This page contains links to various FERC posting requirements and other regulatory information.

FERC Order 890
Schedule 21 - VTransco Local Service Schedule VELCO (VELCO Financials)
VELCO tariffs
Tariff information

The tariff information on this page is historical. No service has been provided by VELCO since June 30, 2006, when VELCO transferred all its transmission facilities to Vermont Transco LLC (VTransco). VTransco provides service over such facilities pursuant to applicable tariffs, including Schedule 21–VTransco

On February 14, 2011, VELCO filed a Notice of Cancellation of its Local Service Schedule, Schedule 21-VELCO, which is part of ISO-New England's FERC Electric Tariff No. 3 with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). 

On February 24, 2011, VELCO made an Amendment to Filing to Correct Requested Proposed Effective Date in connection with its Notice of Cancellation of Schedule 21–VELCO. The effective date for cancellation is April 1, 2011. FERC issued a Letter Order on April 1, 2011, approving the cancellation of Schedule 21–VELCO.

Overview of Transmission Service in New England

Effective February 1, 2005, ISO-NE began operating as the Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) for New England. Transmission owning companies, as signatories to the Transmission Operating Agreement became Participating Transmission Owners (PTOs) in this RTO.  The governing document for providing transmission service in New England is the ISO New England Transmission, Markets and Services Tariff (ISO-NE Tariff). Section II of the ISO-NE tariff, the ISO-NE Open Access Transmission Tariff or OATT, provides the rates, terms and conditions for transmission service over the regional transmission system.  Schedule 21 of Section II of the ISO-NE Tariff provides the rates, terms and conditions associated with providing transmission service over the PTOs’ local transmission facilities. (Point-to-Point Service over the Phase I/II HVDC Transmission Facilities is provided for under Schedule 20a, as outlined in separate Business Practices for Schedule 20A.)

Procedures for Arranging for Transmission Service

To apply for service over the system please go to the Rates, Tariffs and Business Practices page of Vermont Transco LLC.

Vermont Transco financial information

Click here to go to the financial information posted on the Vermont Transco website.

ISO-NE Order 890 Metrics
FERC Order 890 Metrics for Transmission Delivery Service

VELCO's performance metrics for transmission delivery service
requests in compliance with Order No. 890*

System Impact Study Metrics

1Q2014

2Q2014

3Q2014

4Q2014

(1) Service request process time1
a New system impact study agreements delivered to transmission customers

0

0

 

 

b New system impact study agreements delivered to transmission customers more than 30 days after completed application

0

0

 

 

c Average time (days) from completed application submittal to change in request status

0

0

 

 

d Average time (days from completed application submittal to delivery of system impact study agreement

0

0

 

 

e New system impact study agreements executed

0

0

 

 

(2) Study process time2
a System impact studies completed

0

0

 

 

b Number of system impact studies completed more than 60 days after receipt of executed system impact study agreement

0

0

 

 

c Average time (days) from receipt of executed system impact study agreement to date when completed system impact study made available to the transmission customer

0

0

 

 

d Average cost of system impact studies completed during the period

0

0

 

 

(3) Service requests withdrawn3
a Requests withdrawn from the system impact study queue

0

0

 

 

b System impact studies withdrawn more than 60 days after receipt of executed system impact sStudy 
agreement

0

0

 

 

c Average time (days) from receipt of executed system impact study agreement to date when request was
withdrawn from the system impact study queue

0

0

 

 

(4) Average # days study delayed beyond 60 days4

0

0

 

 

Facilities Study Metrics

1Q2014

2Q2014

3Q2014

4Q2014

(5) Offer for facilities study process time5
a New facilities study agreements delivered to transmission customers

0

0

 

 

b New facilities study agreements delivered to transmission customers more than 30 days after the completion of the system impact study

0

0

 

 

c Average time (days) from completion of system impact study to delivery of facilities study agreement

0

0

 

 

d New facilities study agreements executed

0

0

 

 

(6) Study process time6
a Facilities studies completed

0

0

 

 

b Facilities studies completed more than 60 days after receipt of executed facilities study agreement

0

0

 

 

c Average time (days) from receipt of executed facilities study agreement to date when completed 

facilities study made available to the transmission customer

 

 

 

 

d Average cost of facilities studies completed during the period

0

0

 

 

e Average cost of recommended upgrades for facilities studies completed during the period

0

0

 

 

(7) Service requests withdrawn7
a Requests withdrawn from the facilities study queue

0

0

 

 

b Facilities studies withdrawn more than 60 days after receipt of executed facilities study agreement

0

0

 

 

c Average time (days) from receipt of executed facilities study agreement to date when request was withdrawn from the facilities study queue

0

0

 

 

(8) Average # days study delayed beyond 60 days8

0

0

 

 

FOOTNOTES
  1. Process time from initial service request to offer of System Impact Study Agreement pursuant to sections II.19.2, II.34.2 of ISO-NE OATT 
  2. System Impact Study processing time pursuant to sections II.19.3 and II.34.3 of ISO-NE OATT - 60-days after receipt of executed Agreement unless alternate date agreed upon per Order No. 890-A 
  3. Service requests withdrawn from System Impact Study queue
  4. For all System Impact Studies completed more than 60 days after receipt of executed System Impact Study Agreement, average number of days study was delayed due to Transmission Customer’s actions
  5. Process time from completed System Impact Study to offer of Facilities Study pursuant to sections II.19.4 and II.34.4 of ISO-NE OATT
  6. Facilities Study processing time pursuant to sections II.19.4 and II.34.4 of ISO-NE OATT - 60-days after receipt of executed Agreement unless alternate date agreed upon per Order No. 890-A 
  7. Service requests withdrawn from Facilities Study queue
  8. For all Facilities Studies completed more than 60 days after receipt of executed Facilities Study Agreement, average number of days study was delayed due to Transmission Customer’s actions
 
* NOTE: ISO New England tracks and posts the Order 890 performance metrics associated with the following transmission service studies: 
  1. System Impact Study and Facilities Study, if required, for a request for: (i) Regional Network Service, (ii) Through or Out Service, or (iii) Elective Transmission Upgrade for increasing inter-Control Area transfer capability.
  2. Joint System Impact Study for a request for local service that may impact the PTF.
  3. Facilities Study for the PTF, if the joint System Impact Study indicates that additions or upgrades to the PTF are needed to accommodate the request for local service or to mitigate indirect impacts on MTF or OTF facilities.

Review 9/18/2014

Standards of Conduct

Standards of Conduct

Procedures and Plan for Implementing FERC Order 717 Standards of Conduct
Introduction

Vermont Electric Power Company, Inc. (VELCO) and Vermont Transco LLC (VT Transco) (collectively, Companies) set forth below their procedures and plan (Procedures) for implementing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (the Commission) Order 717 relating to the Standards of Conduct for Transmission Providers. VELCO and Vermont Transco are Transmission Providers under Order 717.

Description of VELCO and VT Transco

VELCO is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Vermont, with its principal place of business in Rutland, Vermont. VELCO’s headquarters is located at 366 Pinnacle Ridge Rd, Rutland, Vermont 05701.

VELCO was the nation’s first statewide transmission-only utility, organized in the late 1950s to develop an integrated high-voltage transmission system that would interconnect electric utilities throughout the State of Vermont and provide access to low-cost power from the St. Lawrence River Project in New York. Over the ensuing decades, VELCO expanded its facilities and service to meet the needs of the Vermont distribution utilities who were both customers and owners.

In 2006, Vermont Transco LLC (VT Transco) was formed as a limited liability company for the purpose of acquiring and owning VELCO’s existing transmission assets and any new transmission facilities to be developed in Vermont. As described in the petition to FERC seeking authorization for the transfer of assets from VELCO to VT Transco (Docket No. EC06-115-000), the transaction allowed VT Transco to become the owner of Vermont’s transmission system. VELCO contributed almost all of the transmission facilities that it owned directly to VT Transco in exchange for membership units in VT Transco. In return, VELCO became the managing member of VT Transco, operating the transmission assets under the terms of a management services agreement. Thereafter, the Vermont distribution utilities contributed cash in exchange for membership units, thereby creating an ownership structure that closely paralleled VELCO’s.

The purpose of the transaction was to establish a more modern business entity that would be able to raise capital more effectively and efficiently. It also helped reduce rates to customers. Otherwise, the transaction was intended to be seamless for customers and regulators: i.e., the terms and conditions of services provided by VELCO and VT Transco, taken together, would be the same as the terms and conditions of services provided by VELCO prior to the transaction. VT Transco now provides service over such facilities pursuant to applicable tariffs, including Schedule 21-VT Transco, accepted by and on file with the Commission, to all of the electric distribution utilities in Vermont and also to certain distribution utilities in New Hampshire.

VELCO does not own any generation assets; it is a “wires only” company. VELCO does not sell any retail electric energy to its customers. VELCO does not have an Energy Trading function, but it does have a power accounting department. This department is responsible for administration of the settlement contracts for a few of the distribution utilities. The power accounting department is involved in the settlement only portion of the markets. It does not provide market advice or transmission-related information to the Vermont distribution utilities. Therefore, VELCO’s power accounting department is not a “marketing function,” and does not include “marketing function employees,” under Order No. 717.

VT Transco is an electric transmission company operating under the laws of the State of Vermont. VT Transco through its manager, VELCO, serves the distribution utilities and other eligible customers in the State of Vermont. The headquarters is located at 366 Pinnacle Ridge Rd, Rutland, Vermont 05701. VT Transco does not own any generation assets; it is a “wires only” company. VT Transco does not sell any retail electric energy to its customers.1 VT Transco does not have any employees. VT Transco’s manager. VELCO, employs personnel that operate the transmission assets of VT Transco under the terms of a management services agreement between VT Transco and VELCO. Therefore, VELCO has transmission function employees.

Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP) is a Vermont electric distribution utility that owns more than 10% of VT Transco and more than 10% of VELCO.  Therefore, this Vermont electric distribution utility is considered an Affiliate of both VT Transco and VELCO for purposes of the Order 717 Standards of Conduct. Accordingly, VELCO and VT Transco apply the Standards of Conduct to marketing function employees of this utility.

Order No. 717 definitions
Affiliate of a specified entity means:
  1. Another person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the specified entity. An affiliate includes a division of the specified entity that operates as a functional unit.
  2. For any exempt wholesale generator (as defined under Sec. 366.1 of this chapter), affiliate shall have the meaning set forth in Sec. 366.1 of this chapter, or any successor provision.
  3. “Control” as used in this definition means the direct or indirect authority, whether acting alone or in conjunction with others, to direct or cause to direct the management policies of an entity. A voting interest of 10 percent or more creates a rebuttable presumption of control.

Green Mountain Power Corporation is a Vermont electric distribution utility that owns more than 10% of VT Transco and more that 10% if VELCO. Therefore, it is an Affiliate of both VT Transco and VELCO

Internet web site(s) refers to:

The Internet location where an interstate natural gas pipeline or a public utility posts the information, by electronic means, required under this part 358. For purposes of these Procedures, the Internet Web site refers to ISO New England OASIS internet web site, at https://www.oasis.oati.com/isne/, the VT Transco internet web site, at http://www.vermonttransco.com, and the VELCO internet web site at http://www.velco.com.

Marketing functions means:
  1. In the case of public utilities and their affiliates, the sale for resale in interstate commerce, or the submission of offers to sell in interstate commerce, of electric energy or capacity, demand response, virtual transactions, or financial or physical transmission rights, all as subject to an exclusion for bundled retail sales, including sales of electric energy made by providers of last resort (POLRs) acting in their POLR capacity; and
  2. In the case of interstate pipelines and their affiliates, the sale for resale in interstate commerce, or the submission of offers to sell in interstate commerce, natural gas, subject to the following exclusions:
    1. Bundled retail sales,
    2. Incidental purchases or sales of natural gas to operate interstate natural gas pipeline transmission facilities,
    3. Sales of natural gas solely from a seller's own production,
    4. Sales of natural gas solely from a seller's own gathering or processing facilities, and
    5. Sales by an intrastate natural gas pipeline, by a Hinshaw interstate pipeline exempt from the Natural Gas Act, or by a local distribution company making an on-system sale.
Marketing function employee means:

An employee, contractor, consultant or agent of a transmission provider or of an affiliate of a transmission provider who actively and personally engages on a day-to-day basis in marketing functions. VELCO and VT Transco have no marketing function employees. VELCO and VT Transco apply the Standards of Conduct to marketing function employees of their Affiliate, Green Mountain Power Corporation. The marketing function employees are located at the following address:

  • Green Mountain Power (GMP), 77 Grove Street, Rutland, Vermont
Open Access Same Time Information System or OASIS refers to:

The Internet location where a public utility posts the information required by part 37 of this chapter, and where it may also post the information required to be posted on its Internet Web site by this part 358.

Transmission means:

Electric transmission, network or point-to-point service, ancillary services or other methods of electric transmission, or the interconnection with jurisdictional transmission facilities, under part 35 of this chapter; and natural gas transportation, storage, exchange, backhaul, or displacement service provided pursuant to subparts B or G of part 284 of this chapter.

Transmission customer means:

Any eligible customer, shipper or designated agent that can or does execute a transmission service agreement or can or does receive transmission service, including all persons who have pending requests for transmission service or for information regarding transmission.

Transmission functions means:

The planning, directing, organizing or carrying out of day-to-day transmission operations, including the granting and denying of transmission service requests.

Transmission function employee means:

An employee, contractor, consultant or agent of a transmission provider who actively and personally engages on a day-to-day basis in transmission functions. VELCO has transmission function employees.

Transmission function information means:

Information relating to transmission functions.

Transmission provider means:
  1. Any public utility that owns, operates or controls facilities used for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce; or
  2. Any interstate natural gas pipeline that transports gas for others pursuant to subparts B or G of part 284 of this chapter.
  3. A transmission provider does not include a natural gas storage provider authorized to charge market-based rates.
Transmission service means:

The provision of any transmission as defined in Sec. 358.3(f).

Waiver means:

The determination by a transmission provider, if authorized by its tariff, to waive any provisions of its tariff for a given entity.

Companies’ compliance with the Commission’s standards of conduct

The procedures and plan below describes the steps VT Transco takes to implement and maintain compliance with the FERC Order 717 Standards of Conduct.

Procedures and plan for implementing FERC Order 717
Posting Written procedures:

Companies shall post on the Internet Web site these current written procedures implementing the Standards of Conduct in such detail as will enable customers and the Commission to determine that they are in compliance with the Standards of Conduct requirements.

A transmission provider must distribute the written procedures to all its transmission function employees, marketing function employees, officers, directors, supervisory employees, and any other employees likely to become privy to transmission function information.

Implementation procedures: Companies have distributed these Procedures to the above-referenced employees and they have posted these Procedures on their Internet Web sites.

Identification of Employee Information on the Internet Web site:

A Transmission Provider must post on its Internet Web site the job titles and job descriptions of its Transmission Function Employees. A Transmission Provider must post a notice on its Internet Web site of any transfer of a Transmission Function Employee to a position as a Marketing Function Employee, or any transfer of a Marketing Function Employee to a position as a Transmission Function Employee. The information posted under this section must remain on its Internet Web site for 90 days. No such job transfer may be used as a means to circumvent any provision of this part. The information to be posted must include: (i) The name of the transferring employee; (ii) The respective titles held while performing each function (i.e., as a Transmission Function Employee and as a Marketing Function Employee); and (iii) The effective date of the transfer.

Implementation procedures: Companies have posted this information on their Internet Web sites. The Companies’ OASIS Security Officer is notified of new employees and employee transfers by the Human Resource Department, and is responsible for coordinating the required posting. Any transfers that are covered by this section of the Procedures must be reported to the Companies’ OASIS Security Officer not less than seven business days prior to the effective date of the transfer. Records are maintained for a minimum of five years. It should be noted, however, that Companies do not have and do not expect to have any Marketing Function Employees.

Identification of Affiliates on the Internet Web site:

A transmission provider must post on its Internet Web site the names and addresses of all its affiliates that employ or retain marketing function employees.

Implementation procedures: Companies have posted on their Internet Web sites the names and addresses of their affiliates that employ or retain marketing function employees.

Shared Employee-staffed Facilities:

A transmission provider must post on its Internet Web site a complete list of the employee-staffed facilities shared by any of the transmission provider's transmission function employees and marketing function employees. The list must include the types of facilities shared and the addresses of the facilities.

Implementation procedures: Companies do not share any employee-staffed facilities with marketing function employees of its affiliates.

Training:

The Transmission Provider must provide annual training on the Standards of Conduct to all its Transmission Function Employees, Marketing Function Employees, officers, directors, supervisory employees, and any other employees likely to become privy to Transmission Function Information. The Transmission Provider must provide training on the Standards of Conduct to new employees (who are Transmission Function Employees, Marketing Function Employees, officers, directors, supervisory employees and any other employees likely to become privy to Transmission Function Information) within the first thirty (30) days of their employment. The Transmission Provider must require each employee who has taken the training to certify electronically or in writing that she/he has completed the training.

Implementation procedures: (1) Companies shall provide training annually to all employees with access to Transmission information or information concerning electric purchases, sale or marketing functions. Companies shall train new employees (who are Transmission Function Employees, Marketing Function Employees, officers, supervisory employees, and any other employees likely to become privy to Transmission Function Information) within the first thirty (30) days of their employment. (2) All of the personnel listed above sign affidavits affirming that they will not be a conduit for sharing transmission or customer information with any marketing function employees. (3) Companies will maintain logs of employees that have participated in the training and copies of signed affidavits of the employees that have participated in the training.

Non-Discrimination Requirements:

(i) Information access.

(1) If a Transmission Provider discloses non-public Transmission Function Information, other than information identified in subparagraph (d)(2) below of this Section, in a manner contrary to the requirements of 18 C.F.R. § 358.6, the Transmission Provider must immediately post the information that was disclosed on its Internet Web site.

(2) If a Transmission Provider discloses, in a manner contrary to the requirements of 18 C.F.R. § 358.6, non-public transmission customer information, critical energy infrastructure information (CEII) as defined in 18 C.F.R. § 388.113(c)(1) of this chapter or any successor provision, or any other information that the Commission by law has determined is to be subject to limited dissemination, the Transmission Provider must immediately post notice on its Internet Web site that the information was disclosed.

Implementation procedures: In the event of a disclosure, Companies’ employees have been instructed to report the matter immediately to their supervisor and the Chief Compliance Officer, who will post the necessary information on the Companies’ Internet Web sites.

(ii) Voluntary Consents. A Transmission Customer may voluntarily consent, in writing, to allow the Transmission Provider to disclose the Transmission Customer's non-public information to the Transmission Provider’s Marketing Function Employees. If the Transmission Customer authorizes the Transmission Provider to disclose its information to Marketing Function Employees, the Transmission Provider must post notice on its Internet Web site of that consent along with a statement that it did not provide any preferences, either operational or rate-related, in exchange for that voluntary consent.

Implementation procedures:  Transmission Function Employees must inform the Chief Compliance Officer of any request or consent by a Transmission Customer to share information with a Marketing Function Employee not less than two business days before the information is to be shared. The Chief Compliance Officer shall ensure that the consent is in writing and that required information concerning the voluntary consent is posted prior to the time at which the information is shared.

(iii) Exception for Specific Transactions. Transmission Function Employees may share with Marketing Function Employees information related solely to the Marketing Function’s specific request for transmission service.

Implementation procedures: All Transmission Customers, including Marketing Function Employees, may have exclusive access to information regarding the Marketing Function’s request for transmission service. These status communications must present the same level of detail to any Transmission Customer presenting a similar request.

(iv) Exceptions for System Operations. Transmission Function Employees may discuss with Marketing Function Employees non-public Transmission Function Information (i) pertaining to compliance with FERC-approved NERC Reliability Standards, (ii) to maintain or restore operation of the transmission system or generating units, or (iii) that may affect generator dispatch.

Implementation procedures: At this time, Companies do not have communications in which its Transmission Function Employees have a need to disclose non-public Transmission Function Information to Marketing Function Employees (i) pertaining to compliance with FERC-approved NERC Reliability Standards, (ii) to maintain or restore operation of the transmission system or generating units, or (iii) that may affect generator dispatch. To the extent that there is such a need in the future, Transmission Function Employees should contact their supervisors and the Chief Compliance Officer. A determination will be made regarding the requirements that will be implemented in the event of such communications. The separate written procedures require that records of any such communications be maintained for a five-year period.

(v) Exceptions for System Emergencies. In the event an emergency, such as an earthquake, flood, fire or hurricane, severely disrupts a transmission provider's normal business operations, the posting requirements in this part may be suspended by the transmission provider. If the disruption lasts longer than one month, the transmission provider must so notify the Commission and may seek a further exemption from the posting requirements.

Implementation procedures: The Transmission Provider may suspend the posting requirements in the event of an emergency. The Chief Compliance Officer will make any necessary notifications to the Commission.

Non-Discriminatory Requirements

(i) The Transmission Provider must strictly enforce all tariff provisions relating to the sale or purchase of open access transmission service, if the tariff provisions do not permit the use of discretion.

(ii) The Transmission Provider must apply all tariff provisions relating to the sale or purchase of open access transmission service in a fair and impartial manner that treats all transmission customers in a not unduly discriminatory manner, if the tariff provisions permit the use of discretion.

(iii) The Transmission Provider may not, through its tariffs or otherwise, give undue preference to any person in matters relating to the sale or purchase of transmission service (including, but not limited to, issues of price, curtailments, scheduling, priority, ancillary services, or balancing).

(iv) The Transmission Provider must process all similar requests for transmission in the same manner and within the same period of time.

(v) A transmission provider must post on its Internet Web site notice of each waiver of a tariff provision that it grants in favor of an affiliate, unless such waiver has been approved by the Commission. The posting must be made within one business day of the act of a waiver. The transmission provider must also maintain a log of the acts of waiver, and must make it available to the Commission upon request. The records must be kept for period of five years from the date of each act of waiver.

Implementation Procedures: All tariff provisions are applied in a non-discriminatory manner, and if a tariff provision allows for discretion in its application, then the Companies will apply that tariff provision in the same manner to its affiliates as it does to all other transmission service customers. Companies do not give undue preference to any person in matters relating to transmission service. Companies process all similar requests for transmission in the same manner and within the same period of time. In the event a waiver of a tariff provision is made in favor of an affiliate, the Chief Compliance Officer will ensure that the appropriate posting is made. The Chief Compliance Officer will also maintain a log of acts of waiver, ensuring that each records are kept for five years from the date of each act of waiver.

Independent Function Rule

(i) General rule. Except as permitted in this part or otherwise permitted by Commission order, a transmission provider's transmission function employees must function independently of its marketing function employees.

(ii) Separation of functions.

(1) A transmission provider is prohibited from permitting its marketing function employees to: (i) Conduct transmission functions; or (ii) Have access to the system control center or similar facilities used for transmission operations that differs in any way from the access available to other transmission customers.

(2) A transmission provider is prohibited from permitting its transmission function employees to conduct marketing functions.

Implementation procedures: Companies conduct annual training concerning the independent functioning rules.

No Conduit Rule

(i) A transmission provider is prohibited from using anyone as a conduit for the disclosure of non-public transmission function information to marketing function employees.

(ii) An employee, contractor, consultant or agent of a transmission provider and an employee, contractor, consultant or agent of an affiliate transmission provider that is engaged in marketing functions, is prohibited from disclosing non-public transmission function information to any of the transmission providers marketing function employees.

Implementation Procedures: Training materials explain the prohibition on a Transmission Provider  using anyone as conduit to inappropriately share information with any marketing function personnel.

Ensuring ongoing compliance

A transmission provider must designate a chief compliance officer who will be responsible for standards of conduct compliance. The transmission provider must post the name of the chief compliance officer and provide his or her contact information on its Internet Web site. Companies’ designated a Chief Compliance Officer who will: (1) Ensure that Companies are in compliance with the Standards of Conduct; and (2) Ensure that Standards of Conduct training for new and existing employees is carried out.

Implementation procedures: The Chief Compliance Officer is Mark Sciarrotta. The Chief Compliance Officer’s contact information is posted on the Internet Web sites. The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for:

  1. Ensuring the timely posting on the Internet Web site of the information required by these Procedures, and such posting must be made within seven business days of any change and the posting must include the date on which the information was updated;
  2. Updating these Procedures as necessary to maintain compliance with the Standards of Conduct;
  3. Overseeing or conducting Standards of Conduct training of all employees, officers and directors who are required to receive training by these Procedures and maintaining signed certificates of training for all persons who have received such training;
  4. Distributing the Standards of Conduct procedures to employees in compliance with 18 C.F.R. Section 358.8(b)(2);
  5. Serving as a point of contact for questions or concerns relating to compliance with the Standards of Conduct and these Procedures;
  6. Ensuring compliance with the Standards of Conduct and these Procedures through periodic audits and reviews of compliance and, where necessary, taking action to ensure compliance;
  7. Retaining for five years records of evaluations and audits of Standards of Conduct compliance and actions taken to ensure compliance or correct instances of non-compliance with the Standards of Conduct;
  8. Receiving all reports of non-compliance with the Standards of Conduct and/or these Procedures and taking necessary corrective actions, including, where necessary, the posting of information on the OASIS and making reports to the FERC; and
  9. Posting information concerning potential merger partners as affiliates that may employ or retain marketing function employees, within seven days after the potential merger is announced, in compliance with 18 C.F.R. Section 358.7(e)(iii).
Books and records

A transmission provider must maintain its books of account and records (as prescribed under parts 101, 125, 201 and 225 of this chapter) separately from those of its affiliates that employ or retain marketing function employees, and these must be available for Commission inspections.

Implementation procedures: The companies maintain their books and records separate from any Affiliate that employs or retains marketing function employees, which includes Green Mountain Power Corporation, and these books and records are available for the Commission’s inspection.

Chief Compliance Officer Information

VTransco Chief Compliance Officer Contact Information:

Mark Sciarrotta
VELCO/VTransco
366 Pinnacle Ridge Road
Rutland Vermont, 05701
Phone: (802) 282-3812
Fax: (802) 770-6463
Email: msciarrotta@velco.com

Effective: 3/1/2023

Waiver of Tariff Provision

Pursuant to the reporting requirements of FERC Order 717, this page is reserved for reporting waivers of tariff provisions. The Company will post on this page any waiver of a tariff provision that it grants in favor of an affiliate, unless such waiver has been approved by the Commission.

  • There have been no waivers of any tariff provisions.
Employee Transfers

Pursuant to the reporting requirements of FERC Order 717, this page is reserved for reporting employee transfers.

  • There are no employee transfers to report at this time.
Energy Affiliates

Pursuant to the reporting requirements of FERC Order 717, this page is reserved for reporting affiliates employing marketing function employees.

  • Notice posted 1/9/2013: VELCO and VTransco do not employ or retain marketing function employees. However, Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP) is a Vermont electric distribution utility that owns more than 10% of VTransco and VELCO. Therefore, GMP is considered an Affiliate of VTransco and VELCO for purposes of the Order 717 Standards of Conduct. Accordingly, VTransco and VELCO apply the Standards of Conduct to marketing function employees of GMP. GMP’s corporate offices are located at 163 Acorn Lane, Colchester, Vermont.
Incidents of Disclosure

Pursuant to the reporting requirements of FERC Order 717, this page is reserved for reporting information disclosures.

  • There are no incidents of Information Disclosure to report.
Merger Partners

Pursuant to the reporting requirements of FERC Order 717, this page is reserved for reporting potential merger partners.

  • There are no potential merger partners to report.
Shared Facilities

Pursuant to the reporting requirements of FERC Order 717, this page is reserved for reporting shared facilities.

  • The company does not have any employee-staffed facilities that are shared by transmission function and marketing function employees.
Voluntary Consent

Pursuant to the reporting requirements of FERC Order 717, this page is reserved for reporting voluntary consents to share non-affiliated customer information.

  • No transmission customer has provided voluntary, written consent permitting the company to disclose that transmission customer's non-public information to the company's marketing function employees. The company has not disclosed any non-public transmission customer information to its marketing function employees.
Job Titles & Descriptions of Transmission Function Employees
Corporate Officers


 

Job Title

Reports To

Description

President & Chief Executive Officer*Board of DirectorsResponsible for directing, managing and leading VELCO in all company activities and operations.
Vice President, Chief Operating Officer*President & CEOResponsible for directing, managing and leading field activities of engineering, system operations, asset maintenance, planning, environmental and vegetation management, and project controls and scheduling.
Senior Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel*President & CEOResponsible for directing, managing and leading, legal, human resources, contracts, procurement and compliance areas.
Vice President, Chief Financial OfficerPresident & CEOResponsible for leading the overall finance function including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, capital structure management, regulatory financial reporting, and contract administration and procurement.
Vice President, Chief Technology OfficerPresident & CEOResponsibility for leading the overall technology strategy to meet business objectives and ensure the security of technology solutions. Is the Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Senior Manager (CSM) - the senior management official with overall authority and responsibility for leading and managing implementation of and continuing adherence to the requirements within the NERC CIP Standards.
Vice President, Chief Innovation and Communication Officer*President & CEOResponsible for leading the development of initiiatives that deliver value to the company, its customer/owners and Vermont. Also responsible for all of the company's print, digital and social media, community engagement and advocacy.
Vice President, Transmission Services & Asset Maintenance*Vice President & COO Responsible for transmission services and asset maintenance strategy and functions. 
Corporate SecretaryVice President & General CounselResponsible for corporate records.

*Denotes non-transmission job descriptions for purposes of depicting reporting structure only.

Transmission System Operations

Job Title

Reports To

Description

Director, Transmission AssetsChief Operating OfficerResponsible for directing and overseeing transmission line construction, transmission field services, substation construction and maintenance and facilities.
System Planning EngineersChief Operating OfficerResponsible for developing and analyzing transmission system improvement scenarios to enhance transfer capability, to reduce losses, to simplify the operation and improve the reliability and power quality of the integrated transmission system.
Team Lead, System ProtectionDirector, Transmission AssetsResponsible for leading the System Protection Technicians and their functions.
System Protection TechniciansTeam Lead, System ProtectionResponsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs of critical protection and control systems.
Director, Operations and EMSChief Operating OfficerResponsible for leading and directing staff and resources for the Company’s power system operation functions.
Outage CoordinatorsDirector, Operations and EMSResponsible for coordinating planned outages of the Company’s transmission facilities and other utilities.
Operations EngineerDirector, Operations and EMSResponsible for supporting the Company’s NERC compliance program, and developing and maintaining operating procedures, guidelines, standards and instructions.
Manager, Control Center OperationsDirector, Operations and EMSResponsible for all activities around monitoring and regulating the operation of the transmission system.
System OperatorsManager, Control Center OperationsResponsible for the operation of the transmission system. Responsible for ensuring that the transmission system is operated according to procedures and guidelines for providing high quality service to VELCO customers. Manages transmission system emergencies and unplanned outages and coordinates the Vermont and New England area operating activity with Vermont distribution utilities. Ensures switching, tagging and work activity conforms to the VELCO safety and switching rules.
Operations Training CoordinatorDirector, Operations and EMSResponsible for developing, designing, implementing and evaluating the Company’s Operations personnel training.
Director, ISO Relations and Power Accounting**Vice President, Communication, Systems and StrategyResponsible for representing the interests of VELCO’s transmission customers at ISO-NE assuring that communications among VELCO, Vermont’s utilities and regulators and ISO are effective and timely. Directs activities of the Power Accounting team.
Team Lead, Power Accounting**Director of ISO Relations and Power AccountingResponsible for managing the execution of the daily metering, market settlements and power billings.
Market Settlement AnalystTeam Lead, Power AccountingResponsible for performing settlement and related functions.
Market Settlement Support AnalystTeam Lead, Power AccountingResponsible for performing all functions relating to the processing, validation and submittal of all internal and external contracts within the VELCO and ISO-NE market systems. Responsible for the accurate and timely processing of all daily market settlements.
Metering AnalystTeam Lead, Power AccountingResponsible for performing all metering functions, which include the daily collection, calculation, and validation and submittal of Vermont metering and load data. Also includes the accurate creation and distribution of all information shares to other New England assigned meter readers. Assembles and classifies all monthly VJO deficiencies and creates reports for distribution to the VJO participants.
Manager, EMSDirector, Operations and EMSResponsible for successful operation of the EMS system including SCADA/EMS and plant information systems.
SCADA/EMS EngineerManager, EMSResponsible for leading the design, testing and implementation of power system model enhancements and changes to support and maintain the SCADA/ EMS systems. Provides multi-vendor, solution oriented support for hardware and software for the SCADA/EMS and Operations systems.
Power Systems Model EngineerManager, EMSResponsible for supporting and maintaining VELCO’s real-time electrical system power flow model and state estimator. Assists with the reliable operation of the VELCO electric transmission grid by supporting VELCO and distribution company applications. Provides multi-vendor, solution oriented support for hardware and software for the SCADA/EMS and Operations systems.

**The Company does not own any generation assets; it is a “wires only” company. It does not sell any retail electric energy to its customers. It does not have an Energy Trading or Marketing function. The Power Accounting Department is responsible for administration of settlement contracts. It does not provide market advice or transmission related information to the distribution utilities.

ATC & TTC

Information on this complies with FERC requirements to post information about Available Transmission Capacity, Transmission Reliability Margin, and Total Transfer Capacity.

ATC Methodology
Available Transfer Capability Methodology

Effective: April 1, 2011

Version: Original


[1] §37.6(b) Posting transfer capability.  The available transfer capability on the Transmission Provider’s system (ATC) and the total transfer capabiity (TTC) of that system shall be calculated and posted for each Posted Path as set out in this section.

Introduction and background

ISO is the regional transmission organization (RTO) for the New England Control Area. The New England Control Area includes the transmission system located in the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The New England Control Area is comprised of PTF, non-PTF, OTF, MTF, and is interconnected to three neighboring Balancing Authority Areas (“BAA”) with various interface types.

As part of its RTO responsibilities, the ISO is registered with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (“NERC”) as several functional model entities that have responsibilities related to the calculation of ATC as defined in the following NERC Standards: MOD-001 – Available Transmission System Capability (“MOD-001”), MOD-004 – Capacity Benefit Margin (“MOD-004”), and MOD-008 – Transmission Reliability Margin Calculation Methodology (“MOD-008”). The extent of those responsibilities is based on various Commission approved transmission operating agreements and the provisions of the ISO New England Operating Documents.

Pursuant to CFR § 37.6(b)[1] of the FERC Regulations Transmission Provider’s are obligated to calculate and post TTC and ATC for each Posted Path.

Posted Path is defined as any control area to control area interconnection; any path for which service is denied, curtailed or interrupted for more than 24 hours in the past 12 months; and any path for which a customer requests to have ATC or TTC posted.  For this last category, the posting must continue for 180 days and thereafter until 180 days have elapsed from the most recent request for service over the requested path. For purposes of this definition, an hour includes any part of any hour during which service was denied, curtailed or interrupted. 

VTransco does not currently have a Posted Paths based on the above definition.  However to extent that VTransco does in the future have a Posted Path VTransco will calculate TTC using NERC Standard MOD-029-1 Rated System Path Methodology as outlined below.Basic information on ATC and TTC may be found on VT Transco’s website at: www.vermonttransco.com.

Capacity Benefit Margin (CBM)

CBM is defined as the amount of firm transmission transfer capability set aside by a TSP for use by the Load Serving Entities. The ISO does not set aside any CBM for use by the Load Serving Entities, because of the New England approach to capacity planning requirements in the ISO New England Operating Documents. Load Serving Entities operating within the New England Control Area are required to arrange for their Capacity Requirements prior to the beginning of any given month in accordance with ISO Tariff, Section III.13.7.3.1 (Calculation of Capacity Requirement and Capacity Load Obligation). Load Serving Entities do not utilize CBM to ensure that their capacity needs are met; therefore, CBM is not applicable within the New England market design. Accordingly, for purposes of ATC calculation, As long as this market design is in place in New England, the CBM is set to zero (0).  VTransco provides local transmission service over its non-PTF facilities that are connected to ISO-NE and the Vermont distribution utilities.  VTransco does not reserve CBM for these paths, and the CBM is presently set to zero.

Existing Transmission Commitments, Firm

The ETCF are those confirmed Firm transmission reservation (PTPF.) plus any rollover rights for Firm transmission reservations (RORF) that have been exercised. There are no allowances necessary for Native Load forecast commitments (NLF), Network Integration Transmission Service (NITSF), grandfathered Transmission Service (GFF) and other service(s), contract(s) or agreement(s) (OSF) to be considered in the ETCF calculation.

Existing Transmission Commitments, Non-Firm

The (ETCNF) are those confirmed Non-Firm transmission reservations (PTPNF). There are no allowances necessary for Non-Firm Network Integration Transmission Service (NITSNF), Non-Firm grandfathered Transmission Service (GFNF) or other service(s), contract(s) or agreement(s) (OSNF).

Transmission Reliability Margin (TRM)

The Transmission Reliability Margin (TRM) is the portion of the TTC that cannot be used for the reservation of firm transmission service because of uncertainties in system operation conditions and the need for operating flexibility to ensure reliable system operation as system conditions change.  It is used only for external interfaces under the New England market design. Since VTRANSCO provides transmission service over its non-PTF facilities that are connected only to the internal New England system, VTRANSCO does not reserve TRM for these paths, and the TRM is presently set to zero.

Calculation of ATC for VTransco’s local facilities—general description

NERC Standards MOD-001-1 – Available Transmission System Capability and MOD-029-1 – Rated System Path Methodology defines the required items to be identified when describing a transmission provider’s ATC methodology.

As a practical matter, the ratings of the radial transmission paths are always higher than the transmission requirements of the Transmission Customers connected to that path.  As such, transmission services over these posted paths are considered to be always available.

Common practice is not to calculate or post firm and non-firm ATC values for the non-PTF assets described above, as ATC is positive and listed as 9999.  Transmission customers are not restricted from reserving firm or non-firm transmission service on non-PTF facilities.

As Real-Time approaches, the ISO utilizes the Real-Time energy market rules to determine which of the submitted energy transactions will be scheduled in the coming hour.  Basically, the ATC of the non-PTF assets in the New England market is almost always positive.  The ATC is equal to the amount of net energy transactions that the ISO will schedule on an interface for the designated hour.  With this simplified version of ATC, there is no detailed algorithm to be described or posted other than: ATC equals TTC. Thus, for those non-PTF facilities that serve as a path for the VTransco Schedule 21­Vermont Transco Point-to-Point Transmission Customers, VTransco has posted the ATC as 9999, consistent with industry practice.  ATC on these paths varies depending on the time of day.  However, it is posted with an ATC of "9999" to reflect the fact that there are no restrictions on these paths for commercial transactions.

Calculation of ATCF in the planning horizon (PH)

For purposes of this Attachment A PH is any period before the Operating Horizon. Consistent with the NERC definition, ATCF  is the capability for Firm transmission reservations that remain after allowing for TRM, CBM, ETCFPostbacksF and counterflowsF.

As discussed above, TRM and CBM are zero.  Firm Transmission Service over Schedule 21-Vermont Transco that is available in the Planning Horizon (PH) includes:  Yearly, Monthly, Weekly, and Daily. PostbacksF and counterflowsF of Schedule 21-Vermont Transco transmission reservations are not considered in the ATC calculation.  Therefore, ATCF> in the PH is equal to the TTC minus ETCF

Calculation of ATCF in the Schedule 21-Vermont Transco Operating Horizon (OH)

For purposes of this Attachment A OH is noon eastern prevailing time each day.  At that time, the OH spans from noon through midnight of the next day for a total of 36 hours.  At that time progresses the total hours remaining in the OH decreases until noon the following day when the OH is once again reset to 36 hours.

Consistent with the NERC definition, ATCFis the capability for Firm transmission reservations that remain after allowing for ETCF, CBM, TRM, PostbacksF and counterflowsF.

As discussed above, TRM and CBM is zero.  Daily Firm Transmission Service over Schedule 21­Vermont Transco is the only firm service offered in the Operating Horizon (OH).  PostbacksF and counterflowsF of Schedule 21-Vermont Transco transmission reservations are not considered in the ATCF calculation. Therefore, ATCF  in the OH is equal to the TTC minus ETCF.

Because Firm Schedule 21-Vermont Transco transmission service is not offered in the Scheduling Horizon (SH): ATCF in the SH is zero.

Calculation of ATCNF in the PH

ATCNF is the capability for Non-Firm transmission reservations that remain after allowing for ETC F , ETCNF, scheduled CBM (CBMS), unreleased TRM (TRMU), Non-Firm Postbacks (PostbacksNF) and Non-Firm counterflows (counterflowsNF).

As discussed above, the TRM and CBM for Schedule 21-Vermont Transco are zero. Non-Firm ATC available in the PH includes: Monthly, Weekly, Daily and Hourly. TRM U, PostbacksNF and counterflowsNF of Schedule 21-Vermont Transco transmission reservations are not considered in this calculation. Therefore, ATCNF in the PH is equal to the TTC minus ETC F and ETCNF.

Calculation of ATCNF in the OH

ATCNF available in the OH includes: Daily and Hourly.

As discussed above TRM and CBM for Schedule 21-Vermont Transco are zero. TRMU, counterflows and ETCNF are not considered in this calculation.  Therefore, ATCNF in the OH is equal to the TTC minus ETC F, plus postbacks of PTPF in OH as PTPNF (PostbacksNF)

Negative ATC

As stated above, the ratings of the radial transmission paths are always higher than the transmission requirements of the Transmission Customers connected to that path.  As such, transmission services over these posted paths are considered to be always available.

For those non-PTF Vermont Transco facilities that are primarily radial paths that provide transmission service to directly interconnected generators it is possible, in the future, that a particular radial path may interconnect more nameplate capacity generation than the path’s TTC.  However, due to the ISO’s security constrained dispatch methodology, the ISO will only dispatch an amount of generation interconnected to such path so as not to incur a reliability or stability violation on the subject path.  Therefore, ATC in the PH, OH and SH may become zero, but will not become negative.

Posting of ATC related information—ATC values

As described above, the ATC values for VTransco’s non-PTF utilized for internal Point-to-Point transmission service are always positive, and are thus set at 9999. The ATC values for these internal posted paths are posted in accordance with NAESB standards on VTransco’s provider page of the ISO­NE OASIS website Common practice is not to calculate or post firm and non-firm ATC values for the non-PTF assets described above, as ATC is positive and listed as 9999. Transmission customers are not restricted from reserving firm or non-firm transmission service on non-PTF facilities.


 

Updates to ATC

When any of the variables in the ATC equations change, the ATC values are recalculated and immediately posted.

Coordination of ATC calculations

Schedule 21-Vermont Transco non-PTF has no external interfaces.  Therefore it is not necessary to coordinate the values. 

Mathematical algorithms

A link to the actual mathematical algorithm for the calculation of ATC for VTransco’s non-PTF internal interfaces is located on VTransco’s website.

ATC & TCC
Available Transmission Capacity & Total Transmission Capacity

Introduction and background

ISO is the regional transmission organization (RTO) for the New England Control Area. The New England Control Area includes the transmission system located in the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The New England Control Area is comprised of PTF, non-PTF, OTF, MTF, and is interconnected to three neighboring Balancing Authority Areas (“BAA”) with various interface types.

As part of its RTO responsibilities, the ISO is registered with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (“NERC”) as several functional model entities that have responsibilities related to the calculation of ATC as defined in the following NERC Standards: MOD-001 – Available Transmission System Capability (“MOD-001”), MOD-004 – Capacity Benefit Margin (“MOD-004”), and MOD-008 – Transmission Reliability Margin Calculation Methodology (“MOD-008”). The extent of those responsibilities is based on various Commission approved transmission operating agreements and the provisions of the ISO New England Operating Documents.

Pursuant to CFR § 37.6(b)[1] of the FERC Regulations Transmission Provider’s are obligated to calculate and post TTC and ATC for each Posted Path. 

Mathematical Algorithms

Planning HorizonATCF = (TTC-CBM-TRM-ETCF)ATCNF = (TTC-CBM-TRM- ETCF- ETCNF )
Operating HorizonATCF = (TTC-CBM-TRM-ETCF)  ATCNF = (TTC-CBM-TRM- ETCF- ETCNF + PostbacksNF)
Scheduling HorizonATCF = 0  ATCNF = TTC

Posted Path is defined as any control area to control area interconnection; any path for which service is denied, curtailed or interrupted for more than 24 hours in the past 12 months; and any path for which a customer requests to have ATC or TTC posted. For this last category, the posting must continue for 180 days and thereafter until 180 days have elapsed from the most recent request for service over the requested path. For purposes of this definition, an hour includes any part of any hour during which service was denied, curtailed or interrupted.  

VTransco does not currently have a Posted Paths based on the above definition. However to extent that VTransco does in the future have a Posted Path VTransco will calculate TTC using NERC Standard MOD-029-1 Rated System Path Methodology as follows:

Capacity Benefit Margin (CBM)

CBM is defined as the amount of firm transmission transfer capability set aside by a TSP for use by the Load Serving Entities. The ISO does not set aside any CBM for use by the Load Serving Entities, because of the New England approach to capacity planning requirements in the ISO New England Operating Documents. Load Serving Entities operating within the New England Control Area are required to arrange for their Capacity Requirements prior to the beginning of any given month in accordance with ISO Tariff, Section III.13.7.3.1 (Calculation of Capacity Requirement and Capacity Load Obligation). Load Serving Entities do not utilize CBM to ensure that their capacity needs are met; therefore, CBM is not applicable within the New England market design. Accordingly, for purposes of ATC calculation, As long as this market design is in place in New England, the CBM is set to zero (0). VTransco provides local transmission service over its non-PTF facilities that are connected to ISO-NE and the Vermont distribution utilities. VTransco does not reserve CBM for these paths, and the CBM is presently set to zero.

Existing Transmission Commitments, Firm (ETCF)

The ETCF are those confirmed Firm transmission reservation (PTP F.) plus any rollover rights for Firm transmission reservations (ROR F ) that have been exercised. There are no allowances necessary for Native Load forecast commitments (NLF), Network Integration Transmission Service (NITSF), grandfathered Transmission Service (GFF) and other service(s), contract(s) or agreement(s) (OSF ) to be considered in the ETC F calculation.

Existing Transmission Commitments, Non-Firm (ETCNF)

The (ETCNF) are those confirmed Non-Firm transmission reservations (PTPNF) There are no allowances necessary for Non-Firm Network Integration Transmission Service (NITSNF), Non-Firm grandfathered Transmission Service (GFNF) or other service(s), contract(s) or agreement(s) (OSNF).  

Transmission Reliability Margin (TRM)

The Transmission Reliability Margin (TRM) is the portion of the TTC that cannot be used for the reservation of firm transmission service because of uncertainties in system operation conditions and the need for operating flexibility to ensure reliable system operation as system conditions change. It is used only for external interfaces under the New England market design. Since VTRANSCO provides transmission service over its non-PTF facilities that are connected only to the internal New England system, VTRANSCO does not reserve TRM for these paths, and the TRM is presently set to zero.  

Calculation of ATC for VTransco’s Local Facilities – General Description

NERC Standards MOD-001-1 – Available Transmission System Capability and MOD-029-1 – Rated System Path Methodology defines the required items to be identified when describing a transmission provider’s ATC methodology.   As a practical matter, the ratings of the radial transmission paths are always higher than the transmission requirements of the Transmission Customers connected to that path. As such, transmission services over these posted paths are considered to be always available.   Common practice is not to calculate or post firm and non-firm ATC values for the non-PTF assets described above, as ATC is positive and listed as 9999. Transmission customers are not restricted from reserving firm or non-firm transmission service on non-PTF facilities.

As Real-Time approaches, the ISO utilizes the Real-Time energy market rules to determine which of the submitted energy transactions will be scheduled in the coming hour. Basically, the ATC of the non-PTF assets in the New England market is almost always positive. The ATC is equal to the amount of net energy transactions that the ISO will schedule on an interface for the designated hour. With this simplified version of ATC, there is no detailed algorithm to be described or posted other than: ATC equals TTC. Thus, for those non-PTF facilities that serve as a path for the VTransco Schedule 21-Vermont Transco Point-to-Point Transmission Customers, VTransco has posted the ATC as 9999, consistent with industry practice. ATC on these paths varies depending on the time of day. However, it is posted with an ATC of "9999" to reflect the fact that there are no restrictions on these paths for commercial transactions.  

Calculation of ATCF in the Planning Horizon (PH)

For purposes of this Attachment A PH is any period before the Operating Horizon. Consistent with the NERC definition, ATCF is the capability for Firm transmission reservations that remain after allowing for TRM, CBM, ETCF , PostbacksF and counterflowsF.   As discussed above, TRM and CBM are zero. Firm Transmission Service over Schedule 21-Vermont Transco that is available in the Planning Horizon (PH) includes: Yearly, Monthly, Weekly, and Daily. PostbacksF and counterflowsF of Schedule 21-Vermont Transco transmission reservations are not considered in the ATC calculation. Therefore, ATCF in the PH is equal to the TTC minus ETCF  

Calculation of ATCF in the Schedule 21-Vermont Transco Operating Horizon (OH)

For purposes of this Attachment A OH is noon eastern prevailing time each day. At that time, the OH spans from noon through midnight of the next day for a total of 36 hours. At that time progresses the total hours remaining in the OH decreases until noon the following day when the OH is once again reset to 36 hours.   Consistent with the NERC definition, ATCF is the capability for Firm transmission reservations that remain after allowing for ETCF , CBM, TRM, PostbacksF and counterflowsF.   As discussed above, TRM and CBM is zero. Daily Firm Transmission Service over Schedule 21-Vermont Transco is the only firm service offered in the Operating Horizon (OH). PostbacksF and counterflowsF of Schedule 21-Vermont Transco transmission reservations are not considered in the ATCF calculation. Therefore, ATCF in the OH is equal to the TTC minus ETC F. Because Firm Schedule 21-Vermont Transco transmission service is not offered in the Scheduling Horizon (SH): ATCF in the SH is zero.  

Calculation of ATCNF in the PH

ATCNF is the capability for Non-Firm transmission reservations that remain after allowing for ETC F , ETCNF, scheduled CBM (CBMS), unreleased TRM (TRMU), Non-Firm Postbacks (PostbacksNF) and Non-Firm counterflows (counterflowsNF).   As discussed above, the TRM and CBM for Schedule 21-Vermont Transco are zero. Non-Firm ATC available in the PH includes: Monthly, Weekly, Daily and Hourly. TRM U, PostbacksNF and counterflowsNF of Schedule 21-Vermont

Transco transmission reservations are not considered in this calculation. Therefore, ATCNF in the PH is equal to the TTC minus ETC F and ETCNF.

Calculation of ATCNF in the OH

ATC NF available in the OH includes: Daily and Hourly.   As discussed above TRM and CBM for Schedule 21-Vermont Transco are zero. TRMU, counterflows and ETCNF are not considered in this calculation. Therefore, ATC NF in the OH is equal to the TTC minus ETC F, plus postbacks of PTPF in OH as PTPNF (Postbacks NF).

Negative ATC

As stated above, the ratings of the radial transmission paths are always higher than the transmission requirements of the Transmission Customers connected to that path. As such, transmission services over these posted paths are considered to be always available.   For those non-PTF Vermont Transco facilities that are primarily radial paths that provide transmission service to directly interconnected generators it is possible, in the future, that a particular radial path may interconnect more nameplate capacity generation than the path’s TTC. However, due to the ISO’s security constrained dispatch methodology, the ISO will only dispatch an amount of generation interconnected to such path so as not to incur a reliability or stability violation on the subject path. Therefore, ATC in the PH, OH and SH may become zero, but will not become negative.

Posting of ATC Related Information - ATC Values

As described above, the ATC values for VTransco’s non-PTF utilized for internal Point-to-Point transmission service are always positive, and are thus set at 9999. The ATC values for these internal posted paths are posted in accordance with NAESB standards on VTransco’s provider page of the ISO-NE OASIS website Common practice is not to calculate or post firm and non-firm ATC values for the non-PTF assets described above, as ATC is positive and listed as 9999. Transmission customers are not restricted from reserving firm or non-firm transmission service on non-PTF facilities.  

Updates to ATC

When any of the variables in the ATC equations change, the ATC values are recalculated and immediately posted.

Coordination of ATC Calculations

Schedule 21-Vermont Transco non-PTF has no external interfaces. Therefore it is not necessary to coordinate the values. 


[1] §37.6(b) Posting transfer capability. The available transfer capability on the Transmission Provider’s system (ATC) and the total transfer capabiity (TTC) of that system shall be calculated and posted for each Posted Path as set out in this section.

TRM

Transmission Reliability Margin (TRM)

Effective: April 1, 2011
Version: Original

This is VTransco's Capacity Benefit Margin Implementation Document (“CBMID”)

The Transmission Reliability Margin (TRM) is the portion of the TTC that cannot be used for the reservation of firm transmission service because of uncertainties in system operation conditions and the need for operating flexibility to ensure reliable system operation as system conditions change. It is used only for external interfaces under the New England market design. Since VTransco provides transmission service over its non-PTF facilities that are connected only to the internal New England system, VTransco does not reserve TRM for these paths, and the TRM is presently set to zero. 

CBM

Capacity Benefit Margin (CBM)

Effective: April 1, 2011
Version: Original

CBM is defined as the amount of firm transmission transfer capability set aside by a TSP for use by the Load Serving Entities. ISO-New England does not set aside any CBM for use by the Load Serving Entities because of the New England approach to capacity planning requirements in the ISO-New England Operating Documents. Load Serving Entities operating within the New England Control Area are required to arrange for their Capacity Requirements prior to the beginning of any given month in accordance with ISO Tariff, Section II.13.7.3.1 (Calculation of Capacity Requirements and Capacity Load Obligation). Load Serving Entities do not utilize CBM to ensure their capacity needs are met; therefore, CBM is not applicable within the New England market design. Accordingly, for purposes of ATC calculation, as long as this market design is in place in New England, the CBM is set to zero (0). VTransco provides local transmission service over its non-PTF facilities that are connected to ISO-NE and the Vermont distribution utilities. VTransco does not reserve CBM for these paths, and the CBM is presently set to zero.

ATC-TCC-CBM Values

TTC/ATC/TRM/CBM values for VTransco’s non-PTF Transmission Path

PathTTCATCTRMCBM
VTransco-
ISO-NE
9999999900

Non-firm transmission service under Schedule 21 is always available. Therefore, it is unnecessary to post daily non-firm service that has become available as a result of not scheduled firm transmission service.

TRM and CBM are presently set to zero will be reviewed as appropriate (at a minimum annually) to verify the values.

If a non-PTF path becomes constrained and the yearly or monthly ATC value changes because of a 10 percent or more change in TTC, VTransco will post a narrative for such path. 

ATC Algorithm
Mathematical Algorithms for Calculation of ATC for Schedule 21-VTransco Planning Horizon

 VTransco performs these calculations for its non-PTF internal interfaces. These calculations are consistent with the ISO calculations for Available Transfer Capability. TRM and CBM for VTransco’s non-PTF posted paths are zero. 

Planning Horizon

ATCF = (TTC-CBM-TRM-ETCF)

ATCNF = (TTC-CBM-TRM- ETCF- ETCNF )

Operating Horizon

ATCF = (TTC-CBM-TRM-ETCF)

ATCNF = (TTC-CBM-TRM- ETCF- ETCNF + PostbacksNF)

Scheduling Horizon

ATCF = 0

ATCNF = TTC