The a+ advanTage: ace 2026/2027
neRc ceRTificaTion examinaTion
wiTh This sTudy guide
compRehensive q & a
◉If ACE is Zero but system Hz is off, what should a system operator
do? Answer: Nothing! ACE bias and interchange schedule will
improve frequency
◉If ACE is Zero, why not adjust generation to help frequency?
Answer: Could overload equipment, this is a NERC violation
◉When restoring from blackout condition, what should be done
with load? Answer: All load breakers should be opened, load should
be restored in a controlled manner not to exceed 5% of current
available gen
◉What's the point of COM-001? Answer: Each TO, BA, RC and
NERCNet Use Orgs need to have good comms
◉Where do they need to have comms? Answer: Internal, Between
RC, TO and BA, Other RC, TO, BA and authorities
,◉
◉Where applicable comms should be ______ and _______ routed.
Answer: Redundant and Diversely routed, just in case something
fails
How do we know comms will be good? Answer: They will manage,
alarm, test and/or actively monitor, especially emergency comm
facilities and equipment (non-routine equipment)
◉When can languages other than English be used? Answer: Only for
internal operation, Operation of the BES requires comms in English
◉What is required so operation during a loss of comms will be
ensured? Answer: Written operating instructions and procedures
◉What is the point of COM-002? Answer: Ensure BA, TO, GO, and RC
have comms and capability to use them for addressing emergency
and that operators are trained to use them
◉Who should a BA or TO notify if they are aware of any condition
that could threaten area reliability or when shedding load? Answer:
Notify their RC and any other potentially affected BA or TO
◉How should directives be issued by an RC, TO or BA? Answer: In a
clear, concise and definitive manner, using 3 part(way)
communications
,◉
◉Who is required to create a blackstart restoration plan? Who
approves it? Answer: Transmission Operators; Its RC
When is the blackstart condition finished? Answer: When the
choice of the next load to be restored is not driven by frequency and
voltage control
◉Who directs the procedure for restoring interconnection between
Tos? Answer: RC
◉What must be done prior to implementing changes in a restoration
plan? Answer: The parties invloved must be told of changes to their
role and specific tasks prior to implementation.
◉How often must the plan be confirmed given no changes were
made? Answer: TO annually review the plan and report to RC
◉After a system modification is made, how long does the TO have to
update restoration plans? Answer: 90 days
◉Where is a copy of the restoration plan required to be kept?
Answer: Main and backup control rooms
, ◉
◉What must be done on the restoration plan every five years?
Answer: Analyze the plan through actual events, steady state and
dynamic simulations or testing that the plan can work as intended.
How often must a Blackstart Resource verify it can meet real and
reactive power requirements of its cranking path and intial load?
Answer: Every 5 years
◉How often must the location of loads required to control voltage
and Hz in a blackstart be verified within operating limits? Answer:
Every 5 years
◉How often is the capability of generating resources required to
control voltage and Hz in a blackstart condition verified? Answer:
Every 5 years
◉What should a TO use if the restoration plan cannot be executed?
Answer: Use its restoration strategies
◉Under what conditions can a TO resynchronize with its
neighboring TO? Answer: Only with RC approval or with the
established procedures of the RC
◉What is the point of Blackstart Resource testing? Answer: To
ensure the resource is capable of me4eting the requirements of the
restoration plan
neRc ceRTificaTion examinaTion
wiTh This sTudy guide
compRehensive q & a
◉If ACE is Zero but system Hz is off, what should a system operator
do? Answer: Nothing! ACE bias and interchange schedule will
improve frequency
◉If ACE is Zero, why not adjust generation to help frequency?
Answer: Could overload equipment, this is a NERC violation
◉When restoring from blackout condition, what should be done
with load? Answer: All load breakers should be opened, load should
be restored in a controlled manner not to exceed 5% of current
available gen
◉What's the point of COM-001? Answer: Each TO, BA, RC and
NERCNet Use Orgs need to have good comms
◉Where do they need to have comms? Answer: Internal, Between
RC, TO and BA, Other RC, TO, BA and authorities
,◉
◉Where applicable comms should be ______ and _______ routed.
Answer: Redundant and Diversely routed, just in case something
fails
How do we know comms will be good? Answer: They will manage,
alarm, test and/or actively monitor, especially emergency comm
facilities and equipment (non-routine equipment)
◉When can languages other than English be used? Answer: Only for
internal operation, Operation of the BES requires comms in English
◉What is required so operation during a loss of comms will be
ensured? Answer: Written operating instructions and procedures
◉What is the point of COM-002? Answer: Ensure BA, TO, GO, and RC
have comms and capability to use them for addressing emergency
and that operators are trained to use them
◉Who should a BA or TO notify if they are aware of any condition
that could threaten area reliability or when shedding load? Answer:
Notify their RC and any other potentially affected BA or TO
◉How should directives be issued by an RC, TO or BA? Answer: In a
clear, concise and definitive manner, using 3 part(way)
communications
,◉
◉Who is required to create a blackstart restoration plan? Who
approves it? Answer: Transmission Operators; Its RC
When is the blackstart condition finished? Answer: When the
choice of the next load to be restored is not driven by frequency and
voltage control
◉Who directs the procedure for restoring interconnection between
Tos? Answer: RC
◉What must be done prior to implementing changes in a restoration
plan? Answer: The parties invloved must be told of changes to their
role and specific tasks prior to implementation.
◉How often must the plan be confirmed given no changes were
made? Answer: TO annually review the plan and report to RC
◉After a system modification is made, how long does the TO have to
update restoration plans? Answer: 90 days
◉Where is a copy of the restoration plan required to be kept?
Answer: Main and backup control rooms
, ◉
◉What must be done on the restoration plan every five years?
Answer: Analyze the plan through actual events, steady state and
dynamic simulations or testing that the plan can work as intended.
How often must a Blackstart Resource verify it can meet real and
reactive power requirements of its cranking path and intial load?
Answer: Every 5 years
◉How often must the location of loads required to control voltage
and Hz in a blackstart be verified within operating limits? Answer:
Every 5 years
◉How often is the capability of generating resources required to
control voltage and Hz in a blackstart condition verified? Answer:
Every 5 years
◉What should a TO use if the restoration plan cannot be executed?
Answer: Use its restoration strategies
◉Under what conditions can a TO resynchronize with its
neighboring TO? Answer: Only with RC approval or with the
established procedures of the RC
◉What is the point of Blackstart Resource testing? Answer: To
ensure the resource is capable of me4eting the requirements of the
restoration plan
