A generation utilities experience with generator stability model validation testing

With the advent of open electricity markets in North America, periodic verification of equipment performance is migrating from business-driven needs to regulatory compliance. These same changes are often driving generators to carry out these verifications on equipment at facilities that were not previously identified as being impactive on the system. The benefits provided to the electricity market in general and the generator in particular through periodic equipment performance testing are well known. It would therefore seem appropriate for market operators to facilitate this testing to the greatest extent practicable. As experience is gained with testing in the new open markets, more efficient and achievable means of conducting these tests can be developed through close cooperation and discussion between the market operators and generators.