[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 23, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23854-23864]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11001]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

18 CFR Part 40

[Docket No. RM18-8-000]


Geomagnetic Disturbance Reliability Standard

AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) proposes 
to approve Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 (Transmission System Planned 
Performance for Geomagnetic Disturbance Events). The North American 
Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Commission-certified 
Electric Reliability Organization, submitted proposed Reliability 
Standard TPL-007-2 for Commission approval. Geomagnetic disturbance 
events (GMDs) occur when the sun ejects charged particles that interact 
with and cause changes in the earth's magnetic fields. Proposed 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 modifies currently-effective Reliability 
Standard TPL-007-1 by requiring applicable entities to: Conduct 
supplemental GMD vulnerability assessments and thermal impact 
assessments; obtain geomagnetically induced current and magnetometer 
data; and meet certain deadlines for the development and completion of 
tasks in corrective action plans. In addition, the Commission proposes 
to direct NERC to develop and submit modifications to the Reliability 
Standard to require applicable entities to develop and implement 
corrective action plans to mitigate supplemental GMD event 
vulnerabilities.

DATES:  Comments are due July 23, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Comments, identified by docket number, may be filed 
electronically at http://www.ferc.gov in acceptable native applications 
and print-to-PDF, but not in scanned or picture format. For those 
unable to file electronically, comments may be filed by mail or hand-
delivery to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the 
Commission, 888 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426. The Comment 
Procedures Section of this document contains more detailed filing 
procedures.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
Justin Kelly (Technical Information), Office of Electric Reliability, 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Washington, 
DC 20426, Telephone: (301) 665-1394, [email protected].
Matthew Vlissides (Legal Information), Office of the General Counsel, 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Washington, 
DC 20426, Telephone: (202) 502-8408, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    1. Pursuant to section 215 of the Federal Power Act (FPA), the 
Commission proposes to approve Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 
(Transmission System Planned Performance for Geomagnetic Disturbance 
Events).\1\ The Commission also proposes to approve the associated 
violation risk factors and violation severity levels, implementation 
plan, and effective date for proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2. 
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the 
Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization (ERO), submitted 
proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 for approval in response to a 
Commission directive in Order No. 830.\2\ Geomagnetic disturbance 
events (GMDs) occur when the sun ejects charged particles that interact 
with and cause changes in the earth's magnetic fields. This interaction 
can cause geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) to flow in an 
electric power system and, depending on various factors affecting the 
intensity of the current, can result in a risk of voltage instability 
or voltage collapse, as well as equipment loss or failure.
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    \1\ 16 U.S.C. 824o (2012).
    \2\ Reliability Standard for Transmission System Planned 
Performance for Geomagnetic Disturbance Events, Order No. 830, 156 
FERC ] 61,215 (2016), reh'g denied, 158 FERC ] 61,041 (2017).
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    2. Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 modifies currently-
effective Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 (Transmission System Planned 
Performance for Geomagnetic Disturbance Events) by requiring applicable 
entities to: (1) Conduct supplemental GMD vulnerability assessments and 
thermal impact assessments; (2) obtain GIC and magnetometer data; and 
(3) meet certain deadlines for the development and completion of tasks 
in corrective action plans.
    3. The Commission proposes to approve proposed Reliability Standard 
TPL-007-2 as it largely addresses (with one exception discussed below) 
the directives in Order No. 830 to modify currently-effective 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-1: (1) To revise the benchmark GMD event 
definition, as it pertains to the required GMD Vulnerability 
Assessments and transformer thermal impact assessments, so that the 
definition is not based solely on spatially-averaged data; (2) to 
require the collection of necessary GIC monitoring and magnetometer 
data; and (3) to include a one-year deadline for the completion of 
corrective action plans and two- and four-year deadlines to complete 
mitigation actions involving non-hardware and hardware mitigation, 
respectively.
    4. While proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 addresses the 
first directive in Order No. 830 by requiring applicable entities to 
conduct supplemental GMD vulnerability and thermal impact assessments, 
which do not rely solely upon on spatially-averaged data, the proposed 
Reliability Standard does not require applicable entities to mitigate 
vulnerabilities identified pursuant to such a supplemental 
assessment.\3\ NERC's proposal to modify the benchmark, but then allow 
entities the discretion to take corrective action based solely on the 
results of the spatially-averaged data while taking under advisement 
(``an evaluation of possible actions'') the results of the supplemental 
assessment, does not satisfy the clear intent of the Commission's 
directive. Moreover, Order No. 830 reiterated the directive in Order 
No. 779 that NERC develop a second stage GMD Reliability Standard 
requiring GMD vulnerability

[[Page 23855]]

assessments and that ``owners and operators [ ] develop and implement a 
plan to protect against instability, uncontrolled separation, or 
cascading failures of the Bulk-Power System.''\4\ Accordingly, as 
discussed below, the Commission proposes to direct that NERC, pursuant 
to section 215(d)(5) of the FPA, develop and submit modifications to 
the Reliability Standard to require applicable entities to develop and 
implement corrective action plans to mitigate vulnerabilities revealed 
by conducting supplemental GMD vulnerability assessments.\5\ The 
Commission proposes to direct NERC to submit the modified Reliability 
Standard for approval within 12 months from the effective date of 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-2.
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    \3\ See Order No. 830, 156 FERC ] 61,215 at P 44 (directing NERC 
to ``develop revisions to the benchmark GMD event definition so that 
the reference peak geoelectric field amplitude component is not 
based solely on spatially-averaged data'').
    \4\ Order No. 830, 156 FERC ] 61,215 at P 7.
    \5\ 16 U.S.C. 824o(d)(5).
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    5. In addition, while proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 
imposes deadlines for the preparation and completion of tasks in 
corrective action plans, Requirement R7.4 of the proposed Reliability 
Standard also permits applicable entities to exceed deadlines for 
completing corrective action plan tasks when ``situations beyond the 
control of the responsible entity [arise].'' As discussed below, the 
Commission seeks comment on two options that it is considering 
regarding proposed Requirement R7.4. Under the first option, the 
Commission would, pursuant to section 215(d)(5) of the FPA, direct NERC 
to modify the Reliability Standard to bring the proposed standard into 
alignment with the Commission's direction in Order No. 830, through a 
process whereby NERC considers extensions on a case-by-case basis 
informed by proposed Requirement R7.4.\6\ Under the second option, the 
Commission would approve proposed Requirement R7.4. Under both options, 
the Commission would direct NERC to prepare and submit a report 
regarding how often and why applicable entities are exceeding 
corrective action plan deadlines following implementation of the 
proposed Reliability Standard. Under such a directive, NERC would 
submit the report within 12 months from the date on which applicable 
entities must comply with the last requirement of Reliability Standard 
TPL-007-2.\7\
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    \6\ Order No. 830, 156 FERC ] 61,215 at P 102.
    \7\ NERC's proposed implementation plan provides that, depending 
on the effective date of Reliability Standard TPL-007-2, applicable 
entities will be required to comply with the requirements of the 
proposed Reliability Standard on a staggered schedule. For example, 
if proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 becomes effective before 
January 1, 2021, the last requirement applicable entities will be 
required to comply with is Requirement R7 54 months following the 
effective date of Reliability Standard TPL-007-2. If proposed 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 becomes effective after January 1, 
2021, the last requirement applicable entities will be required to 
comply with is Requirement R8 72 months following the effective date 
of Reliability Standard TPL-007-2.
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I. Background

A. Section 215 and Mandatory Reliability Standards

    6. Section 215 of the FPA requires the Commission to certify an ERO 
to develop mandatory and enforceable Reliability Standards, subject to 
Commission review and approval. Once approved, the Reliability 
Standards may be enforced in the United States by the ERO, subject to 
Commission oversight, or by the Commission independently.\8\
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    \8\ 16 U.S.C. 824o(e).
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B. GMD Primer

    7. GMD events occur when the sun ejects charged particles that 
interact and cause changes in the earth's magnetic fields.\9\ Once a 
solar particle is ejected, it can take between 17 to 96 hours 
(depending on its energy level) to reach earth.\10\ A geoelectric field 
is the electric potential (measured in volts per kilometer (V/km)) on 
the earth's surface and is directly related to the rate of change of 
the magnetic fields.\11\ The geoelectric field has an amplitude and 
direction and acts as a voltage source that can cause GICs to flow on 
long conductors, such as transmission lines.\12\ The magnitude of the 
geoelectric field amplitude is impacted by local factors such as 
geomagnetic latitude and local earth conductivity.\13\ Geomagnetic 
latitude is the proximity to earth's magnetic north and south poles, as 
opposed to earth's geographic poles.\14\ Local earth conductivity is 
the ability of the earth's crust to conduct electricity at a certain 
location to depths of hundreds of kilometers down to the earth's 
mantle. Local earth conductivity impacts the magnitude (i.e., severity) 
of the geoelectric fields that are formed during a GMD event by, all 
else being equal, a lower earth conductivity resulting in higher 
geoelectric fields.\15\
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    \9\ See NERC, 2012 Special Reliability Assessment Interim 
Report: Effects of Geomagnetic Disturbances on the Bulk Power System 
at i-ii (February 2012), http://www.nerc.com/files/2012GMD.pdf.
    \10\ Id. at ii.
    \11\ Id.
    \12\ Id.
    \13\ NERC, Benchmark Geomagnetic Disturbance Event Description, 
Docket No. 15-11-000, at 4 (filed June 28, 2016) (2016 NERC White 
Paper).
    \14\ Id.
    \15\ Id.
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    8. GICs can flow in an electric power system with varying intensity 
depending on the various factors discussed above. As explained in the 
Background section of the proposed Reliability Standard, ``[d]uring a 
GMD event, geomagnetically[hyphen]induced currents (GIC) may cause 
transformer hot[hyphen]spot heating or damage, loss of Reactive Power 
sources, increased Reactive Power demand, and Misoperation(s), the 
combination of which may result in voltage collapse and blackout.''

C. Currently-Effective Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 and Order No. 830

1. Currently-Effective Reliability Standard TPL-007-1
    9. Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 consists of seven requirements 
and applies to planning coordinators, transmission planners, 
transmission owners and generation owners who own or whose planning 
coordinator area or transmission planning area includes a power 
transformer with a high side, wye-grounded winding connected at 200 kV 
or higher.
    10. Requirement R1 requires planning coordinators and transmission 
planners (i.e., ``responsible entities'') to determine the individual 
and joint responsibilities in the planning coordinator's planning area 
for maintaining models and performing studies needed to complete the 
GMD vulnerability assessment required in Requirement R4. Requirement R2 
requires responsible entities to maintain system models and GIC system 
models needed to complete the GMD vulnerability assessment required in 
Requirement R4. Requirement R3 requires each responsible entity to have 
criteria for acceptable system steady state voltage performance for its 
system during the GMD conditions described in Attachment 1 of 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-1. Requirement R4 requires responsible 
entities to conduct a GMD vulnerability assessment every 60 months 
using the benchmark GMD event described in Attachment 1. Requirement R5 
requires responsible entities to provide GIC flow information, based on 
the benchmark GMD event definition, to be used in the transformer 
thermal impact assessments required in Requirement R6, to each 
transmission owner and generator owner that owns an applicable 
transformer within the applicable planning area. Requirement R6 
requires transmission owners and generator owners to conduct thermal 
impact assessments on solely and jointly owned applicable transformers 
where the maximum effective GIC value provided in Requirement R5 is 75 
amps per phase (A/phase) or greater. Requirement R7 requires 
responsible entities to develop

[[Page 23856]]

corrective action plans if the GMD vulnerability assessment concludes 
that the system does not meet the performance requirements in Table 1 
of Reliability Standard TPL-007-1.
    11. Calculation of the benchmark GMD event, against which 
applicable entities must assess their facilities, is fundamental to 
compliance with Reliability Standard TPL-007-1. Reliability Standard 
TPL-007-1, Requirement R3 states that ``[e]ach responsible entity, as 
determined in Requirement R1, shall have criteria for acceptable System 
steady state voltage performance for its System during the benchmark 
GMD event described in Attachment 1.''
    Reliability Standard TPL-007-1, Attachment 1 states that the 
benchmark GMD event is composed of four elements: (1) A reference peak 
geoelectric field amplitude of 8 V/km derived from statistical analysis 
of historical magnetometer data; (2) a scaling factor to account for 
local geomagnetic latitude; (3) a scaling factor to account for local 
earth conductivity; and (4) a reference geomagnetic field time series 
or wave shape to facilitate time-domain analysis of GMD impact on 
equipment. The product of the first three elements is referred to as 
the regional peak geoelectric field amplitude. The benchmark GMD event 
defines the geoelectric field values used to compute GIC flows for a 
GMD vulnerability assessment, which is required in Reliability Standard 
TPL-007-1.\16\
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    \16\ See Reliability Standard TPL-007-1, Requirements R4 and R5. 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 does not set a threshold amount of 
GIC flow that would constitute a vulnerable transformer. However, if 
a transformer is calculated to experience a maximum effective GIC 
flow during a benchmark GMD event of a least 75 A/phase, a thermal 
impact assessment of that transformer is required. See Reliability 
Standard TPL-007-1, Requirement R6.
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    12. For the purpose of determining a benchmark event that specifies 
what severity GMD events a responsible entity must assess for potential 
impacts on the Bulk-Power System, NERC determined that a 1-in-100 year 
GMD event would cause an 8 V/km reference peak geoelectric field 
amplitude at 60 degree north geomagnetic latitude using Qu[eacute]bec's 
earth conductivity.\17\ Scaling factors (i.e., multiplying values) are 
applied to this reference peak geoelectric field amplitude to adjust 
the 8 V/km value for different geomagnetic latitudes (scaling factors 
between 0.1 and 1.0) and earth conductivities (scaling factors between 
0.21 and 1.17). NERC identified a reference geomagnetic field time 
series from an Ottawa, Ontario magnetic observatory during a 1989 GMD 
storm affecting Qu[eacute]bec. NERC used this to estimate a time series 
(i.e., 10-second values over a period of days) of the geoelectric field 
that is representative of what is expected to occur at 60 degree 
geomagnetic latitude during a 1-in-100 year GMD event. Such a time 
series is used in some methods of calculating the vulnerability of a 
transformer to damage from heating caused by GIC.
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    \17\ NERC used Qu[eacute]bec as the location for the reference 
peak 1-in-100 year GMD event because of its proximity to 60 degree 
geomagnetic latitude and its well understood earth model. By 
creating scaling factors, each entity can scale this reference peak 
geoelectric field and geoelectric field time series values to match 
its own expected field conditions.
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    13. NERC used field measurements taken from the International 
Monitor for Auroral Geomagnetic Effects (IMAGE) magnetometer chain, 
which consists of 39 magnetometer stations in Northern Europe, for the 
period 1993-2013 to calculate the reference peak geoelectric field 
amplitude. As described in the 2016 NERC White Paper, to arrive at a 
reference peak geoelectric field amplitude of 8 V/km, NERC ``spatially 
averaged'' four different station groups each spanning a square area of 
approximately 500 km (roughly 310 miles) in width.\18\
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    \18\ ``Spatial Averaging'' refers to the averaging of 
magnetometer readings over a geographic area. The standard drafting 
team averaged several (but not all) geomagnetic field readings taken 
by magnetometers located within square geographical areas of 500 km 
per side.
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2. Order No. 830
    14. On January 21, 2015, NERC submitted for Commission approval 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 in response to a directive in Order No. 
779, which directed NERC to develop one or more Reliability Standards 
to address the effects of GMD events on the electric grid.\19\ In Order 
No. 830, the Commission approved Reliability Standard TPL-007-1, 
concluding that Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 addressed the 
Commission's directive by requiring applicable Bulk-Power System owners 
and operators to conduct, on a recurring five-year cycle, initial and 
ongoing vulnerability assessments regarding the potential impact of a 
benchmark GMD event on the Bulk-Power System as a whole and on Bulk-
Power System components. In addition, the Commission determined that 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 requires applicable entities to develop 
and implement corrective action plans to mitigate vulnerabilities 
identified through those recurring vulnerability assessments and that 
potential mitigation strategies identified in Reliability Standard TPL-
007-1 include, but are not limited to, the installation, modification 
or removal of transmission and generation facilities and associated 
equipment.
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    \19\ Reliability Standards for Geomagnetic Disturbances, Order 
No. 779, 143 FERC ] 61,147, reh'g denied, 144 FERC ] 61,113 (2013).
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    15. In Order No. 830, the Commission also determined that 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 should be modified. Specifically, Order 
No. 830 directed NERC to develop and submit modifications to 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 concerning: (1) The calculation of the 
reference peak geoelectric field amplitude component of the benchmark 
GMD event definition; (2) the collection and public availability of 
necessary GIC monitoring and magnetometer data; and (3) deadlines for 
completing corrective action plans and the mitigation measures called 
for in corrective action plans. Order No. 830 directed NERC to develop 
and submit these revisions for Commission approval within 18 months of 
the effective date of Order No. 830.
    16. With respect to the calculation of the reference peak 
geoelectric field amplitude component of the benchmark GMD event 
definition, Order No. 830 expressed concern with relying solely on 
spatial averaging in Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 because ``the use 
of spatial averaging in this context is new, and thus there is a dearth 
of information or research regarding its application or appropriate 
scale.'' \20\ While Order No. 830 directed that the peak geoelectric 
field amplitude should not be based solely on spatially-averaged data, 
the Commission indicated that this ``directive should not be construed 
to prohibit the use of spatial averaging in some capacity, particularly 
if more research results in a better understanding of how spatial 
averaging can be used to reflect actual GMD events.'' \21\
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    \20\ Order No. 830, 156 FERC ] 61,215 at P 45.
    \21\ Id. P 46.
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D. NERC Petition and Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2

    17. NERC states that proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 
enhances currently-effective Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 by 
addressing reliability risks posed by GMDs more effectively and 
implementing the directives in Order No. 830.\22\ NERC asserts that 
proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 reflects the latest

[[Page 23857]]

in GMD understanding and provides a technically sound and flexible 
approach to addressing the concerns discussed in Order No. 830. NERC 
contends that the proposed modifications enhance reliability by 
expanding GMD vulnerability assessments to include severe, localized 
impacts and by implementing deadlines and processes to maintain 
accountability in the development, completion, and revision of 
corrective action plans developed to address identified 
vulnerabilities. Further, NERC states that the proposed modifications 
improve the availability of GMD monitoring data that may be used to 
inform GMD vulnerability assessments.
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    \22\ Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 is not attached to 
this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR). Proposed Reliability 
Standard TPL-007-2 is available on the Commission's eLibrary 
document retrieval system in Docket No. RM18-8-000 and on the NERC 
website, www.nerc.com.
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    18. Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 modifies currently-
effective Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 by requiring applicable 
entities to: (1) Conduct supplemental GMD vulnerability and transformer 
thermal impact assessments in addition to the existing benchmark GMD 
vulnerability and transformer thermal impact assessments required in 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-1; (2) collect data from GIC monitors and 
magnetometers as necessary to enable model validation and situational 
awareness; and (3) develop necessary corrective action plans within one 
year from the completion of the benchmark GMD vulnerability assessment, 
include a two-year deadline for the implementation of non-hardware 
mitigation, and include a four-year deadline to complete hardware 
mitigation.\23\
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    \23\ Unless otherwise indicated, the requirements of proposed 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 are substantively the same as the 
requirements in currently-effective Reliability Standard TPL-007-1. 
Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 contains conforming and 
other non-substantive modifications that are not addressed in this 
NOPR.
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    19. In particular, proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 modifies 
Requirements R1 (identification of responsibilities) and R2 (system and 
GIC system models) to extend the existing requirements pertaining to 
benchmark GMD assessments to the proposed supplemental GMD assessments. 
Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 adds the newly mandated 
supplemental GMD vulnerability and transformer thermal impact 
assessments in new Requirements R8 (supplemental GMD vulnerability 
assessment), R9 (GIC flow information needed for supplemental GMD 
thermal impact assessments) and R10 (supplemental GMD thermal impact 
assessments). The supplemental GMD event definition contains a higher, 
non-spatially-averaged reference peak geoelectric field amplitude 
component than the benchmark GMD event definition (12 V/km versus 8 V/
km). These three new requirements largely mirror existing Requirements 
R4, R5, and R6 that currently apply, and would continue to apply, only 
to benchmark GMD vulnerability and transformer thermal impact 
assessments.\24\
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    \24\ An exception is the qualifying threshold for transformers 
required to undergo thermal impact assessments: For the supplemental 
GMD assessment the qualifying threshold for transformers is a 
maximum effective GIC value of 85 A/phase while the threshold for 
benchmark GMD event assessments is 75 A/phase.
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    20. In addition, proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 includes 
two other new requirements, Requirements R11 and R12, that require 
applicable entities to gather GIC monitored data (Requirement R11) and 
magnetometer data (Requirement R12).
    21. Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 modifies existing 
Requirement R7 (corrective action plans) to create a one-year deadline 
for the development of corrective action plans and two and four-year 
deadlines to complete actions involving non-hardware and hardware 
mitigation, respectively, for vulnerabilities identified in the 
benchmark GMD assessment. The proposed modifications to Requirement R7 
include a provision allowing for extension of deadlines if ``situations 
beyond the control of the responsible entity determined in Requirement 
R1 prevent implementation of the [corrective action plan] within the 
timetable for implementation.''

II. Discussion

    22. Pursuant to section 215(d) of the FPA, the Commission proposes 
to approve Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 as just, reasonable, not 
unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest. 
Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 addresses the directives in 
Order No. 830 to modify currently-effective Reliability Standard TPL-
007-1: (1) To revise the benchmark GMD event definition, as it pertains 
to the required GMD Vulnerability Assessments and transformer thermal 
impact assessments, so that the definition is not based solely on 
spatially-averaged data; (2) to require the collection of necessary GIC 
monitoring and magnetometer data; and (3) to include a one-year 
deadline for the completion of corrective action plans and two and 
four-year deadlines to complete mitigation actions involving non-
hardware and hardware mitigation, respectively.\25\
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    \25\ NERC states that it will address the directive in Order No. 
830 on public dissemination of GIC monitoring and magnetometer data 
through a forthcoming NERC data request to applicable entities 
pursuant to Section 1600 of the NERC Rules of Procedure rather than 
through a Reliability Standard requirement. On February 7, 2018, 
NERC released a draft data request for a 45-day comment period. 
After reviewing the comments, NERC indicates that it intends to seek 
authorization from the NERC Board of Trustees to issue the data 
request in August 2018. NERC Petition at 27.
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    23. Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 complies with the 
directives in Order No. 830 by requiring, in addition to the benchmark 
GMD event vulnerability and thermal impact assessments, supplemental 
GMD vulnerability and thermal impact assessments. The supplemental GMD 
event definition in proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 contains a 
non-spatially-averaged reference peak geoelectric field amplitude 
component of 12 V/km, in contrast to the 8 V/km figure in the 
spatially-averaged benchmark GMD event definition. As NERC explains in 
its petition, the supplemental GMD event will be used to ``represent 
conditions associated with localized enhancement of the geomagnetic 
field during a severe GMD event for use in assessing GMD impacts.'' 
\26\ Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 therefore addresses the 
Commission's directive to modify currently-effective Reliability 
Standard TPL-007-1 so that the benchmark GMD event does not rely solely 
on spatially-averaged data to calculate the reference peak geoelectric 
field amplitude.
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    \26\ NERC Petition at 12.
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    24. While proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 addresses the 
first directive in Order No. 830 by requiring applicable entities to 
conduct supplemental GMD vulnerability and thermal impact assessments, 
the proposed Reliability Standard does not require applicable entities 
to mitigate such vulnerabilities. Instead, proposed Reliability 
Standard TPL-007-2, Requirement R8.3 only requires applicable entities 
to make ``an evaluation of possible actions designed to reduce the 
likelihood or mitigate the consequences and adverse impacts of the 
event(s)'' if a supplemental GMD event is assessed to result in 
Cascading.\27\ As discussed below, NERC's proposal differs 
significantly from Order No. 830 because the intent of the directive 
was not only to identify vulnerabilities arising from localized

[[Page 23858]]

GMD events but also to mitigate such vulnerabilities. Moreover, Order 
No. 830 reiterated the directive in Order No. 779 that NERC develop a 
second stage GMD Reliability Standard requiring GMD vulnerability 
assessments and that ``owners and operators [ ] develop and implement a 
plan to protect against instability, uncontrolled separation, or 
cascading failures of the Bulk-Power System.'' \28\ Accordingly, the 
Commission proposes to direct NERC, pursuant to section 215(d)(5) of 
the FPA, to develop and submit modifications to the Reliability 
Standard to require applicable entities to develop and implement 
corrective action plans to mitigate supplemental GMD event 
vulnerabilities. The Commission proposes to direct NERC to submit the 
modified Reliability Standard for approval within 12 months from the 
effective date of Reliability Standard TPL-007-2.
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    \27\ The NERC Glossary defines Cascading as ``uncontrolled 
successive loss of System Elements triggered by an incident at any 
location . . . [c]ascading results in widespread electric service 
interruption that cannot be restrained from sequentially spreading 
beyond an area predetermined by studies.'' Glossary of Terms Used in 
NERC Reliability Standards (January 31, 2018).
    \28\ Order No. 830, 156 FERC ] 61,215 at P 7.
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    25. In addition, as discussed below, the Commission seeks comment 
on the need for Requirement R7.4 of proposed Reliability Standard TPL-
007-2, which allows applicable entities to extend corrective action 
plan implementation deadlines, as compared to a process whereby NERC 
considers extensions on a case-by-case basis, as suggested in Order No. 
830.\29\ After reviewing the comments, the Commission may approve the 
requirement but direct NERC to prepare and submit a report concerning 
the use of corrective action plan deadline extensions as allowed under 
proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2, Requirement R7.4. Under such a 
directive, NERC would submit the report within 12 months from the date 
on which applicable entities must comply with the last requirement of 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-2. Alternatively, pursuant to section 
215(d)(5) of the FPA, the Commission may direct NERC to modify the 
Reliability Standard to remove Requirement R7.4.
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    \29\ Id. P 102.
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A. Corrective Action Plan for Supplemental GMD Event Vulnerabilities

NERC Petition
    26. In requiring applicable entities to assess their 
vulnerabilities to a supplemental GMD event, NERC states that 
geomagnetic fields during severe GMD events can be spatially 
non[hyphen]uniform with higher and lower strengths across a geographic 
region. NERC explains that the supplemental GMD event was derived using 
individual station measurements rather than spatially-averaged 
measurements, and thus includes localized enhancement of field strength 
above the average value found in the benchmark GMD event. NERC contends 
that the supplemental GMD event thus addresses the directive in Order 
No. 830 to revise Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 to account for the 
effects of localized peaks that could potentially affect reliable 
operations.
    27. NERC maintains that the benchmark GMD event and supplemental 
GMD event are similar in structure but the supplemental GMD event 
contains differences to account for localized impacts. NERC explains 
that, like the benchmark GMD event, the supplemental GMD event defines 
the geomagnetic and geoelectric field values used to compute GIC flows 
for use in a GMD vulnerability assessment and is composed of four 
elements: (1) Reference peak geoelectric field amplitude of 12 V/km 
derived from statistical analysis of historical magnetometer data; (2) 
scaling factors to account for local geomagnetic latitude; (3) scaling 
factors to account for local earth conductivity; and (4) a locally-
enhanced reference geomagnetic field time series or waveform to 
facilitate time-domain analysis of GMD impact on equipment.
    28. NERC states that the higher reference peak geoelectric field 
amplitude (12 V/km compared to 8 V/km used in the benchmark GMD event) 
and local enhancements to the geomagnetic field time series or waveform 
are distinguishing characteristics of the supplemental GMD event and 
are intended to represent conditions associated with localized 
enhancement of the geomagnetic field during a severe GMD event for use 
in assessing GMD impacts.\30\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \30\ NERC states that the supplemental GMD event waveform is 
more severe than the benchmark GMD event waveform because it 
includes a five-minute duration enhanced peak up to 12 V/km for the 
reference earth model and 60 degree geomagnetic latitude. NERC 
Petition at 13. NERC explains that this synthetic enhancement 
represents the observed localized, rapid magnetic field variation 
periods associated with ionospheric sources during some severe GMD 
events. Id. NERC observes that such GMD conditions could result in 
increased transformer heating for short durations during a severe 
GMD event due to increased GIC flows. Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    29. In developing the supplemental GMD event, NERC indicates that 
the standard drafting team ensured that the peak geoelectric field does 
not rely on spatial averaging of geomagnetic field data. NERC states 
that, like the value in the existing benchmark GMD event, the 
supplemental GMD event peak geoelectric field is a 1-in-100 year 
extreme value determined using statistical analysis of historical 
geomagnetic field data. NERC explains that the fundamental difference 
in the supplemental GMD event amplitude is that it is based on 
geomagnetic field observations taken at individual observation stations 
(i.e., localized measurements), instead of the spatially-averaged 
geoelectric fields used in the benchmark GMD event. NERC states that 
the result of the extreme value analysis shows that the supplemental 
GMD event peak of 12 V/km is above the upper limit of the 95 percent 
confidence interval for a 100[hyphen]year interval, while the same 
confidence interval with spatially-averaged data (i.e., the benchmark 
GMD event) is 8 V/km.
    30. NERC indicates that the corrective action plans mandated in 
Requirement R7 continue to apply only if an entity has identified 
system performance issues through the benchmark GMD vulnerability 
assessments. NERC explains that mitigation for assessed supplemental 
GMD vulnerabilities are addressed in proposed Requirement R8.3, which 
states that if a responsible entity concludes that there would be 
``Cascading'' caused by the supplemental GMD event, the entity shall 
conduct an analysis of possible actions to reduce the likelihood or 
mitigate the impacts of the event.\31\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \31\ NERC Petition at 23.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    31. NERC states that the standard drafting team determined that 
requiring corrective action plans in response to assessed supplemental 
GMD event vulnerabilities would not be appropriate at this time because 
the supplemental GMD event definition uses a small number of observed 
localized enhanced geoelectric field events that provide only general 
insight into the geographic size of localized events during severe 
solar storms.\32\ NERC also contends that currently available modeling 
tools do not provide entities with capabilities to model localized 
enhancements within a severe GMD event realistically.\33\ As a result, 
NERC claims that applicable entities may need to employ conservative 
approaches when performing the supplemental GMD vulnerability 
assessment, such as applying the localized peak geoelectric field over 
an entire planning area.\34\ NERC states that, for these reasons, 
``requiring mandatory mitigation may not provide effective reliability 
benefit

[[Page 23859]]

or use resources optimally.'' \35\ NERC contends that the approach used 
in proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 for the supplemental GMD 
event provides entities with flexibility to consider and select 
mitigation actions based on their circumstances and is similar to the 
approach used in Reliability Standard TPL-001-4, Requirement R3.5 for 
extreme events.\36\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \32\ Id.
    \33\ Id.
    \34\ Id. at 24.
    \35\ Id.
    \36\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Commission Proposal
    32. NERC's proposal not to require corrective action plans for 
supplemental GMD event vulnerabilities differs significantly from Order 
No. 830 because the intent and clear meaning of the directive was not 
only to identify vulnerabilities arising from localized GMD events but 
also to mitigate such vulnerabilities. Order No. 830 reiterated the 
directive in Order No. 779 that NERC develop a second stage GMD 
Reliability Standard requiring GMD vulnerability assessments and that 
``owners and operators [ ] develop and implement a plan to protect 
against instability, uncontrolled separation, or cascading failures of 
the Bulk-Power System.'' \37\ By contrast, proposed Reliability 
Standard TPL-007-2 allows supplemental GMD event vulnerabilities to 
potentially go unmitigated even, for example, if an applicable entity 
assesses that the supplemental GMD event causes Cascading.\38\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ Order No. 830, 156 FERC ] 61,215 at P 7.
    \38\ Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2, Requirement R8.3 
(``If the analysis concludes there is Cascading caused by the 
supplemental GMD event described in Attachment 1, an evaluation of 
possible actions designed to reduce the likelihood or mitigate the 
consequences and adverse impacts of the event(s) shall be 
conducted.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    33. Moreover, in Order No. 830, the Commission directed NERC to 
``develop revisions to the benchmark GMD event definition so that the 
reference peak geoelectric field amplitude component is not based 
solely on spatially-averaged data.'' \39\ NERC's proposal to modify the 
benchmark, but then allow applicable entities the discretion to take 
corrective action based solely on the results of the spatially-averaged 
benchmark analysis while taking under advisement (``an evaluation of 
possible actions'') the results of the supplemental assessment, does 
not satisfy the clear intent of the Commission's directive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ Id. at 44.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    34. Further, we are not persuaded by NERC's reasoning that: (1) 
Existing technical limitations, specifically the limited number of 
observations used to define the supplemental GMD event and the 
availability of modeling tools to assist entities in assessing 
vulnerabilities, make requiring mitigation premature at this time; and 
(2) requiring only an evaluation of possible actions for supplemental 
GMD events that result in Cascading is similar to the treatment of 
extreme events in Reliability Standard TPL-001-4 (Transmission System 
Planning Performance Requirements).
    35. We believe, based on the information before us, that it is 
reasonable to require applicable entities to mitigate supplemental GMD 
event vulnerabilities because, as NERC contends, the supplemental GMD 
event ``provides a technically justified method of assessing 
vulnerabilities to the localized peak effects of severe GMD events.'' 
\40\ While the supplemental GMD event possesses characteristics that 
differentiate it from the benchmark GMD event (i.e., geographic area, 
peak amplitude, duration, and geoelectric field waveform), both events 
were developed by the standard drafting team using a common framework. 
The standard drafting team determined the peak amplitude of the 
supplemental GMD event using generalized extreme value statistical 
analysis methods, as it did for the benchmark GMD event, and found a 
consistent result of 12 V/km with a 95 percent confidence interval. 
Generalized extreme value analysis is well-supported in the technical 
literature and, in approving the benchmark GMD event, was previously 
accepted in Order No. 830. The basic waveform used for the supplemental 
GMD event is the same waveform used in the benchmark GMD event.\41\ 
Similar to the methodology for determining peak amplitude, the 
benchmark GMD event waveform was previously considered appropriate in 
Order No. 830. While the supplemental GMD event waveform includes a 
``five-minute duration enhanced peak up to 12 V/km,'' NERC does not 
suggest that the duration of the enhanced peak is unrepresentative of 
the behavior of localized enhancements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \40\ NERC Petition at 13.
    \41\ Id. (``Both the benchmark and supplemental GMD event 
waveforms are based on 10-second sampling interval magnetic field 
data from the Ottawa observatory recorded during the March 13-14, 
1989 GMD event.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    36. NERC contends that the low number of real-world observations on 
which the supplemental GMD event is based calls into question the 
accuracy of its geographic size.\42\ However, any uncertainty regarding 
the size of the geographic footprint of the supplemental GMD event 
could be addressed by applicable entities through sensitivity analysis 
and other methods within the planning studies. The proposed Reliability 
Standard does not prescribe how applicable entities must perform such 
studies; so applicable entities may incorporate this uncertainty into 
their studies. Indeed, Attachment 1 (Calculating Geoelectric Fields for 
the Benchmark and Supplemental GMD Events) of proposed Reliability 
Standard TPL-007-2 states that ``Planners have flexibility to determine 
how to apply the localized peak geoelectric field over the planning 
area in performing GIC calculations.'' \43\ Attachment 1 provides that 
an applicable entity may apply the supplemental GMD event definition 
over the entire planning area; apply some combination of the benchmark 
GMD event and supplemental GMD event over portions of a planning area; 
or use ``[o]ther methods to adjust the benchmark GMD event analysis to 
account for the localized geoelectric field enhancement of the 
supplemental GMD event.'' \44\ The flexibility afforded to applicable 
entities by proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 to determine the 
geographic size of the supplemental GMD event, in our view, addresses 
NERC's concern.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \42\ Id. at 23 (``[the] small number of observed localized 
enhanced geoelectric field events . . . provide only general insight 
into the geographic size of localized events during severe solar 
storms'').
    \43\ Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2, Attachment 1, 
Applying the Localized Peak Geoelectric Field in the Supplemental 
GMD Event.
    \44\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    37. The Supplemental Geomagnetic Disturbance Event Description 
appended to NERC's petition further supports the supplemental GMD event 
definition by stating that ``[b]ased on the above analysis and the 
previous work associated with the benchmark GMD event, it is reasonable 
to incorporate a second (or supplemental) assessment into 
TPL[hyphen]007[hyphen]2 to account for the potential impact of a local 
enhancement in both the network analysis and the transformer thermal 
assessment(s).'' \45\ The Supplemental GMD Event White Paper also 
states that ``[g]iven the current state of knowledge regarding the 
spatial extent of a local geomagnetic field enhancements, upper 
geographic boundaries, such as the values used in the approaches above, 
are reasonable but are not definitive.'' \46\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \45\ NERC Petition, Exhibit I (Supplemental Geomagnetic 
Disturbance Event Description) at 12 (Supplemental GMD Event White 
Paper).
    \46\ Id. at 13.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    38. With respect to NERC's contention regarding the unavailability 
of modeling tools, we are not persuaded. We understand that there are 
commercially available tools that could allow for

[[Page 23860]]

modeling of supplemental GMD events.\47\ In addition to these modeling 
tools, other methods could be used within the framework of the 
Reliability Standard to study planning areas (e.g., superposition or 
sensitivity studies) in conjunction with other power system modeling 
tools. However, we will consider any comments that substantiate NERC's 
position.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \47\ See, e.g., Siemens Power Technologies International, GIC 
Module to Analyze Geomagnetic Disturbances on the Grid, Features 
Summary, http://w3.usa.siemens.com/smartgrid/us/en/transmission-grid/products/grid-analysis-tools/transmission-system-planning/Documents/PTI_FF_EN_SWPE_GIC_1412.pdf; PowerWorld, Simulator, 
Geomagnetically Induced Current (GIC), https://www.powerworld.com/products/simulator/add-ons-2/simulator-gic.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    39. In addition, the Commission recognized in Order No. 830 that an 
improved understanding of GMDs is necessary and directed NERC to 
conduct certain GMD-related research. The GMD research directed in 
Order No. 830 is meant to address technical limitations regarding GMD 
mitigation, among other areas. In the preliminary GMD research work 
plan submitted by NERC on May 30, 2017, NERC stated that the Commission 
in Order No. 830 ``noted its concern that a spatially-averaged 
benchmark may not adequately account for localized peak geoelectric 
fields that could potentially affect reliable operations.'' \48\ In 
response, NERC indicated that it will conduct ``(i) research [Task 1 of 
the GMD research work plan] to improve understanding of the 
characteristics and spatial scales of localized geoelectric field 
enhancements caused by severe GMD events; and (ii) research to 
determine the impacts of spatial averaging assumptions on [Bulk-Power 
System] reliability.'' \49\ NERC estimated that Task 1, which includes 
the development of better models, will require approximately 24-36 
months to complete from start of work. Such GMD research on localized 
events should inform the standard development process and aid 
applicable entities when implementing a modified Reliability 
Standard.\50\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \48\ NERC, Geomagnetic Disturbance Research Work Plan of the 
North American Electric Reliability Corporation, Docket No. RM15-11-
002, at 8 (filed May 30, 2017).
    \49\ Id.
    \50\ On April 19, 2018, NERC submitted a revised GMD Work Plan 
that is currently pending before the Commission. NERC, Revised 
Geomagnetic Disturbance Research Work Plan of the North American 
Electric Reliability Corporation, Docket No. 15-11-003 (filed April 
19, 2018). The revised GMD Work Plan provides additional detail to 
the previous version. NERC now estimates that Task 1 deliverables 
will be completed in 2019. Id., Attachment 1 (Order No. 830 GMD 
Research Work Plan (April 2018)) at 7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    40. We are also not persuaded by NERC's reliance on Reliability 
Standard TPL-001-4 to justify only requiring an evaluation of possible 
actions for supplemental GMD events that result in Cascading in light 
of the directive in Order No. 830. In Order No. 830, the Commission 
directed NERC to modify the proposed Reliability Standard to assess and 
address the risks posed by enhanced localized GMD events to the Bulk-
Power System. In contrast, in approving Reliability Standard TPL-001-4, 
the Commission did not direct NERC to further modify the Reliability 
Standard to address the risks posed by extreme events. Accordingly, the 
treatment of extreme events under Reliability Standard TPL-001-4 does 
not support the notion here that applicable entities should, as NERC 
suggests, have the ``the flexibility to . . . consider mitigation.'' 
\51\ However, as with the mitigation of benchmark GMD event 
vulnerabilities, we agree with NERC that any required mitigation of 
supplemental GMD event vulnerabilities should be flexible in terms of 
how applicable entities choose to mitigate such vulnerabilities. NERC's 
petition already stresses that proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 
affords flexibility as to how applicable entities apply the 
supplemental GMD event to their planning areas.\52\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \51\ NERC Petition at 24 (emphasis added).
    \52\ NERC Petition, Exhibit I at 13 (``Proposed 
TPL[hyphen]007[hyphen]2 provides flexibility for planners to 
determine how to apply the supplemental GMD event to the planning 
area.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    41. Accordingly, the Commission proposes to direct NERC, pursuant 
to section 215(d)(5) of the FPA, to develop and submit modifications to 
the Reliability Standard to require applicable entities to develop and 
implement corrective action plans to mitigate supplemental GMD event 
vulnerabilities. The Commission proposes to direct NERC to submit the 
modified Reliability Standard for approval within 12 months from the 
effective date of Reliability Standard TPL-007-2. The Commission seeks 
comments from NERC and other interested entities on this proposal.

B. Corrective Action Plan Deadline Extensions NERC Petition

    42. NERC states that proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2, 
Requirement R7.2 requires responsible entities to develop a corrective 
action plan within one year of the benchmark GMD vulnerability 
assessment, if the entity concludes that its System does not meet the 
performance requirements for the steady state planning benchmark GMD 
event. NERC indicates that under Requirement R7.3, the corrective 
action plan shall include a timeline that specifies the completion of 
non-hardware and hardware mitigation within two and four years of 
development of the corrective action plan, respectively.
    43. NERC maintains that proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 
also recognizes that there may be circumstances outside of a 
responsible entity's control that could prevent the completion of a 
mitigation activity within the specified timetable. NERC cites as 
examples delays due to regulatory or legal processes, such as 
permitting; delays from stakeholder processes required by tariffs; 
delays resulting from equipment lead times; or delays resulting from 
the inability to acquire necessary right-of-way. NERC explains that in 
such circumstances, a responsible entity may maintain compliance by 
revising its corrective action plan in accordance with Requirement 
R7.4. NERC states that under Requirement R7.4, the responsible entity 
shall revise its corrective action plan if events beyond its control 
prevent implementation within the original timetable. NERC explains 
that in the revised corrective action plan, the responsible entity must 
provide justification for its revised timetable by documenting: (1) The 
circumstances causing the delay; (2) description of the original 
corrective action plan and any changes; and (3) revisions to selected 
actions, including the use of any operating procedures if applicable, 
along with an updated timetable for completion. NERC states that the 
revised corrective action plan shall be updated at least annually and 
the responsible entity must then provide its revised corrective action 
plan to recipients of the original corrective action plan (i.e., 
reliability coordinator, adjacent planning coordinator(s), adjacent 
transmission planner(s), functional entities referenced in the 
corrective action plan, and any functional entity that submits a 
written request and has a reliability related need for the 
information).
    44. NERC contends that this proposal is consistent with other 
Commission-approved Reliability Standards. NERC cites Reliability 
Standard FAC-003-4, Requirement R7 and asserts that it provides that an 
entity may modify its annual vegetation work plan in light of 
circumstances beyond the entity's control, such as a natural disaster 
or other circumstance. NERC also cites Reliability Standard PRC-004-
5(i), Requirement R5 and contends that under that Reliability Standard 
a responsible entity that owns a protection system component that 
caused a misoperation shall either

[[Page 23861]]

develop a corrective action plan or explain in a declaration why 
corrective actions are beyond the entity's control or would not improve 
reliability.
Commission Proposal
    45. Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 satisfies Order No. 830 
by incorporating the deadlines set out by the Commission for the 
development and implementation of corrective action plans. However, 
Requirement R7.4 of the proposed Reliability Standard differs from 
Order No. 830 by allowing applicable entities to ``revise'' or 
``update'' corrective action plans to extend deadlines. This provision 
contrasts with the Commission's guidance in Order No. 830 that ``NERC 
should consider extensions of time on a case-by-case basis.'' \53\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \53\ Order No. 830, 156 FERC ] 61,215 at P 102.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    46. NERC contends that the proposed Reliability Standard ``would 
implement the Commission directed deadlines for Corrective Action Plans 
and mitigation, along with a process to maintain accountability and 
communication with affected entities when circumstances beyond a 
responsible entity's control affect the entity's ability to complete 
implementation within the original deadlines.'' \54\ Given the 
complexities and potential novelty of steps applicable entities may 
take to mitigate the risks of GMDs, we agree with NERC that there 
should be a mechanism for allowing extensions of corrective action plan 
implementation deadlines. However, we would like to avoid unnecessary 
delay in implementing protection against GMD threats. Moreover, we are 
not persuaded that the proposal is supported by the precedent cited by 
NERC because the Reliability Standards NERC cites are distinguishable.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \54\ NERC Petition at 22.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    47. NERC maintains that provisions similar to Requirement R7.4 are 
found in two Reliability Standards. NERC states that Reliability 
Standard FAC-003-4, Requirement R7, allows a registered entity to 
modify its annual vegetation work plan in light of circumstances beyond 
the entity's control. While Reliability Standard FAC-003-4, Requirement 
R7 permits modifications to annual vegetation work plans, the 
modifications cannot result in a registered entity's failure to avoid 
the damage contemplated by Requirement R7--vegetation encroachment: 
``Modifications to the work plan in response to changing conditions or 
to findings from vegetation inspections may be made (provided they do 
not allow encroachment of vegetation into the [minimum vegetation 
clearance distance]) and must be documented.'' In contrast, proposed 
Requirement R7.4 could enable applicable entities to delay mitigation 
that would avoid the damage of known GMD vulnerabilities. Accordingly, 
the extensions of time permitted by Reliability Standard FAC-003-4, 
because they may not result in the damage contemplated by the 
Reliability Standard, are not comparable, as NERC asserts, to failure 
to mitigate an existing GMD vulnerability in a timely manner.
    48. NERC also compares the corrective action plan provision in 
proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 with Reliability Standard PRC-
004-5(i), Requirement R5, which allows ``a responsible entity that owns 
a Protection System component that caused a Misoperation . . . [to] 
either develop a Corrective Action Plan or explain in a declaration why 
corrective actions are beyond the entity's control or would not improve 
reliability.'' We are not persuaded that NERC's proposal to allow self-
declared extensions of time in Requirement R7.4 is supported by the 
quoted language in Reliability Standard PRC-004-5(i), Requirement R5 
because Requirement R5 does not allow for extensions of time. Rather, 
Requirement R5 permits the registered entity to declare that it cannot 
carry out corrective actions (e.g., because the misoperation occurred 
on facilities it does not own or control) or because the corrective 
action would not improve Bulk-Power System reliability. Moreover, the 
Guidelines and Technical Basis document accompanying Reliability 
Standard PRC-004-5(i) concludes by stating that a ``declaration that no 
further corrective actions will be taken is expected to be used 
sparingly.''
    49. Given these concerns, the Commission is considering two options 
in response to Requirement R7.4 of the proposed Reliability Standard. 
The Commission seeks comment from NERC and other interested entities on 
each of these proposals.
    50. Under the first option, the Commission would, pursuant to 
section 215(d)(5) of the FPA, direct NERC to modify the proposed 
Reliability Standard to comport with Order No. 830, by requiring that 
NERC and the Regional Entities, as appropriate, consider requests for 
extension of time on a case-by-case basis.\55\ Under this option, 
responsible entities seeking an extension would submit the information 
required by proposed Requirement R7.4 to NERC and the Regional Entities 
for their consideration of the request. The Commission would also 
direct NERC to prepare and submit a report addressing the disposition 
of any such requests, as well as information regarding how often and 
why applicable entities are exceeding corrective action plan deadlines 
following implementation of the proposed Reliability Standard.\56\ 
Under such a directive, NERC would submit the report within 12 months 
from the date on which applicable entities must comply with the last 
requirement of Reliability Standard TPL-007-2. Following receipt of the 
report, the Commission would determine whether further action is 
necessary.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \55\ Order No. 830, 156 FERC ] 61,215 at P 102.
    \56\ Under proposed Requirement R7.4, when an applicable entity 
extends a corrective action plan deadline, it must revise the 
corrective action plan to explain the ``[c]ircumstances causing the 
delay for fully or partially implementing the selected actions.'' 
NERC could use this information to populate the proposed report.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    51. Under the second option, the Commission would approve proposed 
Requirement R7.4 but also direct NERC to prepare and submit a report 
regarding how often and why applicable entities are exceeding 
corrective action plan deadlines following implementation of the 
proposed Reliability Standard. Under such a directive, NERC would 
submit the report within 12 months from the date on which applicable 
entities must comply with the last requirement of Reliability Standard 
TPL-007-2. Following receipt of the report, the Commission would 
determine whether further action is necessary.

III. Information Collection Statement

    52. The collection of information contained in this Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking is subject to review by the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) under section 3507(d) of the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995.\57\ OMB's regulations require review and approval of certain 
information collection requirements imposed by agency rules.\58\ Upon 
approval of a collection of information, OMB will assign an OMB control 
number and an expiration date. Respondents subject to the information 
collection requirements of a rule will not be penalized for failing to 
respond to the collection of information unless the collection of 
information displays a valid OMB control number.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \57\ 44 U.S.C. 3507(d) (2012).
    \58\ 5 CFR part 1320 (2017).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    53. We solicit comments on the Commission's need for this 
information, whether the information will have practical utility, the 
accuracy of the burden estimates, ways to enhance the quality, utility, 
and clarity of the

[[Page 23862]]

information to be collected or retained, and any suggested methods for 
minimizing respondents' burden, including the use of automated 
information techniques. Specifically, the Commission asks that any 
revised burden or cost estimates submitted by commenters be supported 
by sufficient detail to understand how the estimates are generated.
    54. The Commission proposes to approve proposed Reliability 
Standard TPL-007-2, which would replace currently-effective Reliability 
Standard TPL-007-1. When compared to Reliability Standard TPL-007-1, 
proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 maintains the current 
information collection requirements, modifies existing Requirement R7 
and adds new requirements in Requirements R8 through R12.
    55. Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 includes new corrective 
action plan development and implementation deadlines in Requirement R7, 
new supplemental GMD vulnerability and transformer thermal impact 
assessments in Requirements R8 through R10, and requirements for 
applicable entities to gather magnetometer and GIC monitored data in 
Requirements R11 and R12. Deadlines in Requirement R7 for the 
development and implementation of corrective action plans would only 
change the timeline of such documentation and are not expected to 
revise the burden to applicable entities. The burden estimates for new 
Requirements R8 through R10 are expected to be similar to the burden 
estimates for Requirements R4 through R6 in currently-effective 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 due to the closely-mirrored 
requirements.\59\ The Commission expects that only 25 percent or fewer 
of transmission owners and generator owners would have to complete a 
supplemental transformer thermal impact assessment per Requirement R10. 
Requirements R11 and R12 require applicable entities to have a process 
to collect GIC and magnetometer data from meters in planning 
coordinator planning areas.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \59\ NERC Petition at 15-17.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Public Reporting Burden: The burden and cost estimates below are 
based on the changes to the reporting and recordkeeping burden imposed 
by proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2. Our estimates for the 
number of respondents are based on the NERC Compliance Registry as of 
3/9/2018, which indicates there are 183 entities registered as 
transmission planner (TP), 65 planning coordinators (PC), 330 
transmission owners (TO), 944 generator owners (GO) within the United 
States. However, due to significant overlap, the total number of unique 
affected entities (i.e., entities registered as a transmission planner, 
planning coordinator, transmission owner or generator owner, or some 
combination of these functional entities) is 1,130 entities. This 
includes 188 entities that are registered as a transmission planner or 
planning coordinator (applicability for Requirements R7 to R9 and R11 
to R12), and 1,119 entities registered as a transmission or generation 
owner (applicability for Requirement R10). Given the assumption above, 
there is an expectation that at most only 25 percent of the 1,119 
entities (or 280 entities) will have to complete compliance activities 
for Requirement R10. The estimated burden and cost are as follow.\60\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \60\ Hourly costs are based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
(BLS) figures for May 2017 (Sector 22, Utilities) for wages (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm) and benefits for December 
2017 (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.nr0.htm). We estimate 
that an Electrical Engineer (NAICS code 17-2071) would perform the 
functions associated with reporting requirements, at an average 
hourly cost (for wages and benefits) of $66.90. The functions 
associated with recordkeeping requirements, we estimate, would be 
performed by a File Clerk (NAICS code 43-4071) at an average hourly 
cost of $32.04 for wages and benefits.
    The estimated burden and cost are in addition to the burden and 
cost that are associated with the existing requirements in 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 (and in the current OMB-approved 
inventory), which would continue under proposed Reliability Standard 
TPL-007-2.

                                             FERC-725N, Changes Proposed in NOPR in Docket No. RM18-8 61 62
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                     Total annual
                                  Number and type of   Annual number of     Total number of     Average burden     burden hours and        Cost per
         Requirement (R)              respondents        responses per         responses      hours and cost per   total annual cost    respondent ($)
                                                          respondent                               response            (rounded)
                                  (1)...............  (2)...............  (1) x (2) = (3)...  (4)...............  (3) x (4) = (5)...  (5) / (1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R1 through R6...................  No change.........  No change.........  No change.........  No change.........  No change.........  No change.
R7..............................  188...............  1/5 (once for       37.6..............  Rep. 5 hrs.,        Rep. 188            Rep. 1 hr., $66.9;
                                  (PC and TP).......   every five year                         $334.5; RK 5        hrs.,$12,577; RK    RK 1 hr., $32.04.
                                                       study).                                 hrs., $160.2.       188 hrs., $6,023.
R8..............................  188...............  1/5 (once for       37.6..............  Rep., 27 hrs.,      Rep. 1,015 hrs.,    Rep., 5.4 hrs.,
                                  (PC and TP).......   every five year                         $1,806.30;RK, 21    $67,917; RK 790     $361.26; RK 4.2
                                                       study).                                 hrs., $672.84.      hrs., $25,299.      hrs., $134.57.
R9..............................  188...............  1/5 (once for       37.6..............  Rep. 9 hrs.,        Rep. 338 hrs.;      Rep. 1.8 hrs.,
                                  (PC and TP).......   every five year                         $602.10.            $22,639 RK 263      $120.42; RK 1.4
                                                       study).                                RK 7 hrs., $224.28   hrs., $8,432.       hrs., $44.85.
R10.............................  280...............  1/5 (once for       56................  Rep. 22 hrs.,       Rep. 1,232 hrs.,    Rep. ;4.4 hrs.,
                                  (25% of 1,119)....   every five year                         $1,471.8;.          $82,421; RK 1,008   $294.36; RK 3.6
                                  (GO and TO).......   study).                                RK 18 hrs. $576.72   hrs., $32,296.      hrs., $115.34.
R11.............................  188...............  1 (on-going         188...............  Rep. 10 hrs.,       Rep. 1,880 hrs.,    Rep. 10 hrs.,
                                  (PC and TP).......   reporting).                             $669;.              $125,772; RK        $669; RK 10 hrs.,
                                                                                              RK. 10 hrs.,         1,880 hrs.,         $320.40.
                                                                                               $320.40.            $60,235.
R12.............................  188...............  1 (on-going         188...............  Rep. 10 hrs., $669  Rep. 1,880 hrs.     Rep. 10 hrs.,
                                  (PC and TP).......   reporting).                            RK. hrs 320.4.....   $125,772; RK        $669; RK 10 hrs.,
                                                                                                                   1,880 hrs.,         $320.40.
                                                                                                                   $60,235.
                                                                                             -----------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 23863]]

 
    Total Additional Hrs. and     ..................  ..................  ..................  ..................  Rep., 6,533.......  ..................
     Cost (rounded), due to NOPR                                                                                  hrs., $437,057; RK
     in RM18-8.                                                                                                    6,009.
                                                                                                                  hrs., $192,528....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Title: FERC-725N, Mandatory Reliability Standards: TPL Reliability 
Standards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \61\ Rep. = reporting requirements; RK = recordkeeping 
requirements.
    \62\ For each Reliability Standard, the Measure shows the 
acceptable evidence (Reporting Requirement) for the associated 
Requirement (R numbers), and the Compliance section details the 
related Recordkeeping Requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Action: Proposed revisions to an existing collection of 
information.
    OMB Control No: 1902-0264.
    Respondents: Business or other for profit, and not for profit 
institutions.
    Frequency of Responses: \63\ Every five years (for Requirement R7-
R10), annually (for Requirement R11 and R12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \63\ The frequency of Requirements R1 through R6 in proposed 
Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 is unchanged from the existing 
requirements in Reliability Standard TPL-007-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Necessity of the Information: Proposed Reliability Standard TPL-
007-2, if adopted, would implement the Congressional mandate of the 
Energy Policy Act of 2005 to develop mandatory and enforceable 
Reliability Standards to better ensure the reliability of the nation's 
Bulk-Power System. Specifically, these requirements address the threat 
posed by GMD events to the Bulk-Power System and conform to the 
Commission's directives to modify Reliability Standard TPL-007-1 as 
directed in Order No. 830.
    Internal review: The Commission has reviewed proposed Reliability 
Standard TPL-007-2, and made a determination that its action is 
necessary to implement section 215 of the FPA. The Commission has 
assured itself, by means of its internal review, that there is 
specific, objective support for the burden estimates associated with 
the information requirements.
    56. Interested persons may obtain information on the reporting 
requirements by contacting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 
Office of the Executive Director, 888 First Street NE, Washington, DC 
20426 [Attention: Ellen Brown, email: [email protected], phone: 
(202) 502-8663, fax: (202) 273-0873].
    Comments concerning the proposed collection of information and the 
associated burden estimate should be sent to the Commission in this 
docket and may also be sent to the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street NW, 
Washington, DC 20503 [Attention: Desk Officer for the Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission]. Due to security concerns, comments should be 
sent electronically to the following email address: 
[email protected]. Comments submitted to OMB should refer to 
FERC-725N and OMB Control No. 1902-0264.

IV. Environmental Analysis

    57. The Commission is required to prepare an Environmental 
Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement for any action that may 
have a significant adverse effect on the human environment.\64\ The 
Commission has categorically excluded certain actions from this 
requirement as not having a significant effect on the human 
environment. Included in the exclusion are rules that are clarifying, 
corrective, or procedural or that do not substantially change the 
effect of the regulations being amended.\65\ The actions proposed here 
fall within this categorical exclusion in the Commission's regulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \64\ Regulations Implementing the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969, Order No. 486, FERC Stats. & Regs. ] 30,783 (1987).
    \65\ 18 CFR 380.4(a)(2)(ii) (2017).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

V. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    58. The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) \66\ generally 
requires a description and analysis of proposed rules that will have 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The definition of small business is provided by the Small Business 
Administration (SBA) at 13 CFR 121.201. The threshold for a small 
utility (using SBA's sub-sector 221) is based on the number of 
employees for a concern and its affiliates. As discussed above, 
proposed Reliability Standard TPL-007-2 would apply to a total of 1,130 
unique planning coordinators, transmission planners, transmission 
owners, and generation owners.\67\ A small utility (and its affiliates) 
is defined as having no more than the following number of employees:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \66\ 5 U.S.C. 601-12 (2012).
    \67\ In the NERC Registry, there are approximately 65 PCs, 188 
TPs, 944 GOs, and 330 TOs (in the United States), which will be 
affected by this NOPR. Because some entities serve in more than one 
role, these figures involve some double counting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

 For planning coordinators, transmission planners, and 
transmission owners (NAICS code 221121, Electric Bulk Power 
Transmission and Control), a maximum of 500 employees
 for generator owners, a maximum of 750 employees.\68\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \68\ The maximum number of employees for a generator owner (and 
its affiliates) to be ``small'' varies from 250 to 750 employees, 
depending on the type of generation (e.g., hydroelectric, nuclear, 
fossil fuel, wind). For this analysis, we use the most conservative 
threshold of 750 employees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    59. The total cost to all entities (large and small) is $629,585 
annually (or an average of $1,345.27 for each of the estimated 468 
entities affected annually). For the estimated 280 generator owners and 
transmission owners affected annually, the average cost would be 
$409.70 per year. For the estimated 188 planning coordinators and 
transmission planners, the estimated average annual cost would be 
$2,738.84. The estimated annual cost to each affected entity varies 
from $409.70 to $2,738.84 and is not considered significant.
    60. Accordingly, the Commission certifies that the proposals 
contained in this NOPR will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. The Commission seeks comment on 
this certification.

[[Page 23864]]

VI. Comment Procedures

    61. The Commission invites interested persons to submit comments on 
the matters and issues proposed in this notice to be adopted, including 
any related matters or alternative proposals that commenters may wish 
to discuss. Comments are due July 23, 2018. Comments must refer to 
Docket No. RM18-8-000, and must include the commenter's name, the 
organization they represent, if applicable, and their address in their 
comments.
    62. The Commission encourages comments to be filed electronically 
via the eFiling link on the Commission's website at http://www.ferc.gov. The Commission accepts most standard word processing 
formats. Documents created electronically using word processing 
software should be filed in native applications or print-to-PDF format 
and not in a scanned format. Commenters filing electronically do not 
need to make a paper filing.
    63. Commenters that are not able to file comments electronically 
must send an original of their comments to: Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20426.
    64. All comments will be placed in the Commission's public files 
and may be viewed, printed, or downloaded remotely as described in the 
Document Availability section below. Commenters on this proposal are 
not required to serve copies of their comments on other commenters.

VII. Document Availability

    65. In addition to publishing the full text of this document in the 
Federal Register, the Commission provides all interested persons an 
opportunity to view and/or print the contents of this document via the 
internet through the Commission's Home Page (http://www.ferc.gov) and 
in the Commission's Public Reference Room during normal business hours 
(8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time) at 888 First Street NE, Room 2A, 
Washington DC 20426.
    66. From the Commission's Home Page on the internet, this 
information is available on eLibrary. The full text of this document is 
available on eLibrary in PDF and Microsoft Word format for viewing, 
printing, and/or downloading. To access this document in eLibrary, type 
the docket number, excluding the last three digits of this document in 
the docket number field.
    67. User assistance is available for eLibrary and the Commission's 
website during normal business hours from the Commission's Online 
Support at 202-502-6652 (toll free at 1-866-208-3676) or email at 
[email protected], or the Public Reference Room at 202-502-
8371, TTY 202-502-8659. Email the Public Reference Room at 
[email protected].

    By direction of the Commission.

    Issued: May 17, 2018.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2018-11001 Filed 5-22-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6717-01-P