Owner may without the prior consent of any
affected Grid Participant, disconnect a Grid Participant's facilities from the Grid
under any of the following conditions:
(a) during an emergency in accordance with the provisions of the Grid
Code;
(b) in accordance with applicable laws, order of the law courts; or
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Art 7.141 In carrying out its obligations above where there is more than one Grid
Participant involved, the ETU shall, to the extent practicable,
(a) implement an equitable sharing of the reconnection of facilities up to the
power transfer capability of the network, and,
(b) in performing these obligations, both the ETU and the relevant Asset
Owner shall, to the extent practicable, give priority to reconnection of
sensitive loads.
Art 7.142 All disconnections of a Grid Participant’s facilities other than those required
during an emergency, shall be undertaken in an orderly manner and include a request
to the relevant Grid Participant to reduce the power transfer level at the proposed
point of disconnection to zero prior to disconnection at the appointed time.
Obligation to reconnect
Art 7.144 The ETU shall reconnect a Grid Participant's facility to the NITS as soon as
practicable if
(a) it is reasonably satisfied that there no longer exists an emergency due to
which the Grid Participant’s facility was disconnected under this Section
of the Grid Code;
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(b) it is satisfied that there no longer exists a reason for the disconnection
under applicable laws or the Grid Participant’s Connection Agreement; or
(c) any of the following conditions are met:
i) a Code breach giving rise to disconnection has been remedied,
ii) where the breach is not capable of remedy, compensation has been
agreed and paid by the Grid Participant to the affected parties or,
failing agreement, the amount of compensation payable has been
determined in accordance with the dispute resolution procedure of
the ETC and that amount has been paid,
iii) where the breach is not capable of remedy and the amount of
compensation has not been agreed or determined, assurances for the
payment of reasonable compensation have been given to the
satisfaction of the ETU, the Asset Owner and the affected parties,
or
iv) the Grid Participant has taken all necessary steps to prevent the re-
occurrence of the breach and has delivered binding undertakings to
the ETU or the NITS Asset Owner that the breach will not re-occur.
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Art 8.01 The purpose of this Operations Sub-Code is to define the general arrangements,
obligations of the ETU, Grid Participants, policies, criteria and procedures needed to
ensure the coordinated operation of the NITS in a manner consistent with the
security of supply and reliability requirements as set out in Technical Schedule TS-L
taking into account any expected or real constraints on the generation and
transmission systems.
Art 8.02 This sub-code shall apply to the ETU, all Grid Participants and their agents.
Art 8.03 All entities to whom this Sub-code applies shall adopt Prudent Utility Practice at
all times to ensure reliable and satisfactory operation of the NITS.
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constructional activities in the transmission system and schedules registered with the
ETU are handled efficiently by taking them into consideration in the planning of
daily operational activities.
Art 8.07 In performing the operations planning function the ETU shall take into account
the maintenance cycle of plant and equipment and prepare annual, monthly, weekly
and daily operational plans to achieve the required objectives.
Art 8.08 The ETU shall at all times have a set of current plans, which are based on
evaluated options and implement these plans to ensure that NITS reliability is
maintained.
Art 8.09 The ETU shall measure, record and account for all power and energy flowing or
interchanged over the NITS and shall install and operate devices of acceptable
accuracy at each input and output node or feeder of the NITS for the purposes stated
in Articles 9.10 - 9.18.
Generation Management
Art 8.10 The ETU shall operate sufficient generation capacity under automatic control to
meet its obligation to continuously balance power demand and supply in real-time in
accordance with the stipulated reliability and quality of service standards.
Voltage Management
Art 8.11 The ETU, in operating the transmission system, shall schedule generating plant
reactive power outputs and procure reactive compensation as necessary to maintain
the voltages at all NITS nodes and substations within established limits, as stipulated
in Technical Schedule TS-L.
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Art 8.12 Each generating plant shall be capable of continuous operation within the
stipulated power factor range to support voltages under normal and contingency
conditions.
Art 8.14 Each Wholesale Supplier, wherever possible, shall contribute to frequency
regulation in order to achieve the required balance.
Art 8.15 Operating limits for frequency deviation and time error shall be established with
NITS reliability as first priority.
Art 8.16 Each Wholesale Supplier shall participate in time error correction procedures
and the ETU shall coordinate the time error correction procedures.
Interchange Management
Art 8.17 Each Wholesale Supplier shall, through daily schedule verification and the use
of reliable metering equipment, accurately measure, control and account for all
energy and power interchanges.
Art 8.18 Recognizing generation and load patterns, each Grid Participant shall be active
in preventing inadvertent interchange accumulation.
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Types of reserves
Art 8.20 Operating Reserves are that generation capability above firm system demand
that are required to meet the standards of an adequately responsive system for
regulation, load forecasting error, mismatch between generation and demand,
equipment forced outages and scheduled outages. Operating reserves consist of
spinning reserves and non-spinning reserves.
Art 8.21 Spinning reserve consists of the unloaded generation capacity, which is
synchronized and ready to automatically serve additional demand without human
intervention in order to arrest a drop of system frequency due to an instantaneous
mismatch between generation and demand. It shall include and consist primarily of
the additional output from currently operating generating plant that is realizable in
real time and can be provided steadily for at least one hour.
Art 8.22 Non-spinning reserve is that generating capacity not operating or synchronised
to the system but which is available to serve demand within thirty minutes of being
requested so to do. Specifically, Non-spinning reserve shall comprise the steady
output available from a generating unit that can be synchronized to the NITS and
loaded up within the specified period to respond to an unexpected demand increase
or loss of generation or transmission capacity.
Art 8.24 The Spinning Reserve at any time shall be large enough to enable the grid
withstand any one of the following events:
(a) the loss of the generating unit currently producing the highest amount of
power within the NITS, or
(b) the loss of generation capacity that could result from any single
transmission equipment failure, fault or other contingency, or
(c) the loss of any power in-feed from an interconnected system,
whichever is the largest.
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Art 8.25 The ETU shall allocate and distribute the required Spinning Reserves among the
generating units operating within the NITS such that the grid is able to withstand any
single contingency.
Art 8.26 The ETU shall determine the amount of Non-spinning Reserve that is required
within the NITS and allocate and distribute this requirement among any available
generating units provided the generating unit can be synchronized and put on line
within the stipulated time of thirty (30) minutes.
Art 8.27 The security of supply from the NITS especially under certain contingency
conditions, depends on the reliable and prompt start-up of Non-spinning Reserves
whenever required. Accordingly, a grid participantdesignated or allocated as part of
the Non-spinning Reserves shall ensure its readiness to start-up and generate its full
allocated power within the stipulated period. A grid particitant that fails to meet this
obligation shall be in breach of the Grid Code and shall be liable for penalties as
provided for under the Electricity Market Rules.
Art 8.29 Operations planning of the grid shall also assume that all generating units
connected to the NITS are capable of continuous operation at a power factor of 0.85
lagging and 0.95 leading at rated active power output.
Art 8.30 Operations planning for the NITS shall ensure that voltages are maintained
within the stipulated range, provided loads and generating plants abide by the above
requirements.
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Art 8.32 The ETU shall instruct the use of voltage control devices and also despatch the
reactive power output of generating units to meet the requirements as economically
as possible.
Art 8.34 All generation units shall be designed to be capable of continuous operation or
in-feeding power at a power factor between 0.95 leading and 0.85 lagging as a
normal requirement. Such reactive power compensation generally referred to as the
“Basic Reactive Power Compensation” shall be to the account of the ETU as part of
the general cost of operating the NITS.
Art 8.35 The ETU shall co-ordinate with each generation plant the setting of generating
unit operating points and the use of voltage control equipment to maintain
transmission voltages as specified in Technical Schedule TS-L.
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Art 8.37 The ETU shall schedule, provide, procure and/or despatch supplementary
reactive power compensation as necessary to maintain system voltage within limits
during normal operations as well as during grid contingency conditions.
Art 8.38 The normal provision of reactive power requirements by any generating plant
shall be without compensation but dispatch instructions for operation beyond the
standard requirement shall attract compensation payments from the ETU as provided
under the Electricity Market Rules.
Art 8.40 The Operators of the generating plants shall inform the ETU of any difficulties
in meeting the agreed voltage levels or in providing the reactive power compensation
requirements.
Art 8.41 The generating plants shall in addition ensure that automatic voltage regulators
and other such devices are continuously in service and inform the ETU accordingly
whenever a generating unit is operating without its automatic voltage regulator or
any such devices.
Art 8.42 The inability or unwillingness of the Operators or owner of a generating plant to
comply with the valid instructions of the ETU (i.e. to operate at any point within the
stipulated limits) shall constitute a breach of the Grid Code for which penalties and
surcharges may be assessed and applied as stipulated Technical Schedule TS – C:
Art 8.44 The transmission operations planning studies shall be made on a coordinated
basis to determine:
(a) the configuration and operating characteristics of facilities necessary for
satisfactory operation of the NITS; and
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(b) the operating limitations for normal operation when all transmission
components are in service and also under abnormal or emergency
conditions.
Art 8.45 Transmission operations planning shall be in accordance with and satisfy the N-
1 contingency criteria.
Art 8.46 Periodic studies shall be undertaken to determine the Emergency Transfer
Capability of interconnection transmission lines.
Alert State
Art 8.48 The NITS shall be considered to be in an Alert State when any one of the
following conditions exist:
(a) the system operating reserve is less than the required margin;
(b) the system frequency is outside the limits for the Normal State, but
within 49.0Hz to 51.0Hz;
(c) the N-1 contingency criterion is violated;
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(d) the voltage at any NITS bus is outside the limits of ±5% of the
nominal value but within the limits of ±10% of the nominal value;
(e) there is critical loading or imminent overloading of transmission
lines or substation equipment;
(f) a weather disturbance has impacted the NITS, which may affect its
operations ;
(g) cyber security threat; or
(h) a social unrest or public order problem exists, which may pose a
threat to NITS operations.
Art 8.49 The ETU shall declare the power system to be in an Alert State when any of the
above conditions exist on the NITS and all Grid Participants shall coordinate their actions
to restore the NITS to the Normal State.
Art 8.50 Once an Alert State has been declared, the ETU may take such action as it
determines appropriate, including:
(a) cancelling all planned maintenance or other work affecting the
security of the NITS;
(b) cancelling and denying requests for or deferring approved outages;
(c) directing that parts of the NITS be returned to service, as required;
and
(d) operating at security limits appropriate for an Alert State.
Emergency State
Art 8.51 The NITS shall be considered to be in an Emergency State when a multiple
contingency system condition has occurred without resulting in a total system
collapse, in addition to the existence of any one of the following conditions:
(a) there is a generation deficiency; or
(b) NITS transmission voltages are outside the limits of ±10% of the nominal
value; or
(c) the loading level of any transmission circuit or substation equipment is
above 110% of its continuous rating.
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Art 8.52 The ETU shall declare the power system to be in an Emergency State when any
of the above conditions specified for an Emergency State exists on the NITS or when
the ETU determines that there exists a situation which has an adverse effect on
electricity supply or which poses a significant threat to system security.
Art 8.53 During an Emergency State, all Grid Participants shall coordinate their actions
to restore the NITS to the Normal State.
Art 8.54 Once an Emergency State has been declared, the ETU shall operate within the
security limits appropriate for an Emergency State which shall include taking such
necessary action as the following:
(a) cancelling all maintenance or other planned work affecting the
security of the NITS;
(b) cancelling, denying requests for or deferring approved planned
outages;
(c) directing that transmission or generation facilities be returned to
service; and
(d) operating to security limits appropriate for an Emergency State.
Extreme State
Art 8.55 The NITS shall be considered to be in an Extreme State when corrective
measures taken by the ETU during an Emergency State have failed to maintain the
security of the NITS and has resulted in either cascading trips, islanding and/or
system collapse.
Restorative State
Art 8.56 The NITS shall be considered to be in Restorative State when generating units,
transmission lines, substation equipment and loads are being energized and
synchronized to restore the Grid to its Normal State.
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Art 8.58 The NITS shall be operated and maintained to meet the operating limits and
benchmarks stipulated in Technical Schedule TS-L including other Reliability and
Performance Standards under the Grid Code.
Art 8.59 The Security and Reliability of the NITS shall be determined based on a Single
Contingency criterion which is that the NITS shall continue to operate in the Normal
State following the loss of any one generating unit, a transmission line or a
transformer.
Art 8.60 The system frequency shall be controlled by the spinning reserve during the
Normal State and by the timely use of non-spinning reserve and demand
management practices during the Alert State and the Emergency State.
Art 8.61 The NITS shall be operated at adequate security levels to reduce vulnerability to
transient instability, dynamic instability and voltage instability problems.
Art 8.62 Adequate spinning reserve and non-spinning reserve shall be available to
stabilize the NITS and facilitate the restoration to the Normal State following a
disturbance leading to loss of generating capacity.
Art 8.64 The ETU shall ensure that adequate load shedding facilities that could be
initiated automatically by frequency conditions are available and in service to
facilitate the restoration of the power system to a Normal State following significant
contingency events.
Art 8.65 All Grid Participants shall be required to provide and maintain all required
facilities consistent with Prudent Utility Practice and to operate equipment in a
manner so as to:
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Art 8.67 To assist in the effective control of power system frequency by the ETU,
(a) The authority to control and direct the output of generating units
shall rest with the ETU;
(b) Each generating unit in operation on the power system shall
provide spinning reserve for primary frequency regulation as a normal
requirement and the provision of such spinning reserve shall be without
compensation. The percentage of each generating unit capacity which
shall provide this spinning reserve shall be determined by the ETU and
reviewed annually;
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(e) The ETU shall procure adequate ancillary services to cater for the
impact of potential power system disruptions on the power system
frequency arising from the most critical single contingency event; and
(f) The ETU shall ensure that adequate facilities are available at all times
and are under its direction to allow for the managed recovery of the NITS
to its Normal State whenever required.
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(f) If voltages are outside acceptable limits, and the means of voltage
control are exhausted, the ETU shall take all other reasonable actions,
including directing changes to demand, selective load shedding,
additional generation or reduction in transmission line flows but only to
the extent necessary to restore the voltages to within the relevant limits
and all Grid Participants shall comply with any such directions;
(g) Sufficient data acquisition equipment with suitable indicators shall
be available to the ETU and generating plants to monitor system voltage
levels, load-tap-change settings, reactive power flow and status of
reactive power supply resources; and
(h) The ETU shall arrange, coordinate and supervise the conduct of
appropriate tests to assess the availability and adequacy of the provision
of reactive power to control and maintain power system voltages under
Normal, Alert and Emergency States.
Protection co-ordination
Art 8.70 Relaying at Connection Points shall be of primary concern to the ETU because
the satisfactory operation of the NITS, especially under abnormal conditions, is
dependent upon the relay equipment and relay schemes in effect..
Art 8.71 A Grid Participant shall design, implement, coordinate and maintain its
protection system to ensure the desired speed, sensitivity and selectivity in clearing
faults on the Grid Participant’s side of the Connection Point.
Art 8.72 The NITS shall have adequate and coordinated primary and backup protection at
all times to limit the magnitude of Grid disturbances when a fault or equipment
failure occurs.
Art 8.73 Where there is an outage of one protection system of a transmission element, the
ETU shall determine, in consultation with the relevant NITS Asset Owner, the most
appropriate action to take.
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Art 8.74 Where there is an outage of both protection systems on a transmission element
and the ETU determines this to be an unacceptable risk to power system security, the
ETU may take the transmission element out of service as soon as possible and advise
the relevant NITS Asset Owner immediately of the action undertaken.
Art 8.75 The ETU shall coordinate the necessary inspections and tests to ensure that the
protection of the power system is adequate to avoid damage to power system plant
and equipment.
Operating Personnel
Art 8.76 The ETU shall be responsible for all persons who operate any equipment on the
NITS.
Art 8.77 No person(s) shall directly operate equipment forming part of or directly
connected to the NITS, irrespective of ownership, unless such person(s) have been
accessed and certified by the ETU as qualified to do so.
Art 8.78 All person(s) certified by the ETU to operate equipment forming part of or
directly connected to the NITS shall periodically attend refresher programs to be
organised by the ETU, for which the periodicity shall be determined by the ETU.
Art 8.80 A Grid Participant that has appointed a Grid Participant Agent may replace that
Grid Participant Agent but only with a prior written consent of the ETU.
Art 8.81 The ETU may only withhold its consent to the appointment of a Grid Participant
Agent if it reasonably believes that the appointed agent is not suitably qualified or
experienced to coordinate operation of the relevant facility at the interface with a
transmission network.
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Art 8.82 The ETU may appoint a person to carry out operations on its behalf at the
interface of the NITS with the Grid Participant’s facilities.
Art 8.83 The ETU and its representative (including authorised agents) may rely on any
communications given
(a) by a Grid Participant Agent as being given by the relevant Grid
Participant; and
(b) to a Grid Participant Agent as having been given to the relevant Grid
Participant.
Demand management
Art 8.85 This section of the Operations Sub-Code applies to situations on the NITS
where:
(b) operating challenges that affect the ability to serve load exist, or
Art 8.86 The section identifies actions that the ETU may take or may direct Grid
Participants to take to assist in achieving reductions in demand to either avoid or
alleviate such situations.
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Art 8.88 All Grid Participants with the exception of Wholesale Suppliers shall provide
AFLS facilities to enable automatic interruption of load.
Art 8.89 The AFLS scheme shall be implemented in accordance with the philosophy
stipulated in Technical Schedule TS-A.
Art 8.90 The ETU, in consultation with Grid Participants, shall develop a Demand
Management Guidelines Manual which shall include the basis for exclusions to
demand management activities that are undertaken during under-frequency
conditions. The manual shall be updated as and when necessary.
Art 8.91 Following load shedding to maintain the frequency of the NITS, the ETU shall
communicate conditions on the power system to all affected Grid Participants within
60 minutes after the action.
Art 8.92 No Grid Participant shall restore load that has been shed until directions have
been received from the ETU permitting it to do so and the Grid Participant shall
commence the restoration of load immediately following receipt of such direction.
Art 8.93 Each Grid Participant shall, as soon as practicable, provide the ETU with an
estimate of the demand reduction that has occurred as a result of an AFLS operation.
Art 8.94 When an Emergency Operating State has been declared by the ETU, the actions
available to the ETU to safeguard the security of the NITS may include issuing
directions to a Grid Participant to take manual action to reduce demand for
electricity.
Art 8.95 A Grid Participant that receives a directive from the ETU to reduce demand
shall achieve the reduction in demand within five (5) minutes of receipt of the
directive and shall, as soon as practicable, notify the ETU that it has done so.
Art 8.96 The Grid Participant that has reduced its demand shall not restore it until
directions have been received from the ETU permitting it to do so and the Grid
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Art 8.97 Where demand reduction within a Grid Participant’s network may not be
adequate to relieve dangerous system conditions, the ETU may instruct block load-
shedding or resort to tripping of feeders or transformers at bulk supply substations.
Ancillary services
Art 8.98 The ETU shall ensure the availability and adequacy of ancillary services to
support the transmission of energy from generating sources to loads while
maintaining, reliable operation of the transmission system in accordance with
Prudent Utility Practice.
Art 8.99 The ETU shall operate to ensure that sufficient ancillary services are available to
satisfy the performance and reliability standards of the Grid Code.
Art 8.100 The requirements for ancillary services shall be adjusted from time to time by
the ETU to take into account factors including variations in power system conditions,
real-time dispatch constraints, contingency events, the prevailing risk or vulnerability
level of the NITS and the results of assessments of voltage and dynamic stability.
Art 8.101 The ETU shall determine the ancillary services requirements of the NITS using
demand forecasts for the time frame for which the ancillary services are to be
provided.
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capable of governor control and equipped with AGC facilities to respond to control
signals from the ETU Dispatch Centre.
Art 8.104 The ETU shall determine the total amount of AGC capacity required through
studies that identify the amount of reserves and regulation required to meet system
performance and reliability standards and by considering the likely variation in load
over the period.
Art 8.105 A generating unit that provides AGC regulation service shall meet the
following criteria:
(a) the generating unit must be capable of responding to direct control
signals from the ETU’s Dispatch Centre in both an upward and
downward direction;
(b) the output of the generating unit must be capable of being
monitored continuously by the ETU through observation of the
generating unit's AGC status which shall be observable, indicating
whether the generating unit is on AGC or not; and
(c) the generating unit must be capable of delivering the full amount of
regulating capacity contracted in both the upward and downward
directions within the time limit defined by the ETU.
Non-spinning reserves
Art 8.106 Non-spinning reserves which are required to maintain power system security
in the event of NITS or generation outages shall be provided from unsynchronized
generating units capable of being started, synchronized and loaded within the time
frame defined by the ETU.
Art 8.108 Notwithstanding Art. 8.107, a Wholesale Supplier that receives capacity
payments from its customer shall contribute to non-spinning reserve without
receiving additional payment for provision of this Ancillary Service.
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Art 8.109 The ETU shall determine the total amount of non-spinning reserve capacity
required to meet system performance and reliability standards and the determination
of this requirement shall be a function of the largest generating units and load blocks
on the system, as well as the combined system demand.
Art 8.111 The ETU shall conduct technical studies based on the quantities, characteristics
and locations of forecast demand to determine the quantities and locations of reactive
support required to maintain voltage levels and reactive margins within the required
standards
Art 8.112 Reactive power compensation and voltage control service shall be provided by
contractually committing to the ETU the ability to reserve and dispatch the reactive
power output of a generating unit and reactive power compensation devices.
Art 8.113 Every generating unit shall provide a minimum amount of reactive power to
the ETU, in accordance with the Grid Code and relevant Connection Agreements.
Art 8.115 Generating plants with Black Start capability are required to enable restoration
of the power system to a Normal State following a complete or partial failure of the
power system.
Art 8.116 The ETU shall prepare an emergency power system restoration plan and
determine the quantities and locations of Black Start generating units that are
required. The determination of Black Start requirements for the NITS shall be made
based on contingency studies performed in the preparation of the emergency
restoration plan which studies shall, at a minimum, take into account the following:
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Art 8.117 The ETU shall secure adequate Black Start capacity by contractually
committing self-starting generating unit capacities which shall be used to restore
service to the transmission system after a blackout.
Art 8.119 Any information that is brought to the attention of the ETU, either by way of
direct communication with an ancillary service provider, or through other data shall
be logged.
Art 8.121 Where the ETU determines that a Grid Participant has not responded to its
instruction or there is an apparent deficiency in terms of ancillary service
performance, the Grid Participant shall in the first instance be contacted and the
deficiency discussed. The ETU shall record any reasons offered for the deficiency or
non-responsiveness.
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for review by the ETC and the Grid Participant advised to that effect. Logged details
shall include specific information offered by the Grid Participant and all other
evidence that is available.
Art 8.124 The ETU may direct a Grid Participant to provide ancillary services agreed to
be provided under a Connection Agreement and a Grid Participant so directed shall
use reasonable endeavours to comply with any such direction.
Art 8.125 Unless otherwise agreed between the Parties, payment by the ETU under an
Ancillary Services Agreement may contain but shall not be limited to:
(a) components based on either or both of the contracted capabilities
and a measure of the ancillary service actually provided;
(b) a component reflective of demonstrable opportunity cost (i.e. lost
revenue or opportunity) incurred by the Grid Participant in providing the
ancillary service; and
(c) a component to provide the Grid Participant with a fair return in
respect of any additional direct costs associated with providing the
ancillary service.
Art 8.126 A Grid Participant shall not unreasonably refuse to provide ancillary services.
Art 8.127 The ETU shall, through the System Operations Manual, develop methods and
procedures to determine, control and monitor the performance of Grid Participants
who provide ancillary services.
Art 8.128 The ETU shall randomly monitor and check each provider of ancillary service
for compliance, in accordance with the requirements of the system.
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Art 8.129 When justifiable in terms of power system security, the ETU may direct any
Grid Participant to provide an ancillary service where the Grid Participant’s plant is
capable of doing so.
Art 8.130 The ETU shall offer compensation to a Grid Participant in respect of the
ancillary services provided where:
(a) the ETU directs a Grid Participant to provide ancillary services and the
Grid Participant provides the ancillary services; and
(b) there is no Ancillary Services Agreement in place with that Grid
Participant in respect of the required ancillary service;
Art 8.131 If compensation offered for provision of ancillary services is not accepted by
the Grid Participant and the level of compensation cannot be agreed, the Grid
Participant may seek a determination of a reasonable level of compensation in
accordance with the dispute resolution procedures of the Grid Code.
Art 8.133 Following a system collapse, the ETU shall coordinate power system
restoration in an orderly and secure manner.
Art 8.135 The Power System Restoration Plan shall cover elements as the ETU
determines necessary to implement effective restoration of the power system
including:
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(a) plans for managing major disturbances on the power system that
result in partial or total system collapse;
(b) plans for the testing and verification of emergency preparedness
facilities and procedures; and
(c) description of the roles of the ETU and various participants in the
power system restoration plan.
Art 8.136 The objective of the Power System Restoration Plan shall be to ensure that in
the event of a partial or total collapse normal supply is restored to all customers as
quickly and as safely as practicable in accordance with Prudent Utility Practice.
Art 8.137 The Power System Restoration Plan and associated procedures shall be
developed in consultation with all Grid Participants, and shall be reviewed and/or
updated at least annually, whenever changes are made in the power system
configuration or more frequently if required.
Art 8.138 Where an outside source of power is necessary for start-up, necessary
switching procedures shall be determined and reviewed periodically with
dispatchers and the operating personnel;
Art 8.139 It shall be the responsibility of each Grid Participant to ensure that any of its
personnel who may reasonably be expected to be involved in power system
restoration are familiar with, and are adequately trained and experienced in the
procedures to be carried out and shall have sufficient authority to be able to
implement the plan and comply with any instructions issued by the ETU.
Art 8.140 The ETU and all relevant Grid Participants shall verify the restoration
procedure by actual testing or by simulation.
Restoration Process
Art 8.141 The ETU shall issue instructions for generating plants with Black Start
capability to initiate a Start-up.
Art 8.142 Upon receipt of the instruction from the ETU, Grid Participants providing
Black Start shall start-up immediately to energize a part of the NITS and/or
synchronize to the NITS.
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Art 8.143 The ETU shall issue directions to Grid Participants in restoring the power
system following major disturbances and each Grid Participant shall be responsible
for carrying out such ETU directions in accordance with the provisions of the Power
System Restoration Plan.
Art 8.144 The ETU shall coordinate the rate that load is restored to prevent adding load
faster than generation and transmission capabilities permit.
Art 8.145 During total or partial collapse and as conditions are being brought back to
normal, the system may be operated outside normal voltage and frequency standards.
Art 8.146 The ETU shall inform all Grid Participants after completing the restoration of
the NITS, that the Emergency State no longer exists and that the NITS is back to
Normal State and normal scheduling and dispatching operations shall then be
resumed.
Outage/maintenance planning
General
Art 8.147 The purpose of this section of the sub-code is to enable the ETU to review,
assess, coordinate, control and manage the impact of outage schedules on the
fulfilment of its reliability-related obligation of the NITS.
Art 8.148 The section defines the responsibilities of the various parties with regards to
the outage planning process. It provides for the notification of outage requirements,
the permitting of outages and identification of the categories of equipment whose
outage requires notification or permission prior to withdrawal from service. It
requires Grid Participants to obtain the approval of the ETU in respect of planned
outage schedules, permits the ETU to reject, defer and recall outages that may have
an unacceptable impact on the reliability of the NITS and provides for certain
consequences following the cancellation of outages.
Art 8.149 The ETU shall ensure that generation and transmission equipment outages are
planned and coordinated to maximize resource utilization and to minimize down-
time all in the pursuit of reliable service and least operating cost.
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Art 8.150 The planning of the temporary or final shutdown of equipment shall be
undertaken sufficiently in advance to enable technical contingency measures to be
implemented.
The ETU may amend from time to time and publish in the System Operations
Manual, the full description of the equipment and facilities which require outage. .
Art 8.152 Grid Participants may not remove from service the equipment and facilities
described in Article 9.149 other than in accordance with this section, unless such
removal from service is necessary to prevent substantial damage to the Grid
Participant’s equipment, facilities or the environment or to protect the safety of
employees or the public.
Art 8.153 If any equipment or facilities are removed from service for any of the reasons
stated in Article 9.151, the Grid Participant shall
(a) promptly advise the ETU by phone giving the specific reasons for such
action, and
(b) thereafter notify the ETU in writing within 24 hours.
Art 8.154 All schedules for equipment outages shall require the prior approval of the
ETU .
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Art 8.155 Outage of generation facilities having a nameplate rating of less than 5MW do
not need to be reported to or scheduled with the ETU unless the generation facility
has been designated by the ETU as affecting the reliability of the NITS.
Art 8.156 The ETU may, upon request, exempt certain additional facilities and equipment
from the application of the outage reporting and scheduling obligations set forth in
this section where the ETU determines that the granting of such an exemption is not
inconsistent with the reliable and efficient operation of the NITS.
Art 8.157 A Grid Participant may submit an exemption request to the ETU at any time;
however, a Grid Participant that has submitted an exemption request shall continue
to comply with the outage reporting and scheduling obligations with respect to the
facilities or equipment that they wish to be exempted until the ETU has notified its
approval or otherwise of the exemption request.
Art 8.159 The ETU shall, among other things, prepare the following outage plans:
Art 8.160 The ETU shall take the following into account during the preparation of outage
plans:
(a) forecast demand and the requirements of the NITS;
(b) the needs for maintenance of grid components;
(c) the maintenance program actually implemented;
(d) the request by Grid Participants for changes in their maintenance
schedules;
(e) the need to minimize the total cost of the maintenance activity;
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Art 8.162 A Grid Participant shall provide the ETU with its Outage Needs for the next
three years by June 15th of the preceding year.
Art 8.163 The Outage Needs shall include the following information which shall also be
provided whenever a Grid Participant wishes to request for an outage on its
equipment or facilities:
(a) identification of the equipment and the capacity to be affected;
(b) brief operational contingency and impact assessment;
(c) time to restore the element in an emergency;
(d) a description of the maintenance work to be carried out;
(e) the expected duration of the maintenance work;
(f) an indication of the preferred start date for the outage and the
expected completion date for the work; and
(g) an indication of whether there is flexibility in dates, the earliest
start and the latest completion dates.
Art 8.164 Based on the Outage Needs information submitted, the ETU shall prepare an
Initial Outage Plan for the next year and a Provisional Outage Plan for a further two
years.
Art 8.165 Whereas the ETU, in preparing the outage plans, shall endeavour to
accommodate Grid Participants’ requests for particular dates, the Outage Needs
submitted by a Grid Participant only represent a preference which shall be subject to
the scheduling considerations of the ETU.
Art 8.166 Where the Outage Needs of Grid Participants are in conflict or are
incompatible with the service requirements of the NITS such that they cannot be
accepted by the ETU, the ETU shall within four(4) weeks of receipt inform the
affected Grid Participants and suggest, for their consideration, alternatives that
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resolve the conflict following which the affected Grid Participants shall submit
revised Outage Needs.
Art 8.167 Upon receipt of the revised Outage Needs, the ETU shall circulate the Initial
Outage Plan to Grid Participants not later than September 15 th of the preceding year,
including all the Outage Needs provided by Grid Participants.
Art 8.168 The ETU shall consult with affected Grid Participants over any unresolved
conflicts, prepare and issue by the 1st day of December to all Grid Participants and
the Commision, the committed Outage Plan for the forth coming year.
Art 8.169 The committed Outage Plan shall comprise a list indicating the planned outages
by Grid Participants and the associated facility or equipment that have received the
ETU’s planning approval.
Art 8.170 Outage Needs that are not included in the approved annual Outage Plan shall
be deemed to have been denied by the ETU.
Outage/maintenance coordination
Art 8.171 Towards the coordinated implementation of their individual maintenance
programs, each Grid Participant shall develop in accordance with the committed
Outage plan, monthly Outage Requests which specify the details of the maintenance
program for each week of the month.
Art 8.172 The Outage request for each month shall be submitted to the ETU at least thirty
(30) days before the work planned is to start.
Art 8.173 The ETU shall approve all monthly Outage requests that are in accordance with
the committed Outage plan unless unforeseen conditions make it unwise or
unacceptable from the reliability, security or safety perspective for the outage to
proceed.
Art 8.174 The ETU shall furnish the Commission and PURC with the approved monthly
outage plan ten (10) days before the commencement of the month.
Art 8.175 A Grid Participant who no longer intends to proceed with a committed Outage
shall notify the ETU and any withdrawn outages may only be added to the outage
plans of subsequent months at the sole discretion of the ETU.
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Art 8.176 The ETU may deny, defer or cancel a previously approved outage if it
determines, in accordance with system reliability, security or safety criteria that the
planned outage poses a significant risk to the satisfactory operation of the NITS such
that it would not be prudent for the outage to proceed.
Art 8.177 Where the ETU cancels or denies a planned Outage from proceeding, it shall
inform the affected Grid Participant as soon as practical and cooperate with the Grid
Participant to arrange for the re-scheduling of the activity at the Grid Participant’s
earliest convenience.
Art 8.178 The ETU may, where necessary to maintain the reliability of the NITS in
extreme emergency conditions, recall a planned outage that has already commenced.
Art 8.179 The ETU shall not recall an ongoing planned outage unless it has first
cancelled, deferred or rejected requests for approval of all other planned outages the
cancellation, deferral or rejection of which could eliminate the need to recall the
ongoing planned outage and yet further control action is required.
Art 8.180 A Grid Participant whose ongoing planned outage has been recalled shall
arrange for the accelerated return to service of the facility or equipment in
accordance with the instructions of the ETU.
Art 8.183 The ETU shall, at the end of every quarter, provide a report indicating the
following with respect to outages and any related disputes :
(a) list of all forced outages that occurred during the period, including
planned outages that have been deemed as forced outages because they
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exceeded their approved duration and differentiating the outage types and
provide the reasons for each outage;
(b) a list of all planned outages;
(c) a list of all outages where the approval of the ETU was withdrawn,
including recalled outages together with the reasons for such withdrawal,
and a record of whether the Grid Participant submitted the matter to the
dispute resolution process;
(d) a list of all outages which were withdrawn by the Grid Participant prior to
commencement of the outage; and
(e) such other outage-related information as may be requested by the ETC.
Art 8.184 Any planned outage that takes place at a time or times other than the time
period approved by the ETU, including outages that extend beyond the time
approved by the ETU, shall be considered and reported as a forced outage and
referred to the ETC.
Equipment testing
Art 8.185 The testing or trial-running of any equipment, plant or facilities which could
adversely affect the stability, reliability or security of NITS services or the safety of
personnel or cause damage to equipment connected to the NITS shall require the
prior approval of the ETU.
Art 8.186 Tests for which the approval of the ETU is required shall include:
(a) the deliberate application of short circuits;
(b) generating plant capacity tests,
(c) stability tests of generation plants, such as turbine over-speed tests,
governor response tests and load-rejection tests;
(d) actions such as line and equipment trip tests;
(e) changes to the configuration of the NITS; and
(f) commissioning tests of new generation facilities and re-commissioning
tests of existing generation facilities.
Art 8.187 A Grid Participant who wishes to engage in any such test, shall submit a
request to the ETU including all the information needed and requested by the ETU
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and any other parties that are likely to be affected to assess the potential impact. As
a minimum, the information provided shall identify:
(a) the rationale for the tests;
(b) the equipment involved;
(c) the test method, system configurations or setup and relevant details
of contracts or agreements as they relate to the test activities;
(d) preferred and alternative dates and times for the conduct of the test;
(e) the expected impact of the test activities on power flows, voltage
and frequency, and of any other network characteristics that could affect
the stability and reliability of the NITS, including details of the steps or
precautions to be taken so as to minimize the negative impact on the
NITS and its users;
(f) details of special readings, curves, plots or observations, as
available; and
(g) the names, designation and affiliation of personnel who will be
involved in the test activities and methods of communication with those
who may be contacted in this respect.
Art 8.188 The request for the proposed test shall be made at least 14 days in advance of
the proposed test date to allow for the needed co-ordination and assessment by the
ETU to take place. No such test shall commence without the specific approval of the
ETU.
Art 8.189 The ETU shall permit a test referred to in this section to be performed unless
the ETU determines that the performance of the test poses an unacceptable level of
risk or that it will have an intolerable adverse impact.
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Art 8.191 All Grid Participants shall apply the common nomenclature system developed
by the ETU to code, number, and otherwise identify all NITS substations, plant and
equipment that form part of the NITS or are directly connected to the NITS.
Art 8.192 The nomenclature shall be used in all technical drawings, operations,
instructions, notices and other documents.
Art 8.193 A Grid Participant shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure that its
representatives comply with the nomenclature standards in any operational
communications with the ETU.
Art 8.194 A Grid Participant shall ensure that name plates on its equipment at any point
within the NITS conform to the nomenclature standards and that the nameplates are
maintained to ensure easy and accurate identification of equipment.
Art 8.195 The ETU may, by notice in writing, request a Grid Participant to change the
existing numbering or nomenclature of transmission equipment and apparatus of the
Grid Participant for purposes of uniformity, and the Grid Participant shall comply
with such a request provided that if the existing numbering or nomenclature
previously conformed with the nomenclature standards, the ETU shall pay all
reasonable costs incurred by the Grid Participant in complying with the request.
Art 8.197 The ETU and all Wholesale Suppliers, Distribution Companies and Bulk
Customers shall provide adequate and reliable telecommunication facilities,
including telephone, electronic mail, internally and with other Grid Participants
(where appropriate) to ensure the exchange of information necessary to maintain
system reliability. When possible, these facilities shall be redundant and diversely
routed.
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Art 8.199 Operating instructions and procedures shall be established by each Grid
Participant to enable operations to continue during the loss of communication
facilities.
Art 8.201 All Grid Participants shall give reasonable prior notice to all who may be
affected by operational actions, such as switching or parameter adjustments that they
intend to execute. The notice shall be given sufficiently in advance to allow others
to consider the impact and prepare.
Art 8.203 Where there is insufficient time before the scheduled operation for notification
to be given in writing, then the notification shall be communicated by voice call to
enable the action to be taken without delay followed by a written confirmation of the
notification soon after the action has been completed.
Art 8.204 A notification shall include the name, position and other identification of the
individual issuing the notice.
Art 8.205 The individual issuing the notice shall be competent and capable of discussing
the technical merits, alternatives and implications of the notice.
Art 8.206 The issuing individual shall respond promptly and fully to any questions or
requests for clarification or additional information.
Art 8.207 The recipient of the notification may ask questions to clarify the notification
and the giver of the notification will, as far as is able, answer any questions raised.
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Art 8.208 While in no way limiting the specific requirements for notification as set out in
this section, the ETU and Grid Participants shall review from time to time the
operations and events that require notification.
Art 8.210 The notification shall give details of the operation to be carried out, the
intended time and the expected or possible impact and effect to be experienced.
Art 8.211 The notice shall also suggest the corresponding actions expected of the
recipient of the notification, if any.
Art 8.213 The ETU may use the information gathered from the Grid Participant’s
notification in notifying any other Grid Participant whose facility or operations, in
the reasonable opinion of the ETU, is likely to be affected by the issued (Grid
Participant) notification.
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Art 8.215 The ETU shall assess the risks and potential impact on the NITS as soon as it
becomes aware of any condition that poses a risk to grid operations.
Art 8.216 The ETU, if it considers it necessary, shall declare a state of Alert and notify all
Grid Participants who may be affected and the Commission accordingly with such
information as the ETU deems appropriate.
Art 8.217 . A Grid Participant may be furnished with any extra relevant information upon
request.
Art 8.218 For the duration of the Alert, each Wholesale Supplier, Distribution Company
or Bulk Customer in receipt of the Alert notice shall take the necessary steps to place
and maintain its plant or apparatus in the operational mode in which it is best able to
withstand the anticipated disturbance, unless otherwise instructed by the ETU.
Art 8.219 During the period while an Alert notice is still in effect, the ETU may vary the
scheduling and dispatch instructions from those dictated by the merit order
procedures in order to manage the risks.
Art 8.222 The ETU shall also inform the Grid Participant as to the likely duration of the
condition and provide updates, as appropriate. In addition, the ETU shall inform the
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Grid Participant when the condition has ended or as soon as reasonably possible
thereafter.
Art 8.224 The monthly NITS operations reports shall include an evaluation of events and
other problems that occurred within the Grid for the previous month, the measures
undertaken to address them and the recommendations to prevent recurrence in the
future. In addition the monthly report shall contain data and information on the
following:-
(a) Frequency profile;
(b) Voltage profile at selected NITS Nodes;
(c) Major Generation and Transmission Outages;
(d) Transmission Constraints;
(e) Instances of persistent/significant non-compliance with the Grid Code.
Art 8.225 The monthly NITS operations reports shall be made readily available to Grid
Participants for a period of at least 12 months.
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Art 8.228 Recorded information about transmission system faults or disturbances shall
be used to determine the performance of system components and to aid in post-
disturbance analysis. Such information can help to identify equipment malfunctions
and the cause of swings that may have contributed to a disturbance. Protection
system and control deficiencies can also be analyzed and corrective action taken to
reduce the risk of recurring disturbances.
Art 8.229 A Grid Participant may also install disturbance monitoring equipment within
any part of its facility to track any relevant system disturbances that may occur.
Art 8.230 A NITS Assets Owner shall provide information to the ETU on the disturbance
monitoring equipment installed and operational within the NITS and the data/signals
being monitored at each location. Every NITS Assets Owner shall maintain a
database of the disturbance monitoring equipment and shall provide such
information to the ETU on request. Data from transmission system disturbance
monitoring equipment shall be in a consistent, time synchronized format.
Art 8.231 Following a disturbance, data from all recorders shall be systematically
retrieved, preferably automatically, and correlated.
Art 8.232 To provide meaningful data, it is required that the recorders be synchronized to
standard time and equipped with GPS-synchronized clocks, for time and date
stamping.
Art 8.233 Sequence of event recorders shall be provided with time resolution of at most
one hundred milliseconds, to determine the sequence in which events occurred.
Other details of minimum technical specifications, data format and standards for
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Monitored data
Art 8.234 The basic data or signals to be monitored and recorded shall include where
applicable, but not be limited to the following:
(a) the transient and dynamic response of each generating unit in terms of
real and reactive power output;
(b) the voltage at the generating unit terminal;
(c) generating plant bus frequency;
(d) generating unit field voltage;
(e) generating unit field current;
(f) the system voltage at the high voltage side of eachtransformer;
(g) power system stabilizer output;
(h) AGC pulses;
(i) active and reactive power flow at a Connection Point;
(j) substation busbar voltage and frequency; and,
(k) circuit breaker and protective device status.
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Art 8.238 Where the ETU determines that an incident which was reported earlier by a
Grid Participant is significant, or an incident within the NITS is of significance, the
ETU may request the Grid Participant to submit a detailed written report of the
event.
Art 8.239 The ETU is not required to forward the report to other persons, but may use the
information obtained in preparing its report for other Grid Participants who may
have been affected by the incident.
Art 8.241 If a Grid Participant determines that an incident which was reported earlier by
the ETU is of significance, the Grid Participant may request the ETU to submit a
written report containing details of the incident.
Art 8.242 The Grid Participant shall not pass on the report to other persons.
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state the cause of the event) and shall, as a minimum, include the following details of
the incident (where applicable):
(a) time and date of event;
(b) location;
(c) plant and/or equipment directly involved;
(d) description and cause of event;
(e) conditions before the event;
(f) demand and/or generation (in MW) interrupted and duration of
interruption;
(g) all Relevant system data including copies of records of all
recording instruments including Disturbance Recorder, Event Logger,
etc;
(h) sequence of tripping with time;
(i) details of relay operations; and
(j) remedial measures taken.
Investigation of incidents
Art 8.244 A NITS Asset Owner or designated representative shall investigate the causes
of any incident of forced outage or equipment fault/failure and immediately arrange
with the ETU to effect all advisable temporary, containment or remedial actions.
Art 8.245 Upon completion of the immediate or remedy actions the NITS Asset Owner
shall submit its investigation report of the event to the ETU.
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Art 8.247 A Grid Participant who is directly affected by a Significant Incident may
request a joint investigation of the incident. The request for joint investigation shall
be made in writing to the ETU, giving reasons for the request. A joint investigation
shall be undertaken if, in the opinion of the ETU, this is so warranted.
Art 8.248 A joint investigation shall be organized by the parties concerned and
independent experts may be invited to take part in the investigation by mutual
agreement between the parties.
Art 8.249 The form and procedure of joint investigation of a particular incident shall be
agreed upon in advance by the parties concerned.
Art 8.250 The results of the joint investigation shall be recorded in a report, copies of
which shall be lodged with the ETU .
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Art 9.0 This Renewable Energy Sub-Code constitutes the basic technical performance
requirements that a Variable Renewable Power Plant (VRPP) needs to comply with
in order to connect its generating facility to the NITS in Ghana.
(a) This Sub-Code defines rules and standards that the ETU shall follow
when connecting VRPPs to the NITS.
(b) Compliance with this Sub-Code is meant to ensure safe, reliable and
secure operation of all NITS connected VRPPs.
(c) The basic technical performance requirements provided in this Sub-Code
applies to all VRPPs connected to the NITS.
(d) The ETU and the VRPP operator shall supply each other with the
necessary data and information about their network or plant that is
required for ensuring compliance with this Sub-Code.
(a) The interconnection of a VRPP to the NITS shall not deteriorate system
security.
(b) A VRPP shall meet the requirements of this Sub-Code at the connection
point unless otherwise specified in this document or by the ETU.
(c) The design, installation, commissioning, maintenance and operation of
the generation facility shall be conducted in a manner that ensures safety
and security of both VRPP and NITS.
(d) A VRPP operator shall maintain and operate power plants in accordance
with the instructions of the ETU to supply electricity through the NITS to
consumers.
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(e) The ETU shall not assume any responsibility for the protection of a Grid
Participant’s plant or equipment or any other portion of the Grid
Participant’s electrical equipment. A Grid Participant shall be responsible
for protecting its equipment in such a manner that faults or other
disturbances in the NITS does not cause damage to the Grid Participant’s
equipment.
(f) A VRPP shall at all times comply with applicable requirements and
conditions of connection for generating units and in accordance with any
Connection Agreement with the ETU.
(g) A VRPP operator shall permit and arrange the participation of the ETU in
the inspection, testing or commissioning of facilities and equipment to be
connected to the NITS.
(h) At the request of the ETU, a VRPP operator shall conduct equipment
parameter tests to certify specification of power plant from time to time.
Art 9.03 In case of frequencies outside the frequency and time ranges specified in Error:
Reference source not found, a VRPP shall be allowed to disconnect from the NITS.
Art 9.04 There shall be no technical restriction with regard to the delivery of active power
or reactive power within the frequency range of 48.75 Hz to 51.25 Hz and a VRPP
shall be permitted for unrestricted operation within this frequency range.
Art 9.05 The minimum active power output that a VRPP shall be capable of delivering is
depicted in Figure 1.
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Note 1: The frequency dependent power limits according to Figure 1 relate to the
technical capability under the condition that sufficient primary energy is available (e.g.
wind speed, solar irradiation). Additional limits due to limited primary energy may apply
but these limits are not frequency dependent.
Note 2: The dashed line displayed for frequencies >50.2 Hz results from the high
frequency response according to Art 10.44 to Art 10.46 and does not represent a technical
restriction.
Art 9.07 For voltages at the connection point between ±5% of nominal voltage, no
restrictions with regard to the provision of active or reactive power are permitted.
Power Quality
Art 9.08 A VRPP shall ensure that the power it injects into the NITS is within the limits
prescribed in this Sub-Code.
Art 9.09 A VRPP operator shall continuously monitor the power quality in accordance
with Art 9.75and submit periodic report to the ETU.
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Art 9.10 All power quality parameters shall be monitored at connection point and shall
comply with limits presented in this Sub-Code.
Note: For the purpose of this Sub-Code, power quality parameters refer to voltage,
flicker and harmonics.
Flicker
Art 9.13 An ETU shall apportion flicker emission limits to each VRPP based on flicker
planning levels according to Art 12.16of the Grid Code (Plt =0.6 , Pst=0.8), existing
background flicker levels, possible future installations and the total size of a VRPP
to be connected. The methodology for apportioning VRPP-specific flicker limits
shall be in-line with IEC61000.
Art 9.14 In the absence of any flicker limits apportioned by the ETU, flicker caused by a
VRPP shall not exceed the limits depicted in Table 2.
Voltage Unbalance
Art 9.15 A VRPP shall not cause phase voltage unbalance exceeding 1 % in unrestricted
operation range and 2 % when in continuous operation range. A VRPP shall also be
capable of withstanding the same in the NITS.
Note: Voltage unbalance is measured in terms of negative sequence voltage in per cent of
nominal voltage.
Harmonics
Art 9.16 An ETU operator shall apportion individual harmonic distortion limits to each
VRPP based on a planning level for THD according to Art 12.14of the National
Electricity Grid Code, existing background disturbances, possible future installations
and the total size of a VRPP to be connected, according to methodology described in
IEEE std 519-1992.
Art 9.17 In the absence of any apportioned limits, harmonic voltage distortion limits at
connection point according to . shall apply.
Art 9.21 A VRPP shall be capable of varying reactive power at the connection point
within their reactive power capability range as defined by Figure 3, when operating
within the Unrestricted Voltage Range and at an active power output level between
5% and 100% of Rated Power.
Art 9.22 If voltage is outside the Unrestricted Voltage Range but within the Continuous
Voltage Range the reactive power capability limits of a VRPP according to Figure 3
can be adjusted to the voltage dependent limits according to Figure 2.
Note: Pn in MW corresponds to the rated installed capacity of a VRPP minus the
sum of the installed capacity of all units being temporarily out of service (e.g. on
maintenance).
Art 9.23 In the case of operation with active power below 5% of Pn, there is no reactive
power capability requirement but in this range, reactive power must be within the
tolerance range of +/-5% of Pn.
Art 9.24
Figure 2: Reactive power requirements for NITS connected VRPPs (corresponding to voltage)
Figure 3: Reactive power requirements for NITS connected VRPPs at full/partial active power output conditions
Art 9.28 A VRPP shall be equipped with a voltage control function that is capable of
controlling voltage at the connection point according to a voltage target specified by
the ETU and according to a droop-characteristic, as defined in Figure 4.
Art 9.29 In the case that the ETU chooses a “droop” characteristic, the “droop” shall be
specified by the maximum voltage change in p.u. at maximum reactive power output
(Qmax).
Art 9.30 If the voltage control target is changed by the ETU, such change shall be
completed no later than two (2) minutes after the receipt of the new set-point value.
Art 9.31 The maximum permitted deviation of the actual voltage from the target voltage
shall be no greater than 0.5% (0.005 p.u.), of nominal voltage, two (2) minutes after
change of voltage-target, during steady system conditions.
Art 9.34 If the control target is changed by ETU, such change shall be completed no later
than two (2) minutes after the receipt of the new target value.
Art 9.35 The maximum permitted deviation of actual reactive power from the Q-target
shall be no greater than 2 % (0.02 p.u.), of rated power, two (2) minutes after change
of Q-target during steady system conditions.
Figure 5: Reactive power control function of a NITS connected VRPP (const Q-control and Q(P)-control)
Frequency Response
High Frequency Response for VRPPs
Art 9.44 During high frequency operating conditions on the NITS, each VRPP shall be
required to operate at reduced active power output in order to stabilize grid
frequency.
Art 9.45 When the frequency on the NITS exceeds 50.2Hz, each VRPP shall be required
to reduce active power as a function of change in frequency as illustrated in figure 6.
Figure 6: Mandatory high frequency response for all NITS connected VRPPs
Note: ‘dP’ in the figure represents percentage of active power by which the output
has to be decreased in case of increasing system frequency.
Art 9.46 High frequency response must operate with a minimum ramp rate of 100% of
rated power per minute as provided by the primary frequency control time scales.
(d) The voltage deviation, ΔVt is defined by the difference between the pre-fault and
the post-fault voltage.
(e) The pre-fault current and pre-fault voltages are defined by the one (1) minute
average of current and voltage respectively.
Figure 8: Reactive current support ΔIq during LVRT and HVRT situations at the unit’s terminals
Art 9.56 During dynamic performance, after 60ms the additional current must have
settled, meaning that it shall remain within a tolerance band of ±20% around the
value according to Figure 8.
Art 9.57 During LVRT and HVRT conditions, the active current IP shall be reduced in
proportion to the voltage change ΔVt.
Automatic Resynchronization
Art 9.60 Automatic synchronization device and automatic close equipment shall be
installed to allow a VRPP to connect to the NITS automatically, with a delay of (5)
minutes if the NITS is in a Normal State, as defined in Art 8.47.
Art 9.61 During automatic connection or synchronisation, a VRPP must ensure
compliance with “rapid voltage change” requirements according to Art 9.11.
Art 9.70 Where VRPP’s protection equipment is required to communicate with the
ETU’s protection equipment it must meet the communications interface requirements
specified by the ETU and this Sub-Code.
Art 9.74
Art 9.76 The ETU may issue an instruction requiring a VRPP operator to carry out a test
to demonstrate that the VRPP complies with the Sub-Code requirements and the
VRPP operator shall not refuse such an instruction.
Art 9.77 A VRPP operator shall keep records relating to the compliance of the VRPP
with each section of this Sub-Code, or any other Code applicable to that VRPP,
setting out such information that the ETU reasonably requires for assessing power
system performance, including actual VRPP performance during abnormal or
continuous operating conditions.
Art 9.78 Records generated under Art 9.77 shall be kept for a minimum of five (5) years
unless otherwise specified in this Sub-Code commencing from the date the
information was generated.
Art 10.0 Scheduling the operations of generating units is a major component of the
ETU’s activities. The optimal schedule is influenced by factors on both the demand-
side and supply-side as well as the limits and constraints of the NITS .The
scheduling and dispatch process is to ensure that the continuously changing demand
on the grid is met in the most economic manner bearing in mind the limitations on
the transmission system, security requirements, etc.
Art 10.01 The Scheduling and Dispatch Sub-code defines, among others, the following:
(a) responsibilities of the ETU, Wholesale Suppliers, and Bulk Customers in
the scheduling and dispatch process, including suppliers and customers in
the WAPP system;
(b) load forecasting obligations, procedures and methodologies;
(c) operational criteria for the preparation of the generation schedule and
procedures for issuance of dispatch instructions;
(d) the process and requirements for the preparation of the generation
schedule;
(e) the central dispatch procedures; and
(f) requirements relating to the availability for dispatch of sufficient ancillary
services including regulation and reserve services, reactive support and
voltage control and black start services so that the ETU can maintain the
Demand Forecast
Art 10.02 The preparation of demand forecasts is essential for operational planning and
to ensure reliable operation and service delivery from the NITS. Demand forecasting
is an integral part of the Generation Scheduling and Dispatch process.
Purpose
Art 10.04 The overall objective of this part of the sub-code is to:
(a) specify the responsibilities of the ETU and Grid Participants in
generation scheduling and dispatch;
(b) provide general guidelines for the preparation and submission of demand
forecasts for the effective planning of the operations of the NITS.
(c) define the operational principles and criteria for the preparation of the
Generation Schedule and issuance of Dispatch Instructions;
(d) establish the procedures and requirements for the preparation of the
Generation Schedule; and
(e) define the Dispatch procedures.
requirements, while maintaining the integrity of the NITS to ensure quality and
security of supply.
Art 10.06 The generation scheduling activity (i.e. determining the unit commitment and
economic dispatch) which shall be undertaken by the ETU requires generating plant
data as its basis, to enable the ETU prepare a merit-order table for use in the
preparation and issuance of the Generation Schedule.
Art 10.09 A Wholesale Supplier shall comply promptly with an ETU request, to submit
its Capability and Availability Declaration data, Performance Data, Generation
Scheduling and dispatch parameters and any other relevant data as may be requested.
Art 10.10 A Wholesale Supplier shall ensure that all Dispatch Instructions from the ETU
relating to a scheduled generating unit or plant are implemented.
Art 10.13 Distribution Companies, Bulk Customers and other off-takers shall implement
all Dispatch Instructions pertaining to demand management control during the period
while an emergency situation persists.
Art 10.15 A Grid Participant shall prepare and provide to the ETU at least one (1) week
in advance, the forecasted hourly load profiles for each day of the next two (2)
weeks. These forecasts are to provide an indicative estimate of the total generation
capacity and of the corresponding Generation Schedule needed to meet the forecast
demand requirements of the NITS over the relevant periods.
Art 10.16 The following factors shall be taken into account in the development of the
demand forecasts, to the extent that the factors are relevant to the particular forecast:
(a) historic demand data as recorded, including transmission losses
and station service consumption;
(b) growth patterns in the annual demand and load profiles of
existing loads;
(c) load management expectations and expected energy output from
embedded generating facilities;
(d) demand forecasts for new connections or step increases in the
requirements of existing users;
(e) known weather patterns and forecasts;
(f) major events or anticipated activities which are likely to affect
demand;
(g) expected changes in economic activity; and
(h) any other relevant information provided by Grid Participants.
Art 10.17 The ETU shall collate all demand information provided by the relevant Grid
Participants and in accordance with the timetable prescribed in Technical Schedule
TS-T the ETU shall produce the following schedules and demand forecasts:
(a) dispatch schedule for each hour of the day ahead;
(b) hourly load forecasts for each of days 2 to 7 (inclusive) ahead;
(c) weekly demand forecast for 4 weeks ahead giving the daily
energy forecast as well as the peak and off-peak demand forecasts for
each day; and
(d) monthly demand forecast for the period 12 months ahead of the
current month, giving for each month the energy forecast, peak and off-
peak demand forecasts, including also the typical hourly profiles of total
system load for working and non-working days in the first month only.
Art 10.18 The ETU shall develop a methodology to collate the information obtained and
acquire the appropriate tools to create the indicative demand forecasts for the entire
system.
Art 10.19 The demand forecasts produced by the ETU shall be indicative only as the
ETU has no direct influence over Grid Participants in the decisions about their levels
of demand.
Art 10.20 The demand forecast shall be adopted and used in operational planning and
more specifically, for the purposes of determining the dispatch schedules, operation
reserves, short and medium term capacity reserve requirements in accordance with
the power system security and reliability standards.
Generation margin
Art 10.21 The NITS shall have adequate Operating Reserve at all times to respond to
normal variations in demand and to respond to a sudden reduction in generation
during emergency conditions, in accordance with the Power System Operating
Criteria specified in the Operations Sub-Code.
Art 10.22 The ETU shall allocate the required spinning reserve to strategically located
generating plants in order to achieve the required levels of primary and secondary
regulation.
Art 10.23 The ETU shall allocate adequate non-spinning reserve to cover uncertainties in
generating plant availability.
Art 10.26 The generation data information to be submitted shall consist of the
Availability Declaration, generating plant scheduling and dispatch parameters and
other relevant generation data, and also including the following:
(a) details of any special factors which may have a significant impact
on the output of a scheduled generating unit;
(b) any temporary change to the registered data of the scheduled
generating unit indicating the duration of the temporary change; and
Art 10.27 A Wholesale Supplier shall without delay notify the ETU of any change in the
Capability and Availability Declaration, Generation Scheduling and Dispatch
parameters and other relevant generating plant data.
Art 10.29 A Distribution Company or Bulk Customer shall notify the ETU of:
(a) its hourly demand forecast by 10:00hrone day ahead of the
Dispatch Day;
(b) constraints on its distribution system or Grid Participant system
which may need to be taken into account in scheduling and dispatch;
(c) nomination of power plants to meet their hourly forecasted
demand
(d) the requirements for voltage control and reactive power support,
which the ETU may need to take into account for the reliability of the
Grid;
(e) Ancillary Services which the ETU may need to consider for the
reliability and stability of the NITS.
Art 10.30 The ETU and all entities involved in cross border power exchange shall in
accordance with the WAPP protocol determine the power exchange program for the
day ahead by 10:00h of the preceding day.
Art 10.32 To meet the continuously changing power demand of users on the NITS at the
least cost, generating units in the spot market =shall, as far as practicable be stacked
for dispatch by the ETU in accordance with submitted “price data” or the relative
magnitude of their “operating costs” of producing electricity, excluding their capital
charges and other fixed costs.
Art 10.33 The generating plants with the least operating costs shall be used to meet the
demand for power with the required margin for Operating Reserves.
Art 10.34 Recognizing that the merit-order for generation is dependent upon the chosen
time-frame for optimization, (i.e. the merit-order that produces the least cost for one-
day only is different from that which results in the least cost for the week, the month
or the year), Merit-order dispatch within the NITS shall take into consideration the
various time frames.
Art 10.35 The dominant contribution of hydroelectric energy production within the NITS
also means that annual rainfall and hydrologic events have a major influence in
determining the optimal production proportions among the various sources of supply,
so that, the overriding objective for merit order dispatch of generation plants within
the NITS shall be that Merit-order which delivers the least cost of supply over the
hydrologic year (November 1st to October 31st ) which shall also be regarded as the
Planning Year.
Art 10.36 The merit order for day-to-day or weekly dispatch shall be from the least cost
generating unit to the highest bearing in mind the objective of achieving the least
cost of supply over the Planning Year.
Art 10.37 For the purposes of merit order dispatch, generating units shall be listed in a
Merit Order Table according to the lowest to highest operating costs..
Art 10.39 The Merit Order Table shall be updated periodically with the Availability
Declarations submitted by Wholesale Suppliers and in accordance with the
Wholesale Electricity Market Rules.
Art 10.40 The updated Merit Order Table shall be used in selecting the generating unit
that will be committed for the day ahead Generation Schedule.
Art 10.42 In preparing the Generation Schedule, the ETU shall take into account the
following factors:
(a) NITS system constraints from time to time, as determined by
the ETU and as advised by NITS Asset Owner(s), Wholesale Power
Suppliers and other Grid Participants;
(b) the requirements and standards for voltage control and reactive
power reserves;
(c) the need for operating reserves and the requirements for
maintaining frequency control as specified in the Operations Sub-Code;
(d) the requirements for maintaining frequency control;
(e) availability of Ancillary Services; and
(f) cross-border power exchange transactions as governed by the
WAPP Cooperation Model and other inter-utility bilateral agreements.
Art 10.43 The Generation Schedule, as compiled by the ETU shall, in addition to the
above factors, satisfy the following conditions:
(a) be in accordance with the Merit-Order Table;
(b) be sufficient to match the forecast system demand together with
the required reserve margin as defined by the Operations Sub-Code and
(c) be sufficient to maintain frequency within the required limits.
Art 10.45 By 10:00h each preceding day, every Wholesale Supplier shall submit to the
ETU, in writing, generation unit capability and availability declaration data to be
used in preparation of the generation schedule for the next day.
Art 10.46 By 10:00hr each preceding day, all Distribution Companies, Bulk Customers
and other Grid Participants who wish to off-take power or energy from the NITS
shall submit to the ETU in writing the following information for the next day’s
Generation Schedule:
(a) requirements for power and energy;
Art 10.48 Following the development of the unconstrained Generation Schedule, the
ETU shall determine the feasibility of the unconstrained Generation Schedule,
considering any constraints within the NITS.
Art 10.49 The unconstrained Generation Schedule shall be adjusted as may be necessary
to develop the final constrained Generation Schedule, after taking the constraint
factors into account.
Art 10.50 The Generation Schedule shall reflect the true operating characteristics of
generating units. If a scheduled generating unit becomes available at a different
capacity the ETU shall be provided with a revised Capability and Availability
Declaration within the prescribed deadlines. If provided within the prescribed
deadlines, the ETU shall take the revised Capability and Availability Declaration
into account in the preparation of the final day-ahead Generation Schedule.
Art 10.51 The Generation Schedule shall be submitted by the ETU to all relevant
Wholesale Suppliers by 16:00h of each preceding day for the next Dispatch Day.
Art 10.52 the Wholesale Supplier that fails to honour a declared availability or fail to
submit the Availability Declaration within the specified time shall be deemed to have
breached the Grid Code and the prescribed sanctions or penalties shall apply.
Adjustments to DispatchSchedule
Art 10.53 The ETU may deem it necessary to make changes to the output of the
generation scheduling process, before the issue of the Generation Schedule. Such
changes may be necessary due to the following factors:
(a) changes in offered availability and parameters of generating
units, brought to the attention of the ETU after the commencement of the
generation scheduling process;
(b) changes to system demand forecasts;
(c) changes in transmission network configuration and equipment
availability, resulting in constraints not previously foreseen; and
(d) any other condition which in the opinion of the ETU would
result in additional risk to the security of the NITS.
Art 10.54 Any of the factors listed in Article 11.52 may result in a generating unit being
chosen out-of-merit. Any deviation from the use of the Merit Order Table for
dispatch shall be reported by the ETU, including details of the reasons or those
responsible for the deviation.
Art 10.55 If an event on the NITS occurs which requires substantial amendment in the
data being used in preparing the Generation Schedule, the ETU may issue a revised
Generation Schedule to the extent necessary, as a result of such events.
Dispatch Instructions
Art 10.58 Dispatch Instructions shall take into account the Forecast Demand, Capability
and Availability Declaration, generation scheduling and dispatch parameters and
other relevant generating plant data supplied to the ETU.
Art 10.59 The ETU shall maintain records of the following Dispatch Instructions in an
electronic format and a written logbook or both:
(a) synchronizing and de-synchronizing Instructions;
(b) MW and MVar Dispatch Instructions.
Art 10.60 For each of the instructions listed in Art 11.58, the required action, time of
issuance of the instruction and the time the action is to be implemented shall be
recorded.
Art 10.62 The Dispatch Instruction shall contain, at the minimum, the following:
(a) the specific generating unit to which the instruction applies;
(b) the MW and MVar output required;
(c) start and synchronizing time of scheduled generating units;
(d) target time of ramp-up and ramp-down rates for generating
units;
(e) de-synchronizing and stop time of scheduled generating units;
and
(f) the time Dispatch Instruction is issued.
Art 10.64 The ETU shall issue to all Wholesale Suppliers and generating plants through
an appropriate means of communication (telephone), the Dispatch Instruction
regarding their day-ahead hourly Generation Schedule.
Art 10.65 The hourly loading as defined by the Generation Schedule and issued to
scheduled generating units shall remain valid, unless superseded by another Dispatch
Instruction.
Art 10.66 A generating plant shall be deemed to have complied with a Dispatch
Instruction when it achieves an output within the allowable tolerance of its declared
available capacity for both active and reactive power and within the time for the
change according to its registered operating parameters and characteristics.
Art 10.67 In the event of two or more generating units having the same price, the ETU
shall dispatch the generating unit that will result in a smaller system loss.
Art 10.68 Generating units that are declared to be available but not included in the
Generation Schedule may be issued with Dispatch Instructions.
Art 10.69 A generating unit that has been declared as available shall be ready to provide
power within 30 minutes of being instructed.
Art 10.70 Where a generating plant has received a Dispatch Instruction to change the
output of a synchronized generating unit, it shall carry out the instruction to achieve
the new target within the unit’s registered operating parameters and characteristics
and within the time specified by the ETU.
Art 10.71 The form and terms to be used by the ETU in issuing instructions are to be
understood by all relevant parties.
Art 10.72 A Dispatch Instruction for Operating Reserves shall specify the type of reserve
that the generating unit is required to provide.
Art 10.73 A Dispatch Instruction for emergency load reduction shall contain the quantity
and magnitude of load to be dropped and the time the load reduction is to be
implemented.
Art 10.74 In the event that while carrying out a Dispatch Instruction, an unforeseen
problem arises, the ETU shall be notified without delay by telephone.
Art 10.75 Where a Wholesale Supplier is unable to comply with a Dispatch Instruction
correctly issued by the ETU, the Wholesale Supplier shall inform the ETU by
telephone without delay and the Wholesale Supplier shall follow up and issue a new
Declaration.
Art 10.76 The Dispatch instruction to shutdown a generating unit shall specify the
shutdown time.
Art 10.77 Where a Wholesale Supplier has not informed the ETU of the inability to
comply with a Dispatch Instruction, but the ETU assesses that the Wholesale
Supplier is not in compliance with a Dispatch Instruction, the Wholesale Supplier
shall be deemed to have breached the Grid Code and the prescribed sanctions or
penalties shall apply.
Art 10.78 A Wholesale Supplier shall comply with all Dispatch Instructions issued by the
ETU.
Art 10.79 If an unforeseen problem arises, which affects the safety of the plant or
personnel, the Wholesale Supplier may disregard Dispatch Instructions and take
necessary corrective actions and shall notify the ETU.
Art 10.80 Notwithstanding Art. 11.78, the ETU may investigate the veracity of the report
and determine whether the Wholesale Supplier may be declared as non-conforming.
Art 10.81 De-synchronization may take place without the ETU’s prior approval, if it is
done solely to protect plant or personnel safety.
Art 10.82 De-synchronization of any generating unit without the ETU’s prior approval
shall be reported to the ETU immediately.
Art 10.83 A Wholesale Supplier shall, without delay, notify the ETU of any changes to or
loss (temporary or otherwise) of operational capability of any unit that is
synchronized or instructed to be synchronized or designated for operation as
Operating Reserve.
Art 10.84 Where a Wholesale Supplier or a particular generating unit fails to respond to a
dispatch instruction within a tolerable time and accuracy (in accordance with
generating plant declared technical characteristics and Prudent Utility Practice), the
generating unit shall be declared and identified as non-conforming and the relevant
Wholesale Supplier may face financial penalties or other sanctions imposed under its
license for breach of the Grid Code.
Art 10.87 Failure of a generation plant to provide the normal operational requirement for
voltage control upon the instructions of the ETU shall constitute a breach of the Grid
Code for which penalties may be assessed and applied in accordance with Technical
Schedule TS-C.
Art 10.88 Provided user loads and generating plants have complied with the normal
reactive power compensation requirements above, it shall be the responsibility of the
ETU to provide whatever additional reactive power compensation that is required to
maintain system voltages within the stipulated range.
Art 10.89 Generation plants shall in addition have reactive reserve capacity (i.e. operate
with power factor at 0.90 leading for up to thirty (30) minutes) and operate within
the generator capability chart for temporary sustenance of system voltage under
contingency conditions.
Art 10.91 The reactive power output of the scheduled generating unit in respect of which
a Dispatch Instruction is given shall then, without delay, be adjusted in accordance
with its Declared operating characteristics to the new target reactive power so
instructed.
Art 10.92 Generating units having achieved the new target reactive power output shall
allow the reactive power output to vary under AVR control in accordance with the
applicable declarations for Ancillary Services and generating unit operating
characteristics.
Art 10.93 Dispatch Instructions in relation to reactive power may include target voltage
levels to be achieved by the generating unit on the transmission system at the NITS
Connection Point and a generating unit so instructed must comply and achieve that
target within a reasonable tolerance.
Art 10.94 Under certain conditions, such as low system voltage, an instruction to achieve
maximum reactive power output at instructed MW output may be given and a
Wholesale Supplier shall take appropriate action to maximize reactive power output
Art 10.95 Under certain conditions such as high system voltage, an instruction to achieve
maximum reactive power absorption at instructed active power output may be given
and a Wholesale Supplier shall take appropriate action to maximize reactive power
absorption unless constrained by plant operational limits or on safety grounds
relating to personnel or plant.
Art 10.96 The issue of a Dispatch Instruction relating to reactive power shall be made
with due regard to any resultant change in reactive power capability and may include
reduction in active power generation in order to increase reactive power capability.
Art 10.98 MVar Dispatch Instructions issued by the ETU shall reflect the limits contained
in the applicable registered generating unit parameters and characteristics.
Art 10.99 Under system fault conditions, where reactive power output is driven outside
its Declared operating characteristic limits, the Wholesale Supplier shall immediately
inform the ETU of the situation. However, if the Wholesale Supplier reasonably
believes that the situation may be dangerous to personnel or plant, then appropriate
action may be taken to remedy the situation.
Art 10.101 The ETU may instruct a Wholesale Supplier to operate outside the limits
implied by the current Capability and Availability Declarations. When issuing such
an Instruction, the ETU shall inform the Wholesale Supplier that the instruction is
being issued under a System Emergency Condition.
Art 10.102 Where the ETU has issued an instruction requiring the operation of a
generating unit outside the applicable Capability and Availability Declaration limits,
the Wholesale Supplier shall comply with the instruction unless in the reasonable
opinion of the Wholesale Supplier the safety of personnel and plant will, in
complying with the instruction, be unduly compromised.
Art 11.01 The Safety Sub-Code establishes the principles and arrangements that ensure
safe working conditions for personnel working on or in close proximity to NITS
equipment or personnel who may have to work on or use equipment at the
Connection Points.
Art 11.02 The Sub-Code does not define the Safety Rules to be adopted by the ETU or
Grid Participants, but sets out the principles and arrangements which govern the
interface between the parties.
Art 11.04 The Safety Rules shall be based on a philosophy that persons will be protected
from the inherent dangers.
Art 11.05 The Safety Rules shall define procedures and responsibilities for achieving
safety of all persons from the inherent dangers and shall include the following
provisions:
(a) making available the equipment concerned for the work to be carried out;
(b) establishing safe conditions for work which may be achieved by either
i) limiting the scope of work,
ii) isolation from a system and de-energizing (where necessary), or
iii) adopting specialized procedures required to be applied when the
work has to be done on equipment which remains energized;
(c) authorizing the commencement of work;
(d) receiving the authority to commence work and executing the work;
(e) supervising safety during the work and clearing the authority when the
work is terminated;
(f) cancelling the authority on termination of the work; and
(g) restoring the system to normal operation.
(h) Procedures for accident reporting and investigation
Art 11.06 Safety procedures for personnel working on or in close proximity to the NITS
shall in addition be governed by the ETU requirements for safety coordination, as
may from time to time be in force.
Art 11.09 A Grid Participant shall also make available to the ETU a copy of its current
local Safety Instructions concerning safety precautions on its facilities.
Art 11.10 In the event that a Grid Participant wishes to change the local Safety
Instructions that apply to its facilities, it shall inform the ETU and other relevant
Grid Participants in writing, substantiating the necessity for the proposed change.
Art 11.11 Work or tests on any equipment at the Connection Point shall be carried out
only in the presence of persons designated by the ETU.
Art 11.12 A Grid Participant shall seek authority from the ETU and the relevant NITS
Asset Owner if it wishes to access any NITS equipment.
Art 11.13 The ETU shall coordinate, establish and maintain the necessary isolation and
grounding when work or tests are to be carried out on NITS facilities or a Grid
Participant’s electrical system that is connected to the NITS.
Art 11.14 When work or tests are to be carried out within the NITS the ETU shall ensure
that the necessary safety precautions are coordinated and implemented on the
systems that may be affected.
Art 11.15 The Grid Participant shall nominate and the ETU shall appoint a Safety
Coordinator who shall, for the stated tasks or period, be responsible for the
coordination of safety precautions on the NITS equipment at their respective sides of
the Connection Point. A second authorized person shall be appointed to act as Safety
Coordinator at any time that the first authorized person is unavailable.
Art 11.16 The Safety Coordinator shall be responsible in all matters concerning safety of
personnel and equipment.
Art 11.17 In the event of a need to replace the person appointed as Safety Coordinator, all
other affected persons shall without delay be notified of the identity of the new
Safety Coordinator.
Art 11.18 The ETU may at its sole discretion delegate or issue Operating Instructions to
agents of Grid Participants to perform required switching operations.
Art 11.19 Operating Instructions shall include, but not limited to:
(a) detailed switching sequences (which meet as a minimum, the
requirements of the ETU Safety Rules) to be followed;
(b) control and operational procedures; and
(c) identification of operational boundaries.
Art 11.20 All switching operations for isolation and restoration of the complete
transmission system equipment or circuit shall be recorded in the sequence of their
performance in the log books of the parties concerned.
Art 11.21 The ETU and Grid Participant shall maintain safety logs in which all messages
relating to safety coordination shall be recorded in chronological order. The safety
logs shall be in print and electronic format and shall be retained for at least one
(1)year.
Art 11.22 Before any work is carried out at any NITS Node, the ETU and the relevant
NITS Asset Owner shall ensure that t personnel designated to work in such
installations are either competent to work at such installations or are supervised by
competent personnel.
Authorization of testing
Art 11.28 If a Safety Coordinator wishes to authorize a test on any NITS equipment, he
shall only do so after the following procedure has been implemented:
(a) confirmation is obtained from the other Safety Coordinators or
other Parties that no person is working on or testing or has been
authorized to work on or test any part of the system within the points of
isolation identified for the test;
(b) all Safety Precautions other than the current Safety Precaution
have been cancelled; and
(c) the other Safety Coordinators of the other Parties agree with him
on the conduct of testing in that part of the system.
Training of Personnel
Art 11.29 All operating personnel of the Grid Participants shall undertake mandatory
training in safety as specified by the ETU.
Art 11.30 All personnel shall undertake a safety orientation from the ETU prior to
commencing any work on the NITS or at any Connection Point.
PART D: STANDARDS OF
PERFORMANCE
Art 12.01 Adequacy has been defined as “the ability of the system to supply the
aggregate power and energy requirements of the consumers at all times” and
Security as “the ability of the system to withstand sudden disturbances” .
Art 12.02 Reliability of a power system pertains to its ability to satisfy its load demand
under the specified operating conditions and policies and a reliable power system is
one which only allows few interruptions to customers’ services. Reliability as
regards the NITS is therefore a measure of the ability of the NITS to adequately
perform its designated functions under the conditions within which it has to operate.
Art 12.03 The purpose of this Section of the Grid Code is to:
(a) specify the various indices to be used to monitor the performance of the
ETU and Grid Participants;
(b) define minimum level of quality of electric power supply in the NITS;
(c) define minimum reliability standards, benchmarks and performance
targets for the NITS; and
(d) enable Grid Participants to design, operate and maintain their systems
and equipment to fit the environment within which they operate.
Art 12.04 The reliability of the NITS shall be quantified in terms of probability or
frequency of encountering an outage or inadequate state, or the period of time a
system spends in these states. Reliability may be evaluated by the frequency,
duration, and magnitude of any adverse deviations from stipulated service standards.
Art 12.05 Maintaining acceptable reliability of the power system means that the power
system is dimensioned and operated so that
(a) the impacts of disturbance situations are minimised,
(b) there are provisions for restoring the power system to the normal state,
and
(c) disturbance incidents are cleared as quickly as possible.
Art 12.06 The ETU shall monitor and report to the ETC the performance of the NITS in
terms of quality and reliability (i.e. adequacy and security) of supply.
Art 12.08 The reliability of power supply in any period is acceptable when the total
duration of unacceptable quality of supply is within the limits provided in Technical
Schedule TS-L.
Voltage
Art 12.09 The objective of voltage level and reactive power regulation is to
(a) achieve specified voltage standards,
Voltage unbalance
Art 12.13 The phase voltages of a 3-phase supply at a NITS Node shall nominally be of
equal magnitude and 120 degrees apart in phase angle. Phase voltage unbalance shall
not exceed 1%when the NITS is in the Normal State and 2%when in the Alert State.
Voltage harmonics
Art 12.14 Harmonics shall be defined as sinusoidal voltages and currents having
frequencies that are integral multiples of the fundamental frequency. The maximum
permissible harmonic limits shall be as defined in IEEE 519-2014 - IEEE Recommended
Practice and Requirements for Harmonic Control in Electric Power Systems
Art 12.15 A Grid Participant shall take preventive or corrective action, where necessary,
to mitigate harmonic distortions and comply with the specified Standard.
Voltage flicker
Art 12.16 The maximum permissible voltage flicker limits shall be as defined in IEEE 519-
2014 - IEEE Recommended Practice and Requirements for Harmonic Control in Electric
Power Systems
Art 12.17 A Grid Participant shall promptly identify the sources of and implement
corrective actions for voltage depressions and voltage flicker that are in excess of the
maximum permissible limits.
Art 12.19 Upon the instruction of the ETU at any time, a generating unit shall be required
to operate continuously to provide reactive power within the capability limits of the
generating unit.
Art 12.20 It is desirable that loads on the NITS have power factors at or close to unity as
that represents the most efficient use of the NITS capability and minimizes loss of
energy. A Distribution Company, Bulk Customer or any other Grid Participant off-
taking power from the NITS shall operate its system to ensure that the power factor
of its load, measured at the connection point does not fall below 0.90 lagging and not
exceed unity.
Art 12.21 Penalties in addition to compensation payment to the ETU shall be applied for
loads whose power factor fall below the 0.90 limit at rates to be determined and
published by the PURC from time to time based upon the load level and the burden
for extra reactive power support imposed on the NITS.
Art 12.23 System operations outside the frequency range defined in Article 12.22 but
within the range of 49.5 Hz to 50.5 Hz shall be permitted for a period of thirty
minutes when operating the system in the Alert State. All frequency excursions
outside these limits and for a period exceeding the stated durations shall be included
in the NITSh Performance Report in accordance with Technical Schedule TS-R.
Art 12.24 Every generating unit shall be capable of staying connected to the NITS within
the frequency ranges and times specified in #.
Art 12.25 During emergency conditions, all generating units shall continue to be
connected to the NITS provided the system frequency remains within the range
stipulated in Article 13.24 except when doing so will result in damage to a
generating unit.
Art 12.27 The automatic load shedding scheme shall be defined from time to time by the
ETU in consultation with other Grid Participants.
Protection relays
Art 12.28 Protective relay systems perform a critical service by detecting and initiating
fault clearing thereby protecting the power system from prolonged voltage
depression, transient instability, and equipment damage. The design and setting of
protective relay systems requires a delicate balance between dependability and
security. A relay system needs to be dependable enough to initiate a trip for all faults
within its zone of protection and secure enough to avoid initiating trips for faults that
occur outside of that zone. Consequently, protective relay systems shall be designed
and maintained to sufficiently high standards in order to minimize mis-operation.
Art 12.29 The ability of a protection scheme to initiate the tripping of a circuit breaker
associated with faulty equipment measured by the System Protection Dependability
Index shall not be less than 95%.
Art 12.31 A uniform system of recording and reporting of NITS performance shall be
defined by the ETU in consultation with the ETC and implemented by all Grid
Participants.
Art 12.32 The same equipment reliability indices shall be used for all NITS facilities in
similar situations and the Performance Standards as set out shall also be applicable to
all. The benchmarks for service delivery may however vary between NITS Nodes
because of differences in configuration, equipment redundancy and other local
factors.
Art 12.33 The ETU shall compile and submit to the ETCevery quarter, half-yearly and
annually a System Reliability Performance Report for the NITS, giving details of the
actual levels achieved in respect of the performance and reliability indices defined in
this Sub-Code.
Art 12.34 A copy of the System Reliability Performance Report shall be published or
posted at the ETU’s Website for access by all Grid Participants.
Art 12.35 The performance of the NITS shall be evaluated by the ETU at quarterly, half-
yearly and annual intervals, to compare the actual performance of the NITS with the
benchmarks.
Art 12.37 The following indices shall, at the minimum, be monitored and calculated for
the purposes of assessing the performance of the NITS:
(a) Transmission System Average Interruption Duration Index
(TSAIDI) - Total duration of Connection Point interruptions in a given
period divided by the number of Connection Points in the NITS;
(b) Transmission System Average Interruption Frequency Index
(TSAIFI) - The average interruptions per connection point which is
calculated by dividing the total number of interruptions at all system
Connection Points by the number of Connection Points in the system;
(c) Availability - Percentage of time the entire transmission system
(or a particular class or circuit) is available for the transmission of
electricity and it shall be calculated as the sum of planned, unplanned,
and disturbance outage durations divided by the total hours that the
system or the relevant circuit should have been available in a given
period;
Art 12.42 For the purpose of reporting on NITS reliability, the following shall be reported
separately and excluded from calculations of indices:
(a) planned outages where Grid Participants have been notified in
accordance with the relevant notification provisions contained in the
Operations Sub-Code;
(b) outages caused by Force Majeure conditions; and
(c) outages due to fundamental shortage of generation capacity.
(e) the ETU shall have responsibility for the provision and installation of the
Main Meter at appropriate locations at all Metering Points and Grid
Participants shall have responsibility for the provision and installation of
Check Meters at appropriate locations at their own expense;
(f) the Main Meter shall be the revenue meter and the Check Meter shall be
used to provide metering data when a revenue meter, current transformer
or voltage transformer is out of service;
(g) the revenue metering facilities shall be located as close as practicable to
the Connection Point;
(h) the NITS Asset Owner or Grid Participant shall provide adequate space in
panels and rooms at substations or Connection Points for installation of
the meters;
(i) the Check Meter installation shall involve the provision of a separate
metering facility using separate current transformer cores and separately
fused voltage transformer secondary circuits, preferably from separate
secondary windings;
(j) the metering facility shall comply with the prescribed standards and
equipment shall be manufactured to prescribed and internationally
recognized quality standards;
(k) metering facility shall be
i) secure,
ii) registered with the ETU, and
iii) capable of providing data for electronic transfer to a metering
database maintained by the ETU;
(l) energy meter data shall be based on units of watt-hours (active energy)
and var-hours (reactive energy) and shall be collated at defined metering
intervals;
(m)every Grid Participant is entitled to access the metering database in
respect of their own production, demand or consumption of power and
energy;
(n) historical data shall be maintained in the metering database for thirteen
months in accessible format and for six years in archive;
(o) the ETU and the Grid Participant may replace their respective metering
facility at any time after it has been installed, subject to the provisions of
this section of the Grid Code.
Metering facility
Art 13.03 In addition to conformity with the principles specified in Article 14.02, a
metering facility shall:
(a) contain a device which has a visible or an equivalent accessible display
of, at a minimum, the cumulative total energy measured by that metering
facility;
(b) be capable of separately registering and recording flows in each direction
where bi-directional active energy flow occurs;
(c) be capable of communicating from the site of the metering facility to the
metering database located at any site that may be specified by the ETU;
and
(d) include facilities for storing metering data for at least six (6) months.
Art 13.04 A metering facility shall consist of some or all of the following:
(a) current transformers;
(b) voltage transformers;
(c) a secure and protected wiring from the current transformer and
the voltage transformer to the meter;
(d) a revenue class meter (Main and Check Meter) and a data
recorder which may be internal (within the meter) or external to the meter
or a combination;
(e) an appropriately constructed panel on which the meter and data
logger are mounted with a facility to keep the metering facility secure
from interference;
(f) a communication interface equipment such as modem, isolation
devices, telephone service, radio transmitter and data link equipment;
Use of meters
Art 13.05 Main metering data is to be used as the primary source of metering data for
billing purposes.
Art 13.06 Check metering data is to be used for validation, substitution in the event of
the failure of the Main Meter and account estimation of revenue metering data.
Art 13.07 Energy consumed at a generating station and drawn from the NITS shall be
measured by using a revenue meter and the generating plant shall pay for this energy.
The metering shall be connected to the high voltage side of the supply transformer
and shall be owned by the ETU.
Voltage Transformers
Art 13.09 The voltage transformer shall comprise three units from a three-phase set, each
of which shall comply with the relevant provisions of the IEC 61869-11-2017
Standard or its equivalent national standard for metering, and corresponding to the
accuracy class of 0.2.
Art 13.10 The voltage drop in each phase of the voltage transformer connections of the
same accuracy class shall not exceed 0.2V. The voltage transformer shall be
connected only to a billing meter with a burden that shall not affect the accuracy of
measurement.
Art 13.11 A voltage changeover scheme shall be provided where more than one voltage
transformer is available.
Current transformers
Art 13.12 The current transformer shall comprise three units for a three-phase set, each of
which shall comply with the relevant provisions of the IEC 60044 Standard or its
equivalent national standard for metering, and corresponding to the accuracy class of
0.2.
Art 13.13 The current transformer’s rated secondary current shall be 1A or 5A. The
neutral conductor of the current transformer shall be effectively grounded at a single
point and shall be connected only to a billing meter with a burden that shall not
affect the accuracy of measurement.
Meters
Art 13.14 Meters shall be solid-state, multifunction meters, of three-phase four-wire type
rated for the required site, and shall comply with the updated and current versions of
IEC 60687 and IEC 61268 Standards or equivalent national standards and
correspond to the accuracy classes as defined in Schedule TS-M.
Art 13.15 The meters shall measure and locally display at least the kW, kWh, kVar,
kVarh and kVA with features for pulse output.
Art 13.16 Main and Check Meters shall be connected to different sets of current
transformers and voltage transformers.
Art 13.17 A cumulative record of the parameters measured shall be available on the
meter and where a bi-directional meter is used, it shall have two such records
available.
Art 13.18 Where a combined active energy and reactive energy meters are provided, then
a separate record shall be provided for each measured quantity and direction.
Art 13.19 The loss of auxiliary supply to the meter shall not erase the cumulative records.
Art 13.20 A metering facility shall provide a pulse output for each measured quantity.
The pulse output shall be for a three-wire terminal with pulse duration in the range
from 40 to 80 milliseconds, preferably selectable and with selective pulse frequency
or rate. The minimum pulse frequency shall comply with the IEC Standard or its
equivalent national standard for the shortest integration period and the accuracy class
of the meter. Pulse output shall be galvanically isolated from the voltage and current
transformers being measured and from the auxiliary supply input terminals.
Art 13.21 A metering equipment shall be of proven quality, fully type tested,
individually tested and accepted by the ETU. Appropriate test certificates shall be
kept by the ETU or the NITS Asset Owner as the case may be. All metering
equipment shall be supported with evidence of approval from accredited laboratory
recognized under the International Certification Scheme.
Art 13.22 The limits of accuracy for classes of meters shall be as prescribed in Technical
Schedule TS-M.
Art 13.24 Each recorder shall be capable of transferring the data through communication
channels to be provided to the metering database by the ETU. A Remote Terminal
Unit shall be installed at the meter location that can be interrogated by the dispatch
centre data acquisition computer.
Art 13.25 The integrating pulse recorder shall provide a record for reference at a future
time. The record shall be suitable for reference for a period of at least one year after
it was generated. The integrating pulse recorder shall be regularly interrogated and
the interrogation record shall be maintained by the recorder for sixty(60) days.
Art 13.26 The recorder’s time and the meter’s time shall be based on the UTC Standard
time. The time reference used with the recorder shall ensure that the accuracy of the
integrating pulse recorder is with a time error no more than ±1 sec.
WAPP Interconnections
Art 13.28 All metering facilities at WAPP interconnection points shall, at the least, meet
the requirements of the Grid Code.
Metering Register
Art 13.29 The ETU shall keep and maintain a Metering Register containing static
metering information associated with metering facilities. The register shall facilitate
the following:
(a) the registration of a Connection Point, Metering Point and
affected Grid Participants;
(b) verification of compliance with the Grid Code; and
(c) auditable control of changes to the registered information.
Art 13.30 The ETU shall update the Metering Register from time to time, to ensure that
the accuracy of the Metering Register is maintained.
Art 13.32 All tests shall be carried out in accordance with acceptable international
standards. Relevant Grid Participants may witness the tests.
Art 13.33 An instrument transformer shall not be connected to a load beyond its rated
burden and shall be operated at the optimum burden range to achieve maximum
accuracy of the metering system.
for compensating low burdens may be allowed as long as the accuracy level is
sustained.
Art 13.36 The ETU and the Grid Participant shall notify each other when the Main or
Check meters are due to be tested.
Art 13.37 Suitable isolation facilities shall be provided to facilitate testing and
calibration of the metering facility.
Art 13.38 Suitable drawings and supporting information detailing the metering facility
shall be made available for maintenance, testing and auditing purposes.
Art 13.39 Test equipment used in the calibration of instrument transformers or meters
shall be certified to values of accuracy and precision which are, at least, twice as
accurate as the required accuracy of the equipment under test.
Art 13.40 Solid-state watt-hour standards of 0.2% or better accuracy shall be used in the
testing of watt-hour meters. All watt-hour standards shall be certified as accurate
every twelve months.
Art 13.42 Where the metering equipment fails the requested test, the ETU shall pay for
the cost of the test; but where the meter equipment passes the test, the party who
requested the test shall pay for the cost of the test.
Art 13.44 Maintenance of the metering equipment at the Metering Point shall be
performed by the ETU for a Main Meter and by the Grid Participant for a Check
Meter in the presence of the other party who may have elected to be present.
Art 13.45 All test results, maintenance programs and sealing records shall be kept for the
life of the equipment. The equipment data and test records shall be made available to
authorized parties.
Art 13.46 A meter shall be considered faulty only if it is determined that the meter does
not comply with the prescribed accuracy standards.
Art 13.47 Upon any Grid Participant or the ETU observing that a meter may not be
operating properly, the other party shall be notified, as soon as reasonably
practicable of the existence of a fault and the length of time the fault may have
existed.
Art 13.48 The meter owner shall ensure that repairs are made to the metering facility as
soon as reasonably practicable after becoming aware of the fault or malfunction.
Art 13.49 Until any meter or metering equipment affected by an outage, defect or
malfunction is repaired, adjusted or replaced, the affected Grid Participants and the
ETU shall ensure that suitable proxy data is obtained or estimated and recorded for
the period of time the fault condition persists.
Art 13.51 The ETU shall provide seals and other appropriate devices to prevent or detect
unauthorized interference or possible alteration to settings and calibrations.
Art 13.52 The ETU shall provide appropriate security against corruption of data in
transmission.
Art 13.54 The pulses from two or more meters may be combined into one integrating
pulse recorder provided all the other requirements of this Sub-Code are met.
Art 13.55 The meter pulses that need to be integrated into the recorder are:
(a) active energy and active power demand, exported to and
imported from the NITS; and
(b) reactive energy and reactive power demand exported to and
imported from the NITS.
Art 13.56 Provision shall be made by all Grid Participants to permit on-site as well as
remote interrogation of the Integrating Pulse Recorder.
Art 13.60 The ETU and relevant Grid Participants shall agree to adjustments to
metering data to account for system losses and unaccounted-for energy.
all concerned parties and qualified to perform the audit. Interested NITS Asset
Owners, Grid Participants and the ETU shall cooperate in the auditing process.
Audit results
Art 13.63 The results of an audit conducted shall be issued in a report and discussed with
the ETU who shall issue a response to the Audit Report, including any adjustments
in account billing and payments proposed.
Audit appeals
Art 13.64 Where a Grid Participant disagrees with the ETU’s response to the audit
report, the ETU’s response may be appealed to theCommission.
Confidentiality
Art 13.65 Metering data and associated metering database constitute confidential
information and shall be treated as such at all times. The ETU shall ensure that
metering data is protected from access by unauthorized persons.
Art 13.66 The ETU shall not provide metering data from a metering facility to any person
other than the metered entity to whom the data relates except when:
(a) the data must be supplied for law enforcement purposes or for the
purpose of complying with a regulatory or legal requirement; or
(b) it is otherwise permitted by the Grid Code.
Art 14.01 The ETU shall obtain from Grid Participants, the technical and operational
information needed for the discharge of the ETU’s responsibilities in order to
provide open, fair and non-discriminatory access to the NITS for all Grid
Participants.
Art 14.02 The Information and Data Exchange Sub-Code is based on the requirements of
the Grid Code and other statutory requirements. The Sub Code defines the reciprocal
obligations of Grid Participants with regard to the provision of information and
exchange of data for the implementation of the Grid Code.
Art 14.03 The requirements of this Sub-Code are complementary to any information and
data exchange requirements defined in other sections of the Grid Code.
Art 14.05 A Grid Participant shall designate an office as its point of information and data
exchange and shall provide the ETU with all the relevant details of contact for its
offices.
Art 14.06 A Grid Participant shall identify the following for each type of information
exchange:
Art 14.07 Grid Participants shall agree on appropriate procedures for the transfer of
information.
Art 14.09 The ETU will provide open and timely exchange of relevant information
among Grid Participants, to facilitate the secure and reliable operation of the NITS.
Art 14.10 The information exchanged between the ETU and a Grid Participant may be
either confidential (bilateral) information or public information intended for all
parties. The provider of the information shall indicate whether the information being
provided should be considered confidential or public.
Art 14.11 The ETU shall make available critical data to allow a Grid Participant to make
rational and informed decisions regarding the operations of the NITS.
Art 14.12 The ETU shall publish all relevant non-confidential information in a timely
manner, or make them accessible by all Grid Participants, in an open and non-
discriminatory manner.
Art 14.13 In the case of electronic data sharing, access to NITS information shall be
provided on read-only basis.
Art 14.14 A Grid Participant shall be responsible for the procurement and maintenance
of the required communication systems as well as the data communication costs of
its systems used for the purpose of Information and Data Exchange.
Art 14.16 The ETU shall, for the purposes of Article 15.15, send a written request to
a Grid Participant, setting out the information it reasonably requires, the preferred
medium and format for the submission and the time by which it reasonably requires
a response to the request.
Art 14.17 A Grid Participant shall use all reasonable endeavours to provide the required
information in the required format and within the time stated.
Art 14.18 Unless specifically provided in other sections of the Grid Code,
communications with the ETU on all other matters shall be with the Head Office of
the ETU.
Planning information
Art 14.19 A Grid Participant shall provide on a regular basis such information as the
ETU may reasonably request for the purposes of planning and developing the NITS
and to enable the ETU fulfil its statutory or regulatory obligations. Grid Participants
shall submit the information to the ETU without unreasonable delay.
Art 14.20 The Planning Information to be provided shall be as specified in the Planning
Code and any other information which may from time to time be required.
Art 14.21 A NITS Asset Owner shall provide a Grid Participant with information about
equipment and systems installed at HV transmission substations.
Art 14.22 The ETU shall keep an updated technical database of the NITS for purposes of
modelling and studies on the NITS.
Art 14.23 The ETU shall provide Distribution Companies and Bulk Customers with any
relevant information that may be reasonably required to properly plan and design
their networks and to comply with their obligations under the Connection Sub-Code.
Art 14.24 A Distribution Company or Bulk Customer shall upon request to upgrade an
existing connection or when applying for a new connection, provide the information
specified in the Connection Sub-Code.
Art 14.25 A Wholesale Supplier shall submit to the ETU all maintenance planning
information with regard to each unit at each power station, as specified in the
Operations Sub-Code.
Art 14.27 The ETU shall communicate network information as required for safe and
reliable operation to the contact points designated by each Grid Participant required.
Art 14.28 The network information exchange shall be both electronic and paper
based and within the time frame agreed upon between the Grid Participants.
Art 14.30 The communication facilities for voice and data that are to be installed and
maintained between the ETU and a Grid Participant shall comply with the applicable
IEC and ITU standards for SCADA and Communication equipment.
Art 14.31 The communication facilities shall support data acquisition from Remote
Terminal Units. The ETU shall be capable of monitoring the state of the NITS via
telemetry from the Remote Terminal Unit connected to plant or facility of a Grid
Participant plant or substation.
Art 14.32 The ETU and Grid Participants may in place of the above systems adopt the
use of new technologies and methodologies for communication of information,
where there is a recognizable benefit in quality, reliability and features and to do so
would be reasonable in the circumstances.
Telephone/fax
Art 14.33 Each Distribution Company, Bulk Customer or Grid Participant shall be
responsible for the provision and maintenance of telephone and facsimile equipment
as required.
Art 14.34 The ETU and all Grid Participants shall provide no fewer than two separate
Public Switched Telephone Network circuits to its Control Room.
Art 14.35 The ETU may provide one or more telephone extensions to be connected to the
ETU’s private operational telephone system. This facility shall be reserved for
operational purposes only and shall be attended by an authorized person and
answered without delay. Grid Participants shall be responsible for optimizing the
reliability and security of this telephone service.
Art 14.36 The ETU shall install and operate a system for recording of all operational
voice communication with Grid Participants. The historical archives of these voice
recordings shall be available for at least one year and shall be made available to
authorized persons when required.
Computer Equipment
Art 14.37 The ETU and all Grid Participants shall provide appropriate Information
Technology and data networking equipment to allow data exchange such as
electronic mail, dispatch instructions, etc between the ETU and the Grid Participant.
The equipment shall only be used by the Grid Participant for operational
communications with the ETU.
File Transfers
Art 14.38 The structure and format for data transfer shall be negotiated and defined by
the supplier and receiver of the information.
Art 14.39 The transfer media shall be mutually agreed by the parties involved.
Art 14.40 The parties shall make adequate arrangements for data backup purposes so as
to enable the recovery of information in the event of equipment or communication
failure.
SCADA infrastructure
Art 14.41 Each NITS Node shall be accessible to the SCADA system which shall be
used for storage, display and processing of operational data.
Art 14.42 All Grid Participants shall make available outputs of their respective
operational equipment to the SCADA System.
Art 14.43 SCADA Remote Terminal Units shall be installed for the transmission of
signals and indications to and from the ETU. The signals and indications which must
be provided by Grid Participants for transmission by SCADA equipment are those
specified in the Connection Code, together with such other data or information as the
ETU may reasonably request, from time to time, by notice to Grid Participants.
Art 14.44 All SCADA, metering, computer and communication equipment and the data
or information carried by the NITS shall be secure from unauthorized access.
Procedures governing security and access shall be agreed with Grid Participants, but
shall allow for adequate access to the equipment and information by the relevant
Grid Participant and ETU for the purposes of maintenance, repair, testing and
recording of measurements.
Time standard
Art 14.45 The time standard used shall be the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
Standard and all time information shall be referenced to it. To maintain
synchronization, each NITS Node shall be provided with a connection to GPS
satellite receivers that enable all relevant devices to maintain time synchronization.
Art 14.47 The ETU shall maintain a complete and accurate record of all Operational
Data supplied or maintained under the Grid Code.
Art 14.48 All Operational Data shall be so maintained for a period of not less than five
(5)years, commencing from the date the Operational Data was first supplied or first
created, if earlier.
Art 14.49 The ETU shall allow Grid Participants access to its records of Operational
Data.
Art 14.50 The obligations for data retention and archiving shall be the responsibility of
the information owner.
Art 14.51 The systems for the storage of data and information to be used by the parties
shall be of their own choice and installed at their own cost.
Art 14.52 The ETC may at any time audit the data retention and archiving systems of
Grid Participants.
Art 14.53 A Grid Participant shall store operational information that is kept
electronically for a period of at least five (5)years or for the life of the plant or
equipment concerned, whichever is the longer.
Art 14.54 The ETU and all Grid Participants shall ensure reasonable security against
unauthorized access, use and loss of information. To this end, a Grid Participant
shall, among other things, develop and implement a backup strategy for the
information system equipment.In order to ensure protection of the NITS against
unauthorised access, the ETU and all Grid Participants shall implement cyber
security protocols including anti-virus and firewall protection systems.
Art 14.56 The performance measurement of all Distribution Companies and Bulk
Customers shall be supplied to the ETU and NITS Asset Owner(s) in accordance
with the relevant provisions of the Connection Agreement.
Art 14.58 A NITS Asset Owner shall also make available all information collected via
recorders installed at substations to the ETU for analysis. The ETU shall make this
information available to affected Grid Participants on request.
Art 14.59 The ETU shall publish each week a report on the power system performance
for the previous week, including a report on Significant Incidents and operating
conditions relevant to the operation of the NITS.
Events reporting
Art 14.60 In the case of a Significant Incident which has been notified by a Grid
Participant to the ETU, the Grid Participant shall provide a written report within
three (3)days of the significant incident to the ETU.
Art 14.61 In the case of a Significant Incident which has been notified by the ETU to a
Grid Participant, the ETU shall provide a written report within three (3)days of the
significant incident to all affected Grid Participants.
Art 14.62 The reports referred to in Articles 15.61 and 15.62 shall, where applicable,
include at least the following:
(a) time and date of Significant Incident;
(b) location;
(c) plant and/or equipment involved;
(d) brief description of the Significant Incident;
(e) Estimated date and time of return to service;
(f) load/generation interrupted and duration of interruption;
(g) generating unit – frequency response achieved;
(h) generating unit – MVar performance achieved;
(i) any other information that the ETU or Grid Participant
reasonably considers may be required in relation to the Significant
Incident
Confidentiality obligations
Art 14.63 A Grid Participant shall use all reasonable endeavours to keep as confidential
any information classified as such and which comes into the possession or control of
that Grid Participant or of which the Grid Participant becomes aware.
Art 14.64 The information owner may request the recipient of the information to enter
into a confidentiality agreement before information established to be confidential is
provided.
Art 14.66 A Grid Participant shall use all reasonable endeavours to prevent unauthorized
access to confidential information which is in the possession or control of that Grid
Participant.
Art 14.67 A Grid Participant shall ensure that any person to whom it discloses
confidential information observes the provisions for confidentiality in relation to that
information.
Art 14.68 A Grid Participant shall report any unauthorised disclosure of information that
is governed by a confidentiality agreement as soon as practicable after it has become
aware of the unauthorised disclosure and shall provide all reasonable assistance to
ensure recovery or destruction of that confidential information as may be deemed
appropriate by the information owner or provider.
Exceptions
Art 14.69 The confidentiality provisions in these section of the Grid Code do not prevent
the disclosure, use or reproduction of information,
PART E: DEFINITIONS
In this National Electricity Grid Code, unless the context otherwise requires—
Access :means the contracted right to use an electrical system to transfer electrical
energy ;
: Active Energy :means the electrical energy produced, flowing or supplied by an electric
circuit during a time interval, being the integral with respect to time of the
instantaneous active power, measured in units of Watt-hours or standard
multiples thereof: i.e.
1000 Watt-hours = 1 Kilo Watt-hour (kWh)
1000 Kilo Watt-hour = 1 Mega Watt-hour (MWh)
1000 Mega Watt-hour = 1 Giga Watt-hour(GWh)
1000 Giga Watt-hour = 1 Tera Watt-hour (TWh)
Active Power :means the product of the components of the alternating current and the
voltage that equate to true power which is measured in units of watts and
standard multiples thereof, for example:
1000 Watt = 1 Kilo Watt (kW)
1000 Kilo Watt = 1 Mega Watt (MW)
1000 Mega Watt = 1 Giga Watt (GW)
1000 Giga Watt = 1 Tera Watt (TW)
Adequacy :means the ability of the electric system to supply the aggregate electrical
demand and energy requirements of the customers at all times, taking into
account scheduled and reasonably expected unscheduled outages of system
elements;
Alternating :means an electric current that reverses its direction of flow at periodic
Current intervals, of 50 times per second;
Ampere (amp) :is a unit of measure of an electric current and is proportional to the
quantity of electrons flowing through a conductor past a given point in one
second;
Asset Owner :means a person who owns the whole or part of the NITS or any facility
connected to the NITS;
Automatic : means the regulation of the power output of electric generators within a
Generation control area in response to changes in load, system frequency, and other
Control factors to maintain the scheduled system frequency and interchanges with
other control areas;
Automatic :means the continuously acting automatic equipment controlling the
Voltage terminal voltage of a synchronous generating unit by comparing the actual
Regulator terminal voltage with reference value and controlling by appropriate means
the output of an exciter, depending on the deviations;
Availability :is a measure of time a generation unit, transmission line or other facility is
capable of delivering energy to the transmission system at the delivery
point or of providing ancillary services to the transmission system;
Availability : means a notice that declares the availability of the relevant facility;
Declaration
Availability :means a percentage representing the number of hours an equipment or unit
Factor is ready for or in service in a given period, compared to the number of
hours in the period;
Black Start :means the ability of a generating unit to start and synchronize to the NITS
Capability without using supply from the power system;
Bulk Customer :means a customer that purchases or receives electric power or energy of
the amount or level specified by the Board of the Commission;
Bus :is an electrical conductor which serves as a common connection for two or
more electrical circuits and is used to interconnect equipment of the same
voltage. A bus may be in the form of rigid bars or in the form of stranded
conductor overhead cables held under tension;
Capability :means the maximum load a generator, piece of equipment, substation, or
system can carry under specified (standardized) conditions for a given time
interval without exceeding approved limits;
Capability :means a curve developed for generators showing the limits of reactive and
Combustion :means a turbine that generates power from the combustion of a fuel;
Turbine
Commissioning :means a test conducted on equipment that is connecting to the grid for the
Test first time or after modification or major maintenance;
Compensation :means the use of devices like capacitors or voltage regulators to improve
performance of an electric system with respect to some specified
characteristic ;
Conductor : means a material through which electricity is transmitted, such as an
Grid Code :means this code that contains the technical and operational rules of
practice and standards of performance rules developed and approved
by the Board of the Commission to facilitate the operations related to
the bulk transmission of electricity within the NITS;
Harmonic :means a sinusoidal wave having a frequency that is an integral multiple
of a fundamental frequency;
High Voltage : means descriptive of transmission lines and electrical equipment with
voltage levels greater than 36 kV;
Imbalance : means a condition where the generation and interchange schedules do
not match demand;
Impedance : means a characteristic of an electric circuit that determines its
hindrance to the flow of electricity and measured in ohms;
Inadvertent Interchange: means the difference between a control area’s net actual
interchange and net scheduled interchange.
Independent System Operator (ISO): means a neutral operator licensed by the Commission
responsible for maintaining instantaneous balance of the NITS by
controlling the dispatch of generating units to ensure that loads
match resources available to the system and is effected in a safe,
reliable, economic and non-discriminatory manner;
Individual Harmonic Distortion (IHD): means the ratio between RMS value of the
individual harmonic content and the RMS value of the fundamental
Interconnection Transmission Lines: means the linkage of transmission lines between two
utilities, enabling power to be moved in either direction;
Interruptible Load :means load which can be automatically disconnected by the use of
under frequency relay or other means;
Island :means a portion of a power system or several power systems that is
electrically separated from the interconnection due to the
disconnection of transmission system equipment;
LI 1934 .....................Electricity transmission (Technical, operational and standards of
performance ) Rules, 2008
LI 1935......................Electricity Supply and Distribution(Standards of performance)
Regulation, 2008
Line Voltage :means the voltage present between any two of the conductors in a
three-phase system;
Load : means the amount of power carried by a utility system or subsystem,
or amount of power consumed by an electric device at a specified
time;
Load Factor : means the ratio of the actual electrical energy produced/consumed to
the possible maximum electrical energy that could be
produced/consumed in any defined period;
Load Flow Studies :means computer simulations of the transmission system, with
representations of the complete electrical transmission system along
with loads and different generation schedules to meet the loads and
used by engineers to study various operating conditions and to plan
future system additions to assure reliable service to customers;
Load Following :means an electric system’s process of regulating its generation by
selected generators to follow the changes in demand;
Load Forecasts : means predicted demand for electric power which may be short-term
like for a duration of one hour for system operation purposes or
long-term for five (5) to twenty (20) years for generation and
transmission planning purposes;
Load Management : means methods to reduce or reshape or redistribute electrical loads to
match available resources designed to influence the timing and
amount of electricity that customers may use and it generally
attempts to shift loads from peak periods to low use periods;
Load Shedding : means the process of deliberately removing pre-selected loads from a
power system, usually done automatically by relays, in order to
maintain the integrity of the system under unusual conditions;
Losses :means electric energy losses in the electric system which occur principally
as energy transformation from kilowatt-hours (kWh) to waste heat in
electrical conductors and apparatus;
Main Meter : means the meter installed by the ETU which provides source data
for the accounting and billing function for NITS supply and services;
Major Power System Operational Incident :means an incident that requires capital
equipment to fix or remedy such as substation blasts, cable blasts,
damaged transformer, damaged switichgear, etc;
Maintenance Outage :means the removal of equipment from service availability to
perform work that can be deferred for a while, but requires the
equipment be removed from service before the next planned outage;
Merit-order : means the ranking in order of which generation plant should be used,
based on ascending order of price together with amount of electricity
that will be generated;
Merit-order Dispatch :means the allocation of demand to individual generating units to
effect the least cost production of electricity for customers. The
process of determining the desired generation level for each of the
generating units in a system in order to meet consumer demand at
the lowest possible production cost given the operational constraints
on the system;
Meter :is a device for measuring and recording units of electrical quantities;
Metering is the method of applying devices to measure and record the amount
and direction of electrical quantities with respect to time;
Metering Data :means the data associated with a metering point;
Metering Database :is the system for the storage of data for meters and associated
equipment in the NITS to facilitate easy retrieval;
Metering Equipment : means equipment used for metering including meters, time
switches, measurement transformers, metering protection and
isolation equipment, circuitry and their associated data storage and
data communications equipment and wiring which are part of the
active energy and reactive energy measuring equipment at or related
to a metering point;
Metering Facility :means a combination of metering equipment;
Metering Intervals :means the time between electricity meter consumption recordings;
Metering Information :means data related to a metering facility that is prescribed by the
ETU for record in the metering register;
Metering Point :means a point in the NITS at which a meter and its accessories are
located refer to TS Single Line Diagram;
Metering Register :has the meaning assigned to it under Art 13.29;
Metering System :includes metering equipment, processes associated with metering,
roles and activities related to metering;
Multiple Contingence :means the failure or outage of an element of the power system and
the coincidental unexpected failure or outage of any other related
element of the power system;
Nameplate Rating :means a manufacturer’s guaranteed performance of an equipment in
the power system under standardized conditions and is usually
expressed in amperes, volts, kilovolt-amperes, kilowatts or other
appropriate units usually indicated on a nameplate attached to the
individual machine or device;
Network :means the plant and equipment used to convey, and control the
conveyance of electricity to customers
NITS Node :see substation;
Node :means a point in the NITS where active or reactive power or energy
can be injected or withdrawn;
Nominal Voltage :means the voltage by which the system is designated and to which
certain operating characteristics are related, and the voltage at which
the system operates and is normally about 5 to 10 percent below the
maximum system voltage for which system components are
designed;
Non-spinning Reserve :has the meaning assigned in Art 9.22;
Off-peak :means the hours or other periods defined by contract or other agreements
or guide as the periods of lower electrical demand. Off- peak
normally refers to a period of relatively low demand on an electric
system and is typical to occur in the middle of the night;
On-peak :means the hours or other periods defined by contract or other agreements
or guide as the periods of higher electrical demand. On- peak
normally refers to a period of relatively high demand on an electric
system;
Open Access :means the equal right to connect or use a system to transfer electrical
energy provided established requirements are met;
Planned Outage :means the removal of the equipment from service availability for
inspection or the general overhaul of a major equipment and is
usually scheduled well in advance;
Planning Year :means the period between 1st November in one year to 31st October
in the ensuing year;
POC:means Connection Point;
Power factor :means the ratio of the active power to the reactive power at a metering
point;
Power Flows :See ‘load flow studies’;
Power Pool :means two or more interconnected electric systems planned and
operated to supply power for their combined demand requirements;
Power System :means the interconnected system of generating units, transmission
and distribution networks operated as an integrated arrangement for
the supply of electricity;
Prudent Utility Practice :means the generally accepted design, practices, methods, and
operation of a power system, to achieve safety, dependability,
efficiency, and economy, and to meet utility and industry codes,
standards, and regulations;
Ramp Rate :means the rate at which the power output of a generator or can be
increased or decreased (in MW/min);
Rated Power : means the rated installed power capacity of a generating unit that is
connected to the network and whose output is continuously available
to the network
Reactive Energy : means the integral with respect to time of the instantaneous reactive
power produced, flowing or supplied by an electric circuit during a
time interval measured in units of Varh or standard multiples
thereof;
Reactive Power : means the product of voltage and current and the sine of the phase
angle between them measured in units of volt-amperes reactive and
standard multiples thereof;
Reactive Power Capability Curve :is a diagram, which shows the MW and MVar
capability limits within which a generation unit will be expected to
operate under steady state conditions;
Reactor :means a device specifically arranged to be connected within the
transmission system during periods of low load demand or low
reactive power demand to counteract the natural capacitive effects of
Static VAR compensation :means a controllable VAR supply, that consist of a complete
system of static components like capacitors, reactors and solid-state
switches combined in one device, to provide rapid and continuously
controllable reactive power compensation;
Substation :means a facility at which two or more lines are switched for
operational purposes and which may in addition have one or more
transformers to enable some connected lines operate at different
nominal voltages in relation to others;
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition: means a computer system that allows an
electric system operator to remotely monitor and control elements of
an electric system;
Surge :means a transient variation of current, voltage, or power flow in an
electric circuit or across an electric system;
Switchgear : includes the combination of various switching and interrupting
devices used in a power system such as disconnect switches, circuit
breakers, and automatic circuit reclosers;
Synchronize :means the process of connecting two previously separated alternating
current apparatuses after matching frequency, voltage, phase angles
such as paralleling a generator to the electric system;
System Emergency Condition: means a partial shutdown or total shutdown or any other
physical operational condition or occurrence on the power system
which is
(a) imminently likely to endanger life or property; or
(b) imminently likely to impair
i) the ETU’s ability to discharge its obligation, or
ii) the safety and reliability of the power system;
System Protection Dependability :means a measure of the ability of protection to initiate
successful tripping of circuit-breakers which are associated with a
faulty part of apparatus. It is calculated using the formula:
Dp =1-F1/A
Where:
A= Total number of system faults
F1= Number of system faults where there was a failure to trip
a circuit breaker;
Tie-line :means a circuit connecting two or more control areas or systems of
an electric system;
Time Error :means an accumulated time difference between control area system
time and the time standard and is caused by a deviation in
Interconnection frequency from 50.0 Hertz;
Time Error Correction :means the offset to the interconnection’s scheduled frequency to
correct for the time error accumulated on an electric clock;
Total Harmonic Distortion: THD shall be defined as the ratio of the RMS voltage of the
harmonic content to the RMS value of the fundamental voltage,
expressed in present.
Transfer capability :means the amount of power, that can be transmitted between one
system and another and which power flow and stability studies can
determine under various outage, system loading and system
operating conditions;
Transformer :means a device that consists of a magnetic core on which there are
two or more windings which can be used to transfer electrical
energy from one circuit to another by magnetic induction, usually
between circuits of different voltages;
Transient Stability :means the ability of an electric power system to maintain
synchronism between its parts when subjected to a disturbance of a
specified severity and to regain a state of equilibrium following that
disturbance;
Transmission system:means an interconnected group of electric transmission lines and
associated equipment for moving or transferring electric energy in
bulk between points of supply and points at which it is transformed
for delivery over the distribution system lines to consumers, or to
other electric systems;
Turbine :means a machine to generate rotary mechanical power from the
energy of a stream of fluid such as water, steam, or hot gas;
Unit commitment :means the process of determining which generator will be brought
on-line to meet load or provide ancillary services for the next
generation schedule;
Unrestricted Operation Range :means normal network frequency or voltage operating
range during which no generating unit is allowed to disconnect and
where there is no technical restriction with regard to the delivery of
active power or reactive power;
Unrestricted Voltage Range: means voltages range at the connection point where no
restrictions with regard to the provision of active or reactive power are permitted;
Introduction
1. Power system frequency is controlled mainly by the generation. Small frequency
excursions occur continually as generation is controlled to match changing loads. The
frequency is stable when generation and load match. Frequency is normally controlled
by the following:
(a) generator govenors
(b) automatic generation control (AGC)
(c) System operators/Dispatchers
2. When these actions fail, the system is in danger of a total blackout and a final safety
net is the Automatic Frequency Load Shedding (AFLS) scheme.
Justification
3. The intent of the AFLS Program is to provide a last resort system preservation
measure during severe frequency declines that can result from an extreme disturbance
or a condition where load substantially exceeds generation. An AFLS program can
minimize the risk of total or partial system collapse, prevent damage to generation and
transmission facilities, provide for equitable load shedding, and, improve the overall
reliability of the power system.
Philosophy
4. An Automatic Frequency Load Shedding (AFLS) program shall be developed,
coordinated, and documented by the ETU. All Distribution Companies and bulk
customers are obligated to participate in the AFLS program, in accordance with good
utility practice.
5. The AFLS Program shall be coordinated between all Participants and with
interconnected utilities, as necessary. The AFLS Program shall also be coordinated
with generation protection, any tie-line tripping schemes, etc.
6. Loads shed during AFLS operations shall not be restored except with the approval of
the ETU.
7. The AFLS Program shall be in steps, set to drop predetermined blocks of load at
discreet frequency steps and for each step, the following shall be defined:
(a) the frequency and/or rate of frequency decay settings and time delays;
(b) the substation or location of loads to be shed;
(c) the estimated magnitude of loads/percentage of load to be shed for both
peak and off-peak periods.
8. The AFLS program shall be determined by the ETU following consultations with
relevant Grid Participants and published in a Demand Management Guidelines
Manual by 1st November each calendar year, to cover the immediately following
twelve-month period.
9. The ETU shall ensure that, as far as is practicable, the burden of load shedding is
fairly distributed among Participants.
10. The AFLS program shall be reviewed annually or as and when necessary, by the
ETU.
REFERENCED DESCRIPTION OF
REGULATION BREACH PENALTY
Art 8.07 NITS Asset Owner contravenes any of As specified under Rule 31
Obligations of the stated obligations of LI 1934.
NITS Asset
Owner
Wholesale
Supplier
TS-C Continued
REFERENCED DESCRIPTION OF
REGULATION BREACH PENALTY
TS-C Continued
REFERENCED DESCRIPTION OF
REGULATION BREACH PENALTY
Art. 10.83 Failure to comply with this Sub- As specified under Rule 31
Testing, Code. of LI 1934.
Inspection and
Compliance
Monitoring
(b) Estimated initial conditions (time required for notice to synchronize within the
Technical Limits and Plant Performance Characteristics), last on or off time,
(c) Generating Unit run-up rates in MW for each level of warmth (cold, warm or
hot starts);
(g) Any maintenance which is planned during the period that could reasonably
affect the available power.
Definitions
(a) ±5% of the nominal voltage at all times under Normal State;
(b) ±10% of the nominal voltage under Alert State for a period not exceeding
10 minutes;
(c) ±10% of the nominal voltage under Emergency State for a period not
exceeding 30 minutes.
3. Phase displacement between voltages shall be within the limits stated in the
Operational Manual of the ETU.
4. The maximum permissible voltage flicker limits shall be in accordance with IEEE
Standard 519-1992.
(b) Between 49.5 to 50.5 Hz for a period not exceeding ten (10) minutes
under Alert State;
(c) Between 49.0 to 51.0 Hz for a period not exceeding thirty (30) minutes
under Emergency State.
2. All generating units shall be operable between power factors of 0.85 lagging and
0.95 leading.
3. All off-takers of power shall maintain their power factor at values not less than
0.95 at all times.
5. Phase displacement between voltages shall be within the limits stated in the
Operational Manual of the ETU.
6. The maximum permissible voltage flicker limits shall be in accordance with latest
revision of IEEE Standard 1453.
8. All generating units shall be operable between power factors of 0.85 lagging and
0.95 leading.
4. The forecast data for the first year shall include monthly forecast for energy and power
demand, while the remaining nine years shall include only one annual energy and
power demand forecast.
5. The Grid Participant shall provide the ETU with forecasted hourly load profiles for
typical Weekday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday.
6. Distribution Companies and Bulk Customers shall provide the values of energy and
power demand forecasts (coincident and non-coincident) for their Facilities at each
Connection Point.
Distribution Companies and Bulk Customers having embedded generation shall specify
the energy and power demand forecasts as well as the forecast embedded generation
separately.
7. Wholesale Suppliers shall submit to the ETU the projected energy and power to be
generated by each Generating Plant.
9. The following information shall be provided for the generating units of each
generating plant:
(g) Rated capacity, voltage and impedance of the generating unit’s step-up
transformer
11. The Grid Participant shall provide the values of the following circuit parameters of
overhead lines or underground cables from the Grid Participant substation to the
connection point with the NITS:
12. If the Grid Participant is connected to the NITS through a transformer, the
following data for the power transformer shall be provided:
(a) Rated MVA;
(d) Positive sequence resistance and reactance (at maximum, minimum and
nominal tap);
(f) Tap changer range, step size and type (on-load or off-load); and
13. The Grid Participant shall provide the following information for the switchgear,
including circuit breakers and disconnect switches at the substation of the Grid
Participant:
(a) Rated voltage (kV);
14. The Grid Participant shall provide the details of its system grounding. This shall
include the rated capacity, the impedances of the grounding equipment and the
date of measurement.
15. The Grid Participant shall provide the data on reactive power compensation
equipment at the connection point or at the substation of the Grid Participant. This
shall include the following information:
(d) type (e.g. shunt capacitor, shunt reactor, static var compensator, etc);
16. If a significant portion of the Grid Participant’s demand may be supplied from
alternative connection point(s), the relevant information on the demand transfer
capability shall be provided by the Grid Participant, including:
(a) The alternative connection point;
(b) The demand normally supplied from each alternative connection point;
(d) The control (manual or automatic) arrangements for transfer including the
time required to effect the transfer for forced outage and planned
maintenance conditions.
17. If a Grid Participant system has embedded generating plants, the short circuit
contribution of the embedded generating plants shall be provided by the
Distribution Company or Bulk Supply customer. The short circuit currents shall be
calculated in accordance with the IEC Standards or their equivalent national
standards.
General Information
18. For each new connection from a distribution company or bulk supply customer, the
following information is required:
(a) load build-up curve (in the case of a new connection);
(b) supply date start (start of load build-up);
2. The following information for step-up transformers shall be provided for each
generating unit:
(a) Rated MVA;
(b) Rated frequency (Hz);
(c) Rated voltage for both primary and secondary (kV);
(d) Voltage ratio;
(e) Winding connection and vector group;
(f) Positive sequence resistance (at maximum, minimum and nominal tap);
(g) Positive sequence reactance (at maximum, minimum and nominal tap);
(h) Zero sequence reactance;
(i) Magnetizing curve;
(j) No Load Loss
(k) Tap changer range, step size; and type (on load or off load); and
(l) Transformer test certificates from which actual technical detail can be
extracted as required are to be supplied on reasonable request.
3. The following excitation control system parameters shall be provided for each
generating unit:
(a) Voltage regulator model name;
(b) DC gain of excitation loop;
(c) Rated field voltage;
(d) Maximum field voltage;
(e) Minimum field voltage;
(f) Maximum rate of change of field voltage (rising and falling)
(g) Functional description and block diagram showing transfer function of
individual elements of the excitation system and the automatic voltage
regulator;
(h) Dynamic characteristics of over excitation limiter; and
(i) Dynamic characteristics of under excitation limiter
4. The following information shall be provided for Power System Stabilizers (PSS):
(a) Functional description and block diagram showing transfer function of
individual elements of the PSS;
(b) Report on methodology in deriving the PSS setting, including simulation
results and tuning procedures;
(c) Commissioning tests or other filed results
The following information shall be provided for Automatic Generation Control (AGC):
5. The following speed governing system parameters shall be provided for each
generating unit:
6. The following plant flexibility performance data shall be submitted for each
generating unit:
(a) rate of loading from a cold start-up condition;
(b) rate of loading from a warm start-up condition;
(c) rate of loading from a hot start-up condition;
(d) block load following synchronization;
(e) time from minimum stable load to full load (minutes)
(f) rate of load reduction from normal rated MW;
(g) regulating range;
(h) load rejection capability while still synchronized and able to supply load;
(i) power required for unit auxiliaries
7. The ETU and each Grid Participant shall exchange information, including details of
physical and electrical layouts, parameter, specifications and functional description
and settings of generating unit protection and other data needed for power system
studies.
8. Each Grid Participant shall provide additional planning data that may be requested
by the ETU.
Note: All data to be provided shall be in per unit magnitude with MVA base specified.
Generating unit and generating unit’s step up transformer data shall be provided in rated
MVA capacity base.
Performance Benchmarks
1. Benchmarks for system performance and reliability indices shall be determined by the
Commission on the basis of computations of the 3-year record of historical
operational performance data submitted by the ETU.
2. The Commission shall, taking into account the historical performance trends,
committed reliability improvement projects, system performance requirements,
industry and international standards and other considerations, and in consultations
with the PURC and relevant Grid Participants, determine the benchmarks for defined
reliability indices specified under the Grid Code.
3. The benchmarks shall be defined and become effective, not later than six months
following the establishment of the Grid Code.
B. Availability
(i) Availability Factor for a line segment (%)
(ii) Availability Factor for group of transmission line segments (%)
(iii) Equivalent Availability Factor for a line segment (%)
(iv) Equivalent Availability Factor for a group of line segments (%)
C. Reliability
(i) System Time error
(ii) System Average Interruption Duration Index
(iii) System Average Interruption Frequency Index
(iv) System Minutes Lost
(v) Index of Transmission Reliability
(vi) Transmission line faults/100km of circuit line
D. Quality
Index Normal State Alert State Emergency State
Frequency deviations
(a) No. of occurrences
(b) Total duration of incidents
(c) Maximum continuous period
(d) Max Value/Time/Date
(e) Min Value/Time/Date
Voltage profile
(a) No. of occurrences
(b) Total duration of incidents
(c) Maximum continuous period
(d) Maximum Value/Time/Date
(e) Minimum Value/Time/Date
E. Events reporting
(i) Planned outages - Time/Date/Duration
(ii) Forced Majeure conditions
(iii) Generation capacity shortage outages - Time/Date/Duration/Amount/Causes
5.23
ETU comments on Grid 3 months after receipt of
ETU Code revision proposal proposal
5.28
Comments on lodged 3 months after receipt
Grid Participants complaint of complaint
5.35
Publication of minutes of 10 working days after
ETC meeting the meeting
6.11(d)
Standard Planning Data 1st July each year
Grid Participants
7.16 Detailed Technical Data 30 days after the request
Grid Participants by the ETU
7.18
Evaluation of development 60 days after the receipt
ETU plan as part of connection of the plan
8.32 application
Connection Point