Meeting Minutes Personnel Subcommittee - NERC Subcommittee PS 2013/PS_Meetin… · JW Marriott New...
Transcript of Meeting Minutes Personnel Subcommittee - NERC Subcommittee PS 2013/PS_Meetin… · JW Marriott New...
Meeting Minutes Personnel Subcommittee September 16, 2015 | 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Central)
September 17, 2015 | 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Central)
JW Marriott New Orleans, LA
NERC Antitrust Compliance Guidelines and Public Announcement
Introductions and Chair’s Remarks
Safety Briefing
Agenda
1. Administrative
a. The Chair announced a quorum at 1:00 p.m. September 16, 2015.
b. Parliamentary Procedures were reviewed.
2. Consent Agenda
a. The Agenda was accepted with some adjustments and late additions. NERC staff advised members to submit agenda items via email to ensure tracking.
b. The Minutes from the June 10‐11, 2015 meeting and July 21, 2015 conference call were approved with one abstention.
3. Operating Committee (OC) Strategic Plan Alignment
a. OC Meeting Update
The Chair of the Personnel Subcommittee (PS) was asked to participate with the OC Executive Committee in updating the OC Strategic Plan. The Vice Chair recommended the PS members review the presentations included in the OC Agenda package, especially the one on Frequency Response. The previous work on Cognitive Overload has evolved into a focus on Situational Awareness. The OC Chair had requested the PS to present information on Situational Awareness at the 2015 3Q meeting. The presentation slides are included in Attachment 2. The prior PS Chair developed the presentation offered to the OC. The OC Chair has formed a joint task force of the PS, EAS, and ORS to put some structure around the approach.
b. 2015 Personnel Subcommittee Deliverables
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The current work plan was reviewed. The following items were marked complete and removed from the plan:
Develop a 2015 PS Work Plan in alignment with the OC Strategic Plan.
Roll out the Continuing Education Program Manual v. 4.3
Support testing and implementation of the updated SOCCED provider interface.
Pilot a multi‐reviewer process for questionable course submissions.
Pilot a new review process for provider applications.
A vote passed with one abstention to remove the PJM Accreditation observation from the work plan as there were no specific deliverables associated. An agenda item will remain for PJM to report on the status of their voluntary initiative.
Updated 2015 Work Plan
Status Due
Develop a 2016 PS Work Plan in alignment with the OC Strategic Plan
Planning Q1 2016
Draft Continuing Education Program Manual, v. 4.4 Planning Q4 2016
Draft User Guide for Completing ILAs and Guidelines for use of non‐industry specific examples within courses
Planning Q4 2015
Work with EAS and ORS to develop a draft situational awareness guideline
In Progress Q4 2015
Develop scope statements for task forces In Progress Q4 2015
4. CE Program Update
a. CE Metrics
The following quarterly metrics were provided:
Course Data CEH Added
Courses Added
SOC Renewals
New/ Renew Provider
Level 1 Audits
Level 2 Audits
Q1 3165 761 460 16 138 61
Q2 3430 672 269 23 0 0
YTD 6595 1433 729 39 138 61
b. Course Audit Update
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NERC Staff has delayed the second and third quarter audits due to the implementation of the new SOCCED interface. The audit process must be tested from end to end to determine what changes providers and reviewers may encounter.
c. NERC Continuing Education Workshops and Internal Audit
NERC is conducting an internal audit on the Continuing Education program against the requirements of the Rules of Procedure 902. The report has been drafted but must go through several review and approval stages before it is presented, possibly at the November Board of Trustees meeting. The final report will be addressed in the fourth quarter PS meeting.
NERC Staff has conducted two Provider Workshops in the third quarter. Four workshops are scheduled for the fourth quarter and five are currently scheduled for the first two quarters of 2016.
d. SOCCED Update
NERC Staff updated the PS on the implementation of the new SOCCED provider interface. The update has had a resulting impact on various administrative and reviewer functions. These routine process are being updated and when SOCCED related issues are reported, they are submitted to the vendor.
5. Standing Task Force Updates
The Chair announced that, moving forward, all Personnel Subcommittee task forces and working groups must develop a scope document. The scope document has been found to be a good practice exercised by other industry groups. The document is intended to focus on the purpose of the group; specify rules, processes or methods; and, define deliverables.
a. Provider Evaluation
The group reviewed the Provider Evaluation checklist, found as an attachment to the Provider Application and Renewal User Guide, v.2. The task force updated the group on the reviews of recent new provider requests. The interview process was discussed and task force members commented that it was a positive experience.
Task Force: Cesar Seymour, Leslie Sink, Rocky Williamson
b. Membership
A slate of candidates was presented and voted on. NERC staff will notify the candidates of the results.
The chair requested volunteers to develop a proxy application form to be completed on potential proxies. Leslie Sink, Max Colney, and Maureen Curley agreed to develop a draft for the fourth quarter meeting.
Task Force: Rocky Williamson, Max Colney, and Kelly Blackmer
c. EAS Liaison
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While the task force no longer sits on the regular EAS calls, at least one representative still attends the quarterly meeting. There was general discussion regarding the EAS lessons learned and Operating Committee presentations as good sources for potential training topics on high priority industry issues.
Task Force: Lauri Jones, Mike Sitarchyk, Art Diaz‐Gonzalez, and Rocky Williamson
d. Course Validation
The pilot for this task force has ended. It was concluded that the pilot was successful and will transition from a project to a standing task force. The task force members will focus on drafting a scope document by the fourth quarter meeting. The group agreed that this task force is a positive step toward more active industry oversight of the course approval process.
The discussion from June 2015 regarding the application of the criteria to approve or deny courses was resumed. The focus was on the use of professional hours, addressed on page nine of the Continuing Education Manual. Some interpreted this section to mean that courses could be entered into the system for CEH with only professional hours and no operating topics hours. NERC has administered the program with the interpretation that courses approved for System Operator credential maintenance, which include operating topics, may be used for other professional hours if applicable.
Following further discussion, a motion was made to confirm that the NERC Continuing Education courses are for NERC Certified System Operators’ credential maintenance. The motion carried with one abstention.
Task Force: Rocky Williamson, Max Colney, Christine Econome, Maureen Curley, and PCGC Representative(s).
ADDENDUM to the MINUTES:
In the 4Q PS meeting, the language of this motion was revisited to align with the terms used in the Continuing Education Program manual. The motion was amended to: “confirm that the NERC Continuing Education courses are for system operating personnel.”
6. Project Task Force Updates
a. CE Manual: Learning Activities
Industry input is needed before proceeding further with revisions to the manual. The focus of this effort will shift slightly to address solicitation of industry input. Various avenues for feedback were discussed including the potential for a white paper.
Task Force: Lauri Jones, Rocky Williamson, Leslie Sink, Max Colney, Diane Laferriere, Cesar Seymour, and Chris Econome
b. CE Manual: Course Audits
The task force has continued to explore a number of ideas, including:
The appropriate number of course audits
Minutes – Personnel Subcommittee September 16‐17, 2015 5
The appropriate depth of course audits
Possible parameters for provider audits
Further development will be aligned with the initiative to solicit industry feedback. The discussion moved to the current process for course audits. It was decided to transition this task force to provide more dynamic engagement in the current process. Issues returned from the CERP reviewers during the audit process will be directed to the task force for resolution. Task force members will draft a scope document for review during the fourth quarter meeting.
Task Force: Art Diaz‐Gonzalez, John Rymer, and Laurel Hennebury
c. CE Manual: Other
The task force has primarily talked in terms of broad categories such as alignment with PER‐005. However, further developments will now align with the initiative to solicit feedback from the industry.
Task Force: Jim Donahue, Kelly Blackmer, Neil Lindgren, Maureen Curley (CERP).
d. Promoting Excellence
The task force reported on the evolution of this project, including the shift in focus as research progressed. The task force is currently working on revising the Provider User Guide for Completing the ILA and developing a guide on the use of non‐industry examples.
Task Force: Diane Laferriere, Chris Econome, Laurel Hennebury, and Kelly Blackmer
e. Situational Awareness
The report for this task force was addressed in the Operating Committee update section.
Task Force: Lauri Jones, Laurel Hennebury, John Rymer
7. Administrative – Future Meetings
8. Vote Summary
Future Meeting Dates Time Location Host
December 2‐3, 2015 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Atlanta, GA NERC Offices
Atlanta
February 9‐10, 2016 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sarasota, FL TBD
June 9‐10, 2016 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Atlanta, GA NERC Offices
Atlanta
September 14‐15, 2016 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
TBD TBD
December 14‐15, 2016 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
TBD TBD
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a. A vote was carried to approve the agenda, with adjustments.
b. A vote was carried to approve the June 2015 meeting and July 2015 conference call.
c. A vote was carried to add the PJM accreditation observation as a standing agenda report and remove it from the work plan.
d. A vote was carried to confirm that the NERC Continuing Education courses are for certified System Operators’ credential maintenance.
e. A vote was carried on the recommendations from the Membership task force.
f. A vote was carried to adjourn Day 1.
g. A vote was carried to adjourn Day 2.
9. Summary of Task Forces
a. New Provider Evaluation: Cesar Seymour, Leslie Sink, Rocky Williamson
b. Membership: Rocky Williamson, Max Colney, and Kelly Blackmer
c. EAS Liaison: Lauri Jones, Mike Sitarchyk, Art Diaz‐Gonzalez, and Rocky Williamson
d. SOCCED Liaison: Christine Econome, Jim Donahue, Neil Lindgren
e. CERP Oversight: Jim Donahue, John Rymer, Leslie Sink, and Neil Lindgren.
f. Course Validation: Rocky Williamson, Max Colney, Christine Econome, Maureen Curley (CERP), and PCGC Representative(s).
g. Course Audit Oversight: John Rymer, Art Diaz‐Gonzalez, Laurel Hennebury
h. Continuing Education Program Administrative Manual version 4.4
i. Learning Activities: Chris Econome, Lauri Jones, Diane Laferriere, Cesar Seymour,
Rocky Williamson, Leslie Sink, Max Colney
ii. Course Audits: Laurel Hennebury, Art Diaz‐Gonzalez, John Rymer
iii. Other: Maureen Curley, Mike Sitarchyk, Jim Donahue, Kelly Blackmer, Neil Lindgren
i. Situational Awareness: Lauri Jones, Laurel Hennebury, John Rymer
j. Promoting Excellence: Diane Laferriere, Laurel Hennebury, Chris Econome, Kelly Blackmer
10. Closing Comments and Adjourn ‐ Chair
a. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 2:18 PM September 17, 2015.
Personnel Subcommittee Meeting Attendees September 16-17, 2015
Members Guests
Lauri Jones, Chair Brian Van Gheem (ACES Power Marketing)
Rocky Williamson, Vice‐Chair Tammi Smith (OTC)
Jim Donahue
Diane Laferriere
Leslie Sink
Art Diaz‐Gonzalez
Cesar Seymour
Rocky Williamson
John Rymer
Maureen Curley (PJM)‐proxy
Erik Johnson (ERCOT)‐proxy
Brenda Boline (NERC staff)
Minutes – Personnel Subcommittee Meeting – September 16‐17, 2015 5
Personnel Subcommittee Action Items September 16-17, 2015
Item# Task Description Assignment Status Due Scope
2013‐2 Audit Issues Review
Review issues found during CE course audits. Determine any additional action to be taken in addition to what the auditor required from the entity.
Brenda Boline This will be a standing agenda item. Provide a report on any findings from the Audit Issues Review.
Each Quarterly Meeting
CERP Report Funct. 2cDelv. 2
2014‐3 EAS Bi‐weekly Liaison
Meet with the Event Analysis Subcommittee to discuss possible coordination on Operator performance issues and training issues.
Lauri Jones Mike Sitarchyk Art Diaz‐Gonzalez Rocky Williamson
Ongoing TF to act as a liaison with EAS.
Ongoing Act Plan Delv. 3
2014‐4 EAS Quarterly Liaison
Attend the face‐to‐face meeting with the EAS
Lauri Jones Ongoing liaison with EAS.
Ongoing Act Plan Delv. 3
2013‐17
SOCCED support
Work with NERC staff to provide industry input and testing for SOCCED
Christine Econome Jim Donahue Neil Lindgren
Provide industry support for SOCCED
Ongoing Funct 2b
2015‐1 CE Manual version 4.4 Learning Activities
Evaluate and recommend changes to program criteria.
Chris Econome Lauri Jones Dianne Laferreire Cesar Seymour Rocky Williamson Leslie Sink Max Colney
Focus shifting to solicit industry input.
2Q 2016
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Item# Task Description Assignment Status Due Scope
2015‐2 CE Manual version 4.4 Course Audits
Evaluate and recommend changes to program criteria.
Laurel Hennebury Art Diaz‐Gonzalez Dwayne Fewless John Rymer
Focus shifting to solicit industry input.
2Q 2016
2015‐3 CE Manual version 4.4 Other Items
Evaluate and recommend changes to program criteria.
Maureen Curley Kelly Blackmer Jim Donahue Neil Lindgren
Focus shifting to solicit industry input.
2Q 2016
2015‐4 Promoting Excellence
Diane Laferriere Laurel Hennebury Christine Econome Kelly Blackmer
Revise ILA User Guide Develop guide for examples
4Q 2015
2015‐5 Course Review
Review courses slated for denial
Rocky Williamson Max Colney Christine Econome
Develop scope documents
4Q 2015
2015‐6 Provider Review
Pilot the new provider review process.
Cesar Seymour Rocky Williamson Leslie Sink
Complete
3Q 2015 Funct. 2b
2015‐7 Observe PJM
Accredita‐tion
Evaluate the pros and cons of accreditation as PJM pursues this voluntary and independent initiative
Art Diaz‐Gonzalez Mike Sitarchyk Lauri Jones Laurel Hennebury
Removed from work plan/ action items. Report only.
4Q 2016
2015‐8 Situational Awareness
Work with the EAS and ORS to draft a framework for situational awareness for the system operator.
Laurel Hennebury Lauri Jones
Ongoing 4Q 2015