Southern Company Transmission Interconnection Agreement ... · Southern Company Transmission...

Southern Company Transmission

Interconnection Agreement Implementation Process

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This document describes various activities that are required for successful interconnection, synchronization and Commercial Operation of a Generating

Facility in order to maintain the safe and reliable operation of Southern Companies’ transmission system. The intent is to ensure that all parties involved

in the installation, commissioning and operation of the Generating Facility complete their portion of the implementation in a timely manner so that

milestone dates can be met.

This document will be provided by the Transmission Provider (entity providing Interconnection Service) to the Interconnection Customer (also referred

to as the Generator) following execution of the Generator Interconnection Agreement. Once the Interconnection Customer has issued a Notice to

Proceed, the Interconnection Customer and Transmission Provider should meet to review the interconnection checklist in detail, along with target dates

and points of contact for each task.

Implementation of Generator Interconnection Agreements involves six phases of activity, with each phase separated by a key Milestone Date:

Target Milestone Dates.

• The Notice to Proceed Date is the date by which the Interconnection Customer must provide the authorization to proceed and the required

security for the Transmission Provider to begin pre-construction and construction activities in order to reasonably achieve the targeted In-

Service Date. The target Notice to Proceed Date is determined by the Transmission Provider based upon estimated lead time for pre-

construction and construction activities (e.g., final engineering & design, equipment procurement, land acquisition, construction, and

commissioning) necessary to achieve the targeted In-Service Date.

• The Land Transfer Deadline (if applicable) is the date by which the transfer of the land (including all ingress/egress rights) required for the new

interconnecting substation must be completed in order for the Transmission Provider to commence construction and thereby achieve the

Interconnection Request

Interconnection Agreement

Pre-Construction

Activities

Construction of Transmission

Facilities

Pre-Sync Activities

Pre-COD Activities / Trial

Operation

Interconnection Agreement Executed

Notice to Proceed Land Transfer Deadline

Interconnection In-Service

Initial Synchronization

Readiness for Commercial Operation



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targeted In-Service Date. Site preparation and legal work should be completed by Interconnection Customer in accordance with the

Transmission Provider’s site preparation guidelines.

The In-Service, Initial Synchronization, Trial Operation and Commercial Operation milestone dates used in this process will reflect actual project planning

and progress, and as such may be different from the estimated In-Service, Initial Synchronization and Commercial Operation dates contained in the

Generator Interconnection Agreement.

• The In-Service Date is the date that the Transmission Provider’s Interconnection Facilities may be used to obtain back feed station service

power. In-Service does not grant the Generating Facility the right to synchronize or export power onto the transmission system. The target In-

Service Date is determined by the Transmission Provider based upon construction scheduling, outage scheduling availability, and other factors.

All In-Service phase tasks must be completed and verified prior to the Interconnection Facilities being placed In-Service.

• The Initial Synchronization Date is the date that the Generating Facility is initially synchronized to the transmission system and trial operations

may begin. The target Initial Synchronization Date is determined by the Interconnection Customer, and must be preceded by the In-Service

Date. All Initial Synchronization phase tasks must be completed and verified prior to the Generating Facility being granted approval to

synchronize to the transmission system.

• The Trial Operation period is the period during which the Interconnection Customer is engaged in on-site test operations and commissioning of

the Generating Facility prior to Commercial Operation. Once all testing/commissioning by the Interconnection Customer is complete, the Trial

Operation performance validation process can then commence (see illustration below). Typically, this process requires four (4) to six (6) weeks

to complete, but may be extended depending on system conditions, resource constraints and timeliness of the Interconnection Customer’s

response to any identified issues or delays by the Interconnection Customer in initiating the Trial Operation performance validation process.

Interconnection Customer

Addresses Known Issues

TP Collects PQ and

Reactive Data TP Analyzes Data

No (Trial Operation Complete)

Yes (problems remain)

Typical Trial Operation performance validation may last 4 to 6 weeks for inverter-based generating facilities.

For conventional, synchronous generators, pre-COD performance validation may take additional time.

Deficiency?



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• The Commercial Operation Date (“COD”), from the Interconnection Agreement, is the target date for the Transmission Provider to approve

readiness for Commercial Operation of the Generating Facility. The target Commercial Operation Date is determined by the Interconnection

Customer, and must allow sufficient time after the Initial Synchronization Date for successful completion of the Trial Operation performance

validation process. All Commercial Operation phase tasks including, but not limited to, tasks identified within this document, must be

completed and verified prior to Transmission Provider approving the readiness of the Generating Facility for Commercial Operation.

Risks to Achieving Milestone Dates.

It is very important for the Transmission Provider and Interconnection Customer to complete and verify the required activities according to the proposed

milestone schedule. If an Interconnection Customer fails to complete required activities in a timely manner, it can lead to the following consequences:

1. Delays to Initial Synchronization or approval of readiness for Commercial Operation until the pre-Sync or pre-COD requirements have been fulfilled.

2. Delays to Initial Synchronization or approval of readiness for Commercial Operation until any unexpected transmission system impacts or Generating Facility operating deficiencies can be mitigated.

3. Identification of additional Generating Facility upgrades or transmission system upgrades due to changes in the Generating Facility data late in the implementation process.

4. Increased cost of Interconnection Facilities or Network Upgrades due to unexpected transmission system impacts.



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1. Interconnection Agreement (“IA”) Execution Phase

Task Date Task Responsible

Party

Transmission Provider Functional

Lead Notes

1.1 Within 30 calendar days after IA execution

Provide non-confidential Generating Facility modeling data.1


SCS2 Trans Planning

1.2

Within 10 calendar days following execution of IA, and as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year or at the renewal of the insurance policy

Provide certification of all insurance required in IA.


SCS Trans Services or OpCo Trans

1 In accordance with applicable NERC Standards, non-confidential Generator Facility modeling data will be required for the development of planning horizon cases necessary to support local, regional, and eastern interconnect wide analysis of the reliability of the interconnected transmission system.

2 The transmission system owner (i.e., Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, or Mississippi Power Company) is commonly referred to as Operating Company (OpCo). Southern Company Services (SCS), acting as agent for the OpCo, functions as the Transmission Service Provider, Transmission Planner, Balancing Authority, Reliability Authority, and other NERC functions for the Southern Company transmission system.



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2. Notice to Proceed (“NTP”) Phase


Party

Transmission Provider

Functional Lead Notes

2.1 At least 30 calendar days prior to NTP.

Provide a guarantee, a surety bond, letter of credit, or other form of security for the design, procurement, and construction of the Transmission Provider’s Interconnection Facilities and Network Upgrades.


SCS Trans Rates & Analysis

May be completed through prior E&P Agmt, or in conjunction with Full NTP.

2.2 Prior to NTP. Determine local station service provider. Parties OpCo Transmission

2.3 NTP.

Provide written authorization to proceed with design, procurement and construction of the Transmission Provider’s Interconnection Facilities and Network Upgrades.


SCS Trans Services May be completed through prior E&P Agmt, or in conjunction with Full NTP.

2.4 NTP.

Provide updated Generating Facility modeling data representing the current design and specifications that meet Southern Companies’ transmission requirements (e.g., reactive power, harmonics).


SCS Trans Planning

Harmonics to be evaluated during Trial Operation performance validation process. Any deficiencies in compliance of harmonics may result in delays in achieving readiness for COD.

2.5 Following NTP. Begin invoicing for construction estimates according to the IA.


SCS Trans Billing (or OpCo Trans Billing group)

2.6 Following NTP. Begin invoicing for the Monthly Administration Charge.



2.7 Following NTP. Make application for station service with local station service provider.


OpCo Retail Accounts

(if applicable)



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Party



2.8 Within one week following NTP. Exchange information regarding the physical design and compatibility of each Party’s Interconnection Facilities.

Interconnection Customer &


OpCo Trans Project Management

See attachment.

2.9 On a monthly basis following NTP.

Provide Interconnection Customer a status report on the construction and installation of Transmission Provider's Interconnection Facilities and Network Upgrades.



2.10 Determined by Interconnection Customer.

Obtain necessary easements or encroachments, to the extent required for the construction of Interconnection Customer’s Interconnection Facilities.


OpCo Transmission

2.11 Land Transfer Deadline.

Provide necessary real property rights and rights-of-way or easements/encroachments, to the extent required for the construction of Transmission Provider’s Interconnection Facilities and Network Upgrades.



This task will officially commence construction work.



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3. Interconnection In-Service (“In-Service”) Phase


Party



3.1 At least six (6) months prior to In-Service Date.

Provide Operating Procedures template to Interconnection Customer.


SCS BPO/OpCo TCC Outline in template information needed from Interconnection Customer.

3.2 At least 180 calendar days prior to In-Service, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.

Submit initial specifications3 for the ICIF System Protection Facilities4, including draft protective relay settings, to Transmission Provider.


SCS Trans P&C

3.3

Within 30 calendar days of Interconnection Customer's submission of initial specifications.

Review initial specifications to ensure that the ICIF System Protection Facilities are compatible with the technical specifications, operational control, and safety requirements of Transmission Provider, and comment on such specifications.


SCS Trans P&C

3.4 At least three (3) months prior to In-Service Date

Interconnection Customer to provide required information to complete Operating Procedures.


SCS BPO/OpCo TCC

3.5 At least 90 calendar days prior to In-Service.

Submit final specifications5 for the ICIF System Protection Facilities to Transmission Provider.


SCS Trans P&C

3 Initial specifications and modeling data should represent the final layout and design of the Generating Facility and the Interconnection Customer’s Interconnection Facilities (“ICIF”).

4 System Protection Facilities means the equipment, including necessary protection signal communications equipment, required to protect (1) the Transmission Provider’s Transmission System from faults or other electrical disturbances occurring at the Generating Facility and (2) the Generating Facility from faults or other electrical system disturbances occurring on the Transmission Provider’s Transmission System or on other delivery systems or other generating systems to which the Transmission Provider’s Transmission System is directly connected.

5 Final specifications and modeling data should represent the actual equipment ordered and delivered for the Generating Facility and the ICIF, including certified transformer test reports.



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Party



3.6

Within 30 calendar days of Interconnection Customer's submission of final specifications.

Review final specifications to ensure that the ICIF System Protection Facilities are compatible with the technical specifications, operational control and safety requirements of Transmission Provider, and comment on such specifications.


SCS Trans P&C

3.7 Eight (8) weeks prior to In-Service Date

Develop initial estimated annual O&M charge. Transmission

Provider SCS Trans Services

Not needed if IA has a fixed O&M amount.

3.8 At least 30 calendar days prior to In-Service Date

Provide post-construction security. Interconnection

Customer SCS Trans Rates &

Analysis

3.9 30 calendar days prior to In-Service Date

Complete setup of retail station service account. Retail Station

Service Provider

3.10 15 calendar days prior to In-Service Date

Complete installation of retail station service meter.

Retail Station Service

Provider

3.11 Prior to In-Service Date Implement reverse power relaying. Transmission

Provider SCS Trans P&C As appropriate.

3.12 Prior to In-Service Date Complete end-to-end testing of System Protection Facilities.

Interconnection Customer &


SCS Trans P&C

3.13 In-Service Date Begin Monthly O&M Charge billing. Transmission

Provider




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4. Initial Synchronization (“Initial Sync”) Phase


Party



4.1 At least 6 months prior to Initial Sync

Provide draft operating procedures document to Interconnection Customer.


SCS BPO/ OpCo TCC6

Include GenComm information.


Appoint one representative and one alternate to the Joint Operating Committee, and notify the other party of its appointment in writing.

Parties SCS BPO/ OpCo TCC

4.3 At least 180 calendar days prior to Initial Sync, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties

Submit initial pre-sync Generating Facility modeling data to Transmission Provider that meets the technical specifications, operational control, and safety requirements of Transmission Provider.


SCS Trans Planning

4.4

Within 30 calendar days of Interconnection Customer's submission of initial pre-sync modeling data

Review initial pre-sync Generating Facility modeling data to ensure that the Generating Facility as designed meets the technical specifications, operational control, and safety requirements of Transmission Provider, and comment on such specifications.


SCS Trans Planning



Notify Transmission Provider in writing of the Balancing Area in which the Large Generating Facility will be located.


SCS BPO

Interconnection Customer to provide information regarding NERC registration (if applicable).

6 Bulk Power Operations (BPO) and Transmission Control Center (TCC).



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Party



4.6 At least 90 calendar days prior to Initial Sync

Submit final pre-sync Generating Facility modeling data to Transmission Provider that meets the technical specifications, operational control, and safety requirements of Transmission Provider.


SCS Trans Planning

4.7

Within 30 calendar days of Interconnection Customer's submission of final pre-sync modeling data

Review final pre-sync Generating Facility modeling data to ensure that the Generating Facility as constructed meets the technical specifications, operational control, and safety requirements of Transmission Provider, and comment on such specifications.


SCS Trans Planning


4.8 At least 45 Business Days prior to Initial Sync

Install and verify that communication links are complete for data telemetry to EMS.


OpCo Technical Services

RTU Point Assignment sheets.

4.9 At least 8 weeks prior to Initial Sync

Provide information (contacts, SLDs, etc.) needed to complete operating procedures document.


SCS BPO/ OpCo TCC


Identify real-time Generator Operator and provide information needed to establish voice communication link and GenComm.


SCS BPO/ OpCo TCC


Begin coordination of data exchange between Generating Facility and Interconnecting Substation (include discussion of voltage reference point for appropriate OpCo).

Parties OpCo Technical

Services RTU and/or POI Meter connections.

4.12 45 calendar days prior to Initial Sync

Coordination of E-Tagging/Scheduling Requirements, including requirements for test energy.

Parties SCS BPO/Trans

Services

May not apply to fully designated units, also see Generating Facility Test Energy Guidelines.


Provide letter to Transmission Provider designating the recipient of test energy.


SCS BPO/Trans Services



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Party




Complete EMS modifications, including TNA models.


SCS EMS


Complete ELDS modifications. Transmission

Provider SCS BPO


Complete GenVARR modifications. Transmission

Provider SCS BPO


Complete installation/programming of POI meter. Transmission

Provider OpCo Metering

4.18 30 calendar days Prior to Initial Sync

Complete POI meter test certification. Transmission

Provider OpCo Metering


Complete installation/programming of POI power quality device.


OpCo EPQ For non-synchronous generating facilities.


Update Master table of BPO-1 with proper voltage schedule.


SCS BPO

4.21 4 weeks prior to Initial Sync

Verify that communication links are complete for voice communications (typically operator phone number) between Generating Facility and Transmission Provider’s control centers.


Requires identification of Generator Operator.


Verify that GenComm is installed and that Generator Operators have been trained. Confirm test messages.


Requires identification of Generator Operator.


Enable voltage schedule GenComm messaging, verify inclusion in all appropriate message distribution lists, and test communication with appropriate Generator Operator.


SCS BPO



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Party



4.24 At least 15 calendar days Prior to Initial Sync

Verify that all necessary Affected System7 upgrades are complete.

Affected System

OpCo Trans For requests where Affected System upgrades are identified.


Provide the Interconnection Customer with final operating procedures document (including initial voltage schedule, if applicable).


SCS BPO/ OpCo TCC


Provide notice to Southern Companies regarding intent to synchronize the Generating Facility to Southern Companies’ Electric System.


SCS BPO/ OpCo TCC8


Provide completed interconnection check list for review by Southern BA and RC9, and obtain final approval and sign-off from Southern BA and RC.


SCS BPO/ OpCo TCC

For generator interconnections which are included the NERC BES definition.


Provide completed interconnection check list for review by appropriate OpCo TCC, and obtain approval and sign-off from the appropriate OpCo TCC. Communicate interconnection schedule to Southern BA and RC after OpCo TCC approval.


OpCo TCC/SCS BPO

For generator interconnections which are not included in the NERC BES definition.

4.29 At least 2 Business Days prior to Initial Sync

Conduct Pre-Sync meeting between OpCo TCC, PCC, and Generator Operator/Owner to discuss operational expectations for day of Initial Sync


OpCo TCC/SCS BPO

4.30 At least 1 Business Day prior to Initial Sync

Provide letter to Interconnection Customer approving Initial Synchronization.


SCS BPO/ OpCo TCC9

4.31 During Initial Sync Point to Point Checkout between BPO/TCC and both the meter system and plant control room.


SCS BPO/ OpCo TCC

7 Affected System means an electric system other than the Transmission Provider’s Transmission System that is affected by the proposed interconnection.

8 BPO will approve Initial Sync for generator interconnections which are included in the NERC Bulk Electric System (BES) definition (generally, interconnections at >100 kV). OpCo TCC will approve Initial Sync for generator interconnections which are not included in the NERC BES definition (generally, interconnections at <100 kV).

9 Southern Balancing Authority (BA) and Reliability Coordinator (RC).



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5. Commercial Operation (“COD”) Phase


Party



5.1 At least 90 calendar days prior to COD

Provide dynamic modeling data for the excitation system, speed governing system, and power system stabilizer.


SCS Trans Planning For synchronous generating facilities.


Generator Operator to submit a maintenance schedule (for rolling 24-month period) to the non-real time PCC Operations Planning contact listed in Exhibit 1 of Operating Procedures.


SCS BPO

5.3 At least four (4) weeks prior to COD and not until all units are fully operational

Send notification of readiness to begin the Trial Operation performance validation process.


SCS BPO/SCS Trans Planning

5.4

Within 30 calendar days of completion of the PSS testing and at least 14 days prior to COD

Provide the preliminary PSS test documentation (including the dynamic model, final settings and on-line step-in voltage with and without PSS in service).


SCS Trans Planning For synchronous generating facilities.


Provide dynamic modeling data for the inverter, PV module, and any other plant dynamic reactive power component (including final settings).


SCS Trans Planning For non-synchronous generating facilities.

5.6

Within 30 calendar days of completion of the Voltage Step Test and at least 14 days prior to COD

Provide the Voltage Step test documentation (results of step test and final inverter settings, if not already provided).


SCS Trans Planning

5.7 During Trial Operation performance validation process and Prior to COD

Address any outstanding operational/data deficiencies.


SCS BPO/Trans Planning



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Party



5.8 During the Trial Operation performance validation process

Verify Generating Facility meets harmonics requirement at POI.


SCS Trans Planning For non-synchronous generating facilities.

5.9 During the Trial Operation performance validation process

Verify Generating Facility meets the reactive power requirements and does not exceed Interconnection Agreement specified generating capacity.


SCS BPO

5.10 At the successful conclusion of the Trial Operation performance validation process

Provide letter to Interconnection Customer approving readiness for Commercial Operation.


SCS BPO/ OpCo TCC

5.11 Within 30 calendar days after COD

Provide the final PSS test report. Interconnection

Customer SCS Trans Planning

For synchronous generating facilities.


Provide the final commissioning report. Interconnection

Customer SCS Trans Planning


Provide verification that relay and/or inverter settings meet frequency and voltage ride-thru requirements.


SCS Trans Planning

5.14

Within 120 calendar days after the Commercial Operation Date, unless the Parties agree on another mutually acceptable deadline

Deliver to Transmission Provider "as-built" drawings, information and documents for the ICIF.


5.15

Upon request, within 120 calendar days after the Commercial Operation Date, unless the Parties agree on another mutually acceptable deadline

Deliver to Interconnection Customer the following "as-built" drawings, information and documents for Transmission Provider's Interconnection Facilities.




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Party



5.16

Within six months after completion of the construction of Transmission Provider's Interconnection Facilities and the Network Upgrades

Provide an invoice of the final cost of the construction of Transmission Provider's Interconnection Facilities and the Network Upgrades.


SCS Trans Billing

5.17 Within 30 calendar days of the issuance of such final construction invoice

Refund to Interconnection Customer any amount by which the actual payment by Interconnection Customer for estimated costs exceeds the actual costs of construction.


SCS Trans Billing

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