PacifiCorp, FERC Docket No. IN11-6 (December 1, 2011)
Reliability Standard: BAL-STD-002-0 (WECC)
Requirement: WR1
Issue: On February 14, 2008, a short circuit occurred on a transformer at PacifiCorp’s Huntington generation plant in Utah, which triggered an immediate loss of approximately 2800 MW of generation across PacifiCorp’s East Balancing Authority Area (“PacifiCorp East” – which consists of Utah, southeast Idaho and western Wyoming) and the shedding of approximately 183 MW of firm load in Utah. During the emergency, PacifiCorp started using its operating reserves at 9:20 am, but did not restore its operating reserves until 11:00 am.
Finding: On December 1, 2011, FERC approved a Stipulation and Consent Agreement between FERC Office of Enforcement (“Enforcement”), NERC and PacifiCorp regarding PacifiCorp’s actions as a BA and TOP surrounding the February 14, 2008 disturbance. Enforcement and NERC determined that PacifiCorp did not restore its operating reserves within 60 minutes as required.
Penalty: $3,925,000 (aggregate for 23 violations)
