NERC Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Practice Exam

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• What might cause an alarm on SCADA indicating a bus breaker is closed while the bus appears de-energized?
• Which document governs the operating procedures for interchange transactions?
• If an IROL violation cannot be avoided, what must the RC do?
• What component is necessary for implementing effective system restoration strategies?
• What action should the RC take during an area-wide disturbance when there is a possibility of losing a major tie line?
• When arranging an interchange transaction, which entity cannot disclose information to unconnected PSEs?
• What type of relay uses a combination of CT measurements and PT measurements?
• What is not a function of a generator capability curve?
• A system in the process of restoration has 1000MW of synchronized generation and 700 MW of connected load. What amount of load should be shed to raise the frequency by 0.5 Hz?
• What is likely to happen after a severe disturbance on the interconnection when frequency oscillation occurs?
• If the RTU signal for power flow over a tie-line is significantly in error, what should the system operator of BA ABC do?
• What type of generation usually does not count towards a Balancing Authority's contingency reserve?
• Reportable disturbances are contingencies that meet or exceed what percentage of the most severe single contingency?
• Which of the following is essential for the timely approval of interchange transactions by a Balancing Authority?
• During extreme low load conditions, what are the primary system conditions the system operator works to alleviate?
• A generator's capability for system restoration purposes is determined by what?
• What is the purpose of a generator capability curve?
• Which of the following is not considered to be electric system security data?
• What action should BA A take when endangered by remaining interconnected with a declining frequency?
• All electronic interchange schedule communications are to be in which time zone?
• Which step is most appropriate if a system disturbance causes a BA to lose frequency meters?
• What is the purpose of using high speed relays and high speed circuit breakers?
• A 100 MW generator with a 5% governor droop responds to a -0.15 Hz frequency deviation. How much will it output?
• What is the purpose of the voltage schedule provided by the TOP?
• Who is responsible for developing procedures to ensure transmission reliability?
• How many MWh should be shown in the MWh field of a 60 MW energy profile starting at 0800 and stopping at 1800?
• What should a Responsible Entity do if failure of communication capabilities lasts longer than the specified time?
• If an external BA with a frequency bias of 20MW/0.1Hz sees a frequency of 60.02 Hz due to a loss of load, approximately how much generation change would the BA experience?
• Which of the following activities is NOT typically included in transmission reliability procedures?
• What is the power factor of the Roxboro-Milburnie Black 230kV line with energy flows of 80 MW and 60 MVAR?
• What type of generation response is expected from a 5% governor droop when frequency drops by 0.15 Hz?
• What action is recommended if voltage is declining in a known weak area after exhausting reactive resources?
• Which compliance percentage is associated with CPS1?
• What should be done to ensure reliability during a transmission system overload?
• Which network is used for sharing operational security information?
• If a system disturbance causes a generator to be out of step, what does this mean?
• In the context of emergency operations, what is a critical factor for communication systems?
• System restoration plans shall be coordinated with whom?
• What is the compliance percentage of reportable disturbances according to DCS?
• Which interchange transaction does not need to be tagged before it starts?
• To whom may a request for information about an interchange transaction NOT be given?
• What is a key benefit of having a planned blackstart process?
• What role does the Transmission Service Provider serve during an interchange transaction?
• Protection systems on major transmission lines should be coordinated with whom?
• If a test of interpersonal communication capability is unsuccessful, the responsible entity must act to repair it within how long?
• What should a TOP do if it is in imminent danger of violating an IROL?
• Which organization does the TOP need to share its voltage schedule with?
• What is the resultant loading of line A-B and line C-D after a 150 MW reduction on a generator with initial loads of 200 MW and 100 MW, respectively?
• In the event of an IROL violation, how should the RC act?
• How often should electric system security data be updated for it to remain valid?
• What is a full-time data network used for sharing operational security information?
• If the voltage at substation A is higher than at substation B, how is the reactive power (MVAR) flow indicated?
• In a case where a transformer bank protection panel shows an 87T target, what type of initial relay operation triggered the lockout?
• What is critical in the planning of future expansion of transmission systems?
• What threshold must a Reliability Coordinator monitor related to ACE errors?
• How often should restoration services for critical telecommunication channels be available?
• What minimum load is often set for transactions to ensure they are profitable?
• Following an area blackout, what must the TOP ensure when re-energizing transmission lines?
• Where should voltage reduction for load reduction be performed?
• All telecommunicated channels shall be periodically tested or monitored how?
• Energy and capacity emergency plans should include consideration for which aspect?
• After a disturbance, what action should be taken if 40% of the load is intact but frequency is declining?
• What is the default contingency reserve restoration period?
• To increase MVAR output from a generator, what parameter is adjusted?
• How does load shedding affect system stability in terms of reactive power?
• When referring to transmission lines, what standard should neighboring systems use?
• How does a BA maintain compliance when frequency varies significantly from 60 Hz?
• What is the primary consideration when planning the interconnected transmission system?
• During a system restoration, col load pick up can involve inrush currents that are how large?
• What voltage level operation supports maximum system reliability?
• What term is used to indicate the remaining transfer capability on a transmission network for further commercial activity?
• Upon telemetry failure of a generator's output, what is the most likely change you would expect?
• Who is responsible for arranging interchange transactions?
• What is the purpose of Emergency Event Actions (EEAs)?
• BAs can share interchange transaction information with whom?
• What does the term 'leading' or 'lagging' refer to in relation to generators?
• When possible, a Transmission Operator (TOP) should try to use which of the following to energize high voltage transmission lines?
• Which factor should not influence transmission line ratings?
• BES stands for what in the context of electric power?
• What should a BA anticipate if an operating capacity emergency occurs?
• A 200 MW transaction starts at the top of the hour and is terminated 30 minutes later. If a ten minute ramp is used, what is the integrated MWh for this transaction?
• To maximize system reliability, which practice should be employed?
• Which of the following is NOT a NERC disturbance reporting requirement for a 1000 MW system?
• What results from Net Scheduled Interchange being greater than Net Actual Interchange?
• If a transmission line rated at 400 MVA carries a load of 300 MW and 200 MVAR, is it operating above its rating?
• If a BA performed a 5% voltage reduction but has not shed firm load, in what level of Emergency Event Actions (EEA) is this BA categorized?
• Who has the authority to shed load in a capacity emergency?
• How often shall the RC perform real-time assessments?
• A frequency dip is caused by a single control area's disturbance, stabilizing at 59.85 Hz. How much load should be shed to restore frequency to 60 Hz?
• How should the AGC system be operated after losing tie-line RTUs with a neighboring BA?
• What can prevent imminent separation from the interconnection?
• During an operating capacity emergency, BA ABC shall balance its schedules and generation to its load without regard to?
• What must BAs that are not members of a FRSG achieve regarding their annual FRM?
• To predict the near-term load pattern, a system operator must consider which factor?
• What role does communication play among Regional Coordinators (RCs) during emergencies?
• During which scenario would you expect 'Ferranti Voltage Rise Effect'?
• How can voltage reduction be implemented for load relief?
• What type of generation is primarily used to support VAR absorption?
• What is one of the core responsibilities of a balancing authority?
• Which standard measures a Balancing Authority's ability to maintain adequate operating reserves?
• When does the contingency reserve restoration period begin for a Balancing Authority or Reserve Sharing Group?
• What is a requirement for a BES Cyber System regarding communication capabilities?
• You have a transaction request of 100 MW on a scheduled path with an ATC of 95 MW. What should you do?
• When can you re-use a tag number?
• What does ATC stand for in the context of transmission capability?
• In case of critical conditions, what does manual load shedding specifically aim to achieve?
• What does blackstart capability refer to?
• In an emergency situation, who has the priority when allocating resources?
• Who is responsible for confirming the interchange schedule with the sending Balancing Authority?
• Automatic load shedding settings should not be based on which of the following?
• When must personnel for interchange notifications be available?
• In terms of power reserves, what does the acronym MSSC stand for?
• What is essential for maintaining system reliability during load balancing?
• What is the term used for generators operating to absorb VARs in order to lower system voltage?
• What happens when a generator is under excited?
• If MVAR flows are high across transmission lines in a weak area, which action is preferable?
• If underfrequency generator protection is set at 58.3 Hz, what should the setpoint for load shedding be to maintain system stability?
• When planning a load shedding scheme, which parameter should be excluded from consideration?
• What should be prioritized to enhance safety during system restoration?
• The Generator Operator shall maintain the generator voltage or reactive power schedule as provided by its ______________.
• Which of the following is an example of Electric system security data that is not requested to be updated at least every 10 minutes?
• A BA that is part of a multiple BA Interconnection and not receiving Overlap Regulation Service must maintain a B that is:
• What does an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) indicate within the context of Reliability Standards?
• How often do NERC Reliability Standards require a BA to perform control error checks using tie-line MWh meters?
• During a system restoration, load block additions should be limited to what percentage of the online generation availability?
• What is the term used when an open-ended transmission line experiences high voltage due to its inductance?
• How should the voltage or reactive power schedule be specified by the Transmission Operator (TOP)?
• What type of resources must be included in the assets considered by each Responsible Entity?
• When shall the Reliability Coordinator share its next day analysis with Transmission Operators and Balancing Authorities?
• When there is a frequency dip, what is the outcome of a 5% drop characteristic on connected generators?
• In the case of large ACE errors affecting frequency, what action should the Reliability Coordinator take?
• Which asset rating falls under the medium impact rating category?
• What must occur if the issue regarding the AVR status change is resolved within the specified time frame?
• Which one of the following is an example of a controllable DSM program?
• How often shall each RC, TOP, and BA test its alternative interpersonal communication capability?
• What equipment shall each Balancing Authority (BA) have available to assist the system operator in maintaining voltage within established limits?
• What is the primary purpose of a backup control center?
• On what basis must a Balancing Authority approve or deny an interchange transaction?
• What is the actual VARS delivered by a 60 MVAR shunt capacitor bank at 0.9 p.u. voltage?
• How should the effectiveness of reactive power support be evaluated after an event?
• Each TOP must provide a copy of the voltage schedule to its ______________ and ______________ operators within ____________ days of request.
• Where should voltage reduction for load reduction be performed?
• In a scenario where generation is insufficient and voltage is decaying, what must the system operator do?
• Which process ensures that a system remains within operational limits following a disturbance?
• If a radial line delivers 60 MVAR with a total loading of 100 MVA, what is the active power delivered?
• In which operation mode should the generator be maintained unless notified otherwise?
• To demonstrate compliance with Requirement R1, each non-FRSG member BA must achieve an annual FRM that is:
• Which of the following are considered dynamic reactive resources?
• What effect does a lightly loaded 500kV transmission line have?
• Once the TOP has developed a system restoration plan, what should be done with the plan?
• What should a system operator in a known weak area do first if voltage is declining?
• How quickly must each Primary Scheduling Entity with title to an interchange transaction arrange personnel for notification of changes?
• For what purpose shall data received over the Interregional Security Network (ISN) be used?
• After detecting a failure of interpersonal communication capability lasting 30 minutes or more, entities must be notified within what timeframe?
• If a nuclear plant is uprated from 1200 MW to 1300 MW, how much must the spinning reserve portion of a contingency reserve increase to accommodate this?
• If a generator's loading is reduced by 100 MW, what is the new loading for Line A-B and Line C-D if originally Line A-B is at 300 MW and Line C-D at 100 MW with participation factors of 0.4 and 0.2 respectively?
• Which entity is primarily concerned with the oversight of transmission reliability in a region?
• What is the key focus of the DCS requirement for Balancing Authorities?
• What action is typically taken to address an impending energy emergency?
• What type of relaying operates by comparing incoming and outgoing currents within a protected zone?
• What is the most suitable equipment for reactive reserve response to a contingency?
• When managing reactive resources, which bank is used to counteract high voltage conditions?
• Who is responsible for obtaining transmission services for an interchange transaction?
• What is the responsibility of the generator owner regarding tap settings and impedance data?
• What happens if a TOP enters an unknown operating state?
• By what time shall each Generator Operator (GOP) and Transmission Operator (TOP) provide its outage information daily?
• What measurement is used for power flow data between balancing authorities?
• Is the statement about Geo-magnetic disturbances (GMD) and RCs valid?
• Who is responsible for transitioning arranged interchange to confirmed interchange?
• Which of the following best describes 'overexcited' generators?
• Which components are categorized as dynamic reactive resources?
• In a situation where ABC BA cannot meet its native load and regulating requirements, it will request that its RC issue a?
• What does Net Actual Interchange minus Net Scheduled Interchange represent?
• What is the ramp duration given for starting an interchange transaction at 0755?
• By what time must BA ABC act to eliminate an IROL violation discovered at 12:30 on July 1?
• How often should tags relating to interchange transactions be updated?
• The Balancing Authority must keep enough contingency reserve to address which of the following?
• Before disconnecting an affected facility due to overload, NERC reliability standards require what action?
• Which of the following is not classified as a reactive resource?
• Which of the following statements regarding asset categorization is true?
• What should be monitored to ensure efficient operation of electrical systems?
• Before resynchronization of an isolated area to the interconnection, what are three important power system parameters that must be within acceptable limits?
• You are noticing a voltage decline in a weak area of your system. After exhausting reactive resources, what should you do?
• If the voltage at substation A is 235kV and at substation B is 230kV, how does the reactive power (MVARs) flow?
• What factor is NOT typically included in capacity emergency planning?
• When a line is VAR neutral, the loading at which this occurs is known as what?
• How many consecutive clock-minutes can a BA's average Reporting ACE exceed its clock-minute BA ACE limit?
• What is a critical step in the system restoration process?
• If a capacity emergency is anticipated during peak loading, what action should be taken regarding maintenance?
• How quickly must a GOP notify the associated TOP of a status change on the AVR or alternative voltage controlling device?
• If you have 40% of your load intact, an ACE near zero, and frequency increasing from 59.5 Hz, what should you do?
• Which of the following is NOT considered a reactive resource?
• Which condition is the system operator typically trying to prevent during periods of low generation?
• Thermal limits for transmission line power transfers are based on what?
• Can a BES Cyber System be defined as a grouping of critical cyber assets?
• What category includes all the necessary assets a Responsible Entity must implement a process for?
• Which of the following options does not qualify as a contingency reserve?
• What must the transmission owner provide to the generator owner?
• What is the normal and recommended mode of the AGC?
• One of the benefits of periodic blackstart testing is what?
• What should be the prime consideration of a system operator when an operating emergency occurs?
• How often shall each Reliability Coordinator (RC) perform a real-time assessment of IROLs?
• What is the default ramp time for the eastern interconnect?
• What is a common tool used to assess the interchange between balancing authorities?
• Which historical data is best to use for predicting line loading on a hot day?
• Which of the following is vital for maintaining transmission voltage during system restoration?
• What is the primary goal during a capacity emergency according to NERC standards?
• Which of the following is not classified as a controllable demand side management (DSM) program?
• What could be a consequence of running generators under-excited?
• In the case of an inadvertent accumulation of 240 MWh over generation, which scheduling would work if 50% is on peak?
• In terms of system operations, why is it crucial to manage voltage in weak areas?
• How frequently should testing of control center communication capabilities occur?
• What is the time period required for a Balancing Authority to return ACE to zero according to the DCS?
• On a hot summer day with planned generation maintenance, what should you do if there's a forecasted energy emergency during system peak loading?
• How is inadvertent interchange commonly addressed between control areas?
• When a Reliability Coordinator (RC) curtails an interchange transaction for TLR purposes, who must they notify?
• A proper operating protective relay scheme should normally operate for what conditions?
• What is the term for generators supplying VARs to support voltage and operating in that mode?
• What is the significance of the 'Contingency Reserve Restoration Period'?
• After completing a load forecast, generating units should be assigned for which of the following?