3 Steps Toward Enhancing Electrical System Reliability
As the power utility industry moves forward with numerous changes and advancements in technology, it is also faced with a series of new dilemmas to overcome. For example, how do generation companies reconcile the increasing diversity of resources in their portfolio, such as wind and solar, with the overarching need for profitability and efficiency, which depends largely on a relative predictability of generation outputs? Compound this problem with the increasingly detailed reliability standards, and your company is suddenly aware of how delicate a balance it needs to maintain in order to compete in the current energy economy.
On the other hand, these regulations and innovations are essential to electrical system reliability across the country, and for this reason, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has been enforcing its Security and Reliability Standards, as regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This oversight helps to ensure that residential consumers have a reliable source of energy for their homes, that businesses can continue to operate and fuel our economy, and energy companies can operate in a safe and profitable manner.
Electrical System Reliability in Three Easy Steps
Maintaining electrical grid reliability is certainly a matter of efficiency and consumer satisfaction. The warmth of our homes, the lights that keep our businesses operating late into the night, and the technology which we use to communicate with our friends and families all depend on a reliable bulk electric system. But as you might also be aware, failure to comply with NERC standards results in a lot more than inconveniences and profit losses. For every violation, you could be fined for millions of dollars per day.
The good news is that non-compliance issues can be avoided with a few simple steps. Make sure you are doing your part to sustain electrical system reliability in your region, and the rest will fall into place.
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Strengthen Your Internal Compliance Program
If you do not currently have an Internal Compliance Program, or if your current system is letting too many issues fall through the cracks, you need to rethink your strategy. Appoint a few experienced personnel to the task of overseeing compliance-related issues. By diligently taking measures to prevent and report incidents, you can be prepared for your next NERC audit. -
Communicate With Your Regional Entity
Every responsible entity in the bulk power system operates under the supervision of a Regional Entity, which functions to assist energy companies in ensuring reliability and compliance. Take advantage of the resources made available to you by your Regional Entity. Electrical grid reliability is a mutual effort between you and other entities in your region, so cooperation is the key to success. -
Implement a Powerful Software Solution
Tracking all of the data related to your generation assets, security concerns, and energy scheduling can be difficult tasks, even if you have the best hardware available. Versify Solutions, based in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, offers a software suite that simplifies your data management, giving you a powerful system with a friendly user interface. System operators and Internal Compliance Programs across the country are reaping the benefits of these programs, which prevent profit losses, fines, and dissatisfaction for millions of energy consumers. Among these solutions, Versify’s Portal Compliance is the ideal software for preparing your company for its next NERC audit.
If you are ready to take these important steps toward higher efficiency and profitability while contributing to energy grid reliability, contact Versify now to see how our software suite can help you meet your goals. We look forward to helping you succeed.