PRC-029-01 For OwNERS & oPERATORS

PRC-029-1 requires Generator Owners to ensure their inverter-based resources (IBRs) can ride through specific voltage and frequency disturbances. This includes:
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• Voltage ride-through capability during grid disturbances
• Frequency ride-through requirements
• Current/power priority mode settings
• Active power recovery response characteristics
• Comprehensive documentation and testing evidence

Importantly, PRC-029-1 entails both design evaluation and operational performance requirements upon installation of disturbance monitoring equipment in accordance with PRC-028-1.

All inverter-based resources must comply, including:

• Solar PV installations
• Wind farms
• Battery energy storage systems
• Hybrid plants (solar + storage, wind + storage)
• Any generating facility that uses power electronics to connect to the grid

Both BES (Bulk Electric System) and Cat 2 IBRs are subject to these requirements. However, the details and specific requirements matter. For example, BES IBRs are required to comply by the effective date of the standard, while Cat 2 IBRs must comply by January 1, 2027.

For the design evaluation, be prepared to compile a wide range of documentation:
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• Protection settings: as-left inverter/turbine settings, as-left relay settings, PRC-019 reports, PRC-024 reports, protection philosophy and narrative
• Ride-through settings: inverter/turbine technical manuals, as-left ride-through settings, control narratives
• Model Quality Checks: MOD-026-027 reports, single-line diagrams, model quality test (MQT) reports, model user guides for user-defined models (UDMs)
• Model Component Checks: aggregated inverter/turbine model, aggregated inverter/turbine level transformer, equivalent collector system, shunt compensation, main power transformer(s) (MPTs) with tap changers, voltage-based protection of inverter/turbine and plant relays, power plant controller

If your plant is not already set up in GridStrong, start compiling this information now. By loading it into GridStrong, you’ll see all the gaps right away. For the operational performance requirements, you must be equipped to access and analyze your fault recorder equipment installed in compliance with PRC-028-1 because you have an obligation to identify events on an ongoing basis and determine if the plant complies with PRC-029-1. This is incredibly cumbersome, and in our view infeasible, to perform manually. We have developed solutions that leverage software and automation to address ongoing operational requirements.

PRC-029-1 allows exemptions for existing resources that cannot meet requirements due to hardware limitations. However, exemptions require:

• Detailed technical justification
• Comprehensive documentation of hardware limitations
• Engineering analysis proving compliance isn't feasible
• Proper submittal to your PC, TP, TOP, RC and CEA by October 1, 2027.

Order 901 requirements like PRC-029-1 are complicated. For owners with lots of assets, this typically means aggregating information across diverse departments and third parties, like OEMs, and then sharing it via Sharepoint or other file server links only to go back and forth for weeks over email poring through complicated spreadsheets. This old way of doing things simply doesn’t scale.

Our approach is different. GridStrong’s PRC-029-1 module lets you hit the easy button by managing this entire process in purpose-built software. You work directly with our consultants in the software, avoiding endless email chains and spreadsheet versions. Your data is stored securely in a structured format so it can be reused reliably for all future compliance requirements.

• Fixed pricing
• Automated workflows reduce human error
• Real-time visibility into project status
• Persistent data storage for future compliance requirements and audits

You get higher quality deliverables with more control, speed, and transparency – and much less time and frustration.

Absolutely. We're designed to enhance, not replace, your existing processes:

• Integration with current documentation systems
• Collaboration with your internal teams
• Alignment with existing compliance procedures
• Support for your preferred modeling tools

We connect, enhance, and automate around what's already working for you.