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Modules · Compliance studies · Module 021

VAR-002-4.1 Voltage Schedule Compliance

Voltage schedule compliance, automatic voltage regulator status and notification evidence per plant.

About this module

What this module covers.

This module develops your compliance procedure for NERC VAR-002-4.1 and applies it at each applicable plant. VAR-002-4.1 requires each Generator Operator to operate each generator in automatic voltage control mode with its automatic voltage regulator (AVR) in service, or in the control mode the Transmission Operator instructs (Requirement R1), to maintain the voltage or Reactive Power schedule or meet the notification conditions for deviations (R2), and to notify the Transmission Operator within 30 minutes of a status change on the AVR, power system stabilizer or alternative voltage controlling device (R3) or of a change in reactive capability (R4); the Generator Owner provides step-up and auxiliary transformer tap settings, tap ranges and impedance data within 30 calendar days of a request (R5).

At a glance

Module: 021
Kind: Compliance studies
Governing body: NERC
Applies to: Operating plants
Typical time: About one week, all in

Support services

What GridStrong does inside this module.

Task 1: Develop Compliance Procedure

  • Create an audit-ready compliance procedure for meeting the VAR-002-4.1 requirements, working collaboratively across engineering and compliance departments. This includes:
    • Identifying applicable assets, functions, subject matter experts (SMEs), roles, responsibilities, and ownership
    • Determining specific actions and evidence to demonstrate compliance with specific requirements and measures
    • Conduct a gap analysis comparing current practices versus the standard's requirements, identifying missing processes, incomplete documentation, any staff training needed, etc.
    • Develop clear step-by-step procedures for the standard, along with internal controls and documentation policies
    • Establish compliance timelines for any corrective actions the gap analysis identifies
    • Define and determine specific compliance evidence required per site

Task 2: Implementation of Compliance Procedure at each plant

  • Gather all applicable documentation, models, data, etc. for each plant
  • Conduct a thorough review of all existing plant documentation and compare against standard requirements and associated compliance procedures
  • Recommend changes needed to meet NERC VAR-002-4.1 requirements
  • Identify and explain the compliance timelines needed to implement recommended changes

Final deliverables

  • Task 1: Compliance Procedure for VAR-002-4.1.
  • Task 2: Compliance report for each plant describing the compliance methodology, findings, conclusions and recommendations, as well as timelines to implement the necessary modifications where applicable.

Assumptions and considerations

How the scope is bounded.

Run this module on one site.

Tell us the plant and the deadline. An engineer confirms the inputs, the schedule and what the Dashboard needs from you.