Standards Development
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An RE may develop, through its own processes, separate Standards that go beyond, add detail to, or implement NERC reliability standards, or otherwise address issues that are not addressed in NERC reliability standards.
NERC reliability standards and any RE Reliability Standards that are approved by NERC and adopted by FERC are to be included within the RE's Compliance Program. (SPP Regional Criteria that are not submitted for approval by NERC are not included.)
RE Standards are developed consistent with the following philosophies:
- A fair and open process that provides an opportunity for all interested parties to participate
- Avoid any impact on commerce that is not necessary for reliability
- Provide a level of BPS reliability that is adequate to protect public health, safety, welfare, and national security and do not have a significant adverse impact on reliability
- A justifiable difference between regions or between sub-regions within the Regional geographic area
Frequently Asked Questions
- What standards will SPP develop with its Regional Standards Process?
SPP's standards process is used for developing regional reliability standards and variances to NERC reliability standards. These standards would apply only for registered entities under the SPP RE authority. Regional reliability standards in most cases supplement the NERC "national" standard when those standards have requirements for Regions to specify regional requirements. Regional standards could also be proposed to stand alone from NERC standards but must not be in conflict with NERC standards.
- Who will approve SPP Regional Standards?
SPP Regional Standards are approved by any interested party that is affected by the bulk power system through registration in a SPP Ballot Body specifically created for the proposed standard. When approved by the SPP Ballot Body, the SPP Regional Entity Trustees would approve the proposed standard for submission to the NERC Board of Trustees for its approval at the national level. If approved by the NERC Board, the standard is filed at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. When adopted by FERC, the SPP Regional Standard would have the enforcement authority under the SPP Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program. (2 MB Word file)
- How do I get involved in the SPP Regional Standards Process?
You can monitor the SPP Regional Standards web page for announcements of new proposed standards and to track the progress of the draft and approvals of proposed standards. You can also join a Ballot Body for a proposed standard on-line. You must designate what industry segment you wish to be represented in.
- What are the industry segments that I can designate my entity in for the Ballot Body and how many registrations can I have?
The SPP Ballot Body is divided into 5 segments; Transmission, Generation, Marketer/Broker, Distribution/Load Serving Entity, End User and Public Interest. FERC has clarified that each business interest can register to only vote in one segment for standards.
- Do I have to be a member of the SPP organization to participate in the standards process and to vote?
Any interested party can propose a standard, participate on a standards drafting team, provide comments on proposed standards, and vote on a proposed standard.
- Who will develop the language for SPP Regional Reliability Standards?
The SPP Market Operations and Policy Committee (MOPC) will assign an appropriate SPP subcommittee, working group, or task force to develop a proposed standard. Participation on that assigned group will be open to any interested party for purposes of discussing and drafting language for the standard. As the assigned group has other responsibilities as designated in its charter, participation and voting in those other non-standards related activities will abide by SPP Bylaws.
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