Facility condition methodology
The facility condition criteria to be utilized by ATC for system planning purposes will include:
- Any transmission line on structures that are beyond their design life, any transmission line that has exhibited below-average availability or any transmission line that has required above-average maintenance will be considered a candidate for replacement. In assessing potential line replacements, consideration will be given to other needs in the area of the candidate line to determine whether rebuilding the line to a higher voltage would fit into the “umbrella” plan for that planning zone (see Planning Zones below). ATC engineering, operations, maintenance and environmental employees work together to coordinate such assessments.
- Any substation bus that is beyond its design life, has exhibited below-average availability, or has required above-average maintenance will be considered a candidate for rebuilding and potential redesign. In assessing potential bus rebuilds, consideration will be given to likely and potential expansion at candidate substations, including consideration of the “umbrella” plan for the planning zone. ATC engineering, operations, maintenance and environmental employees work together to coordinate such assessments.
- Any substation whose design or configuration prevents maintenance in a safe manner on substation equipment or lines terminating at the substation will be considered a candidate for rebuilding and/or potential redesign/reconfiguration. In assessing such rebuilds/redesigns/reconfigurations, consideration will be given to likely and potential expansion at candidate substations, including consideration of the “umbrella” plan for the planning zone. ATC engineering, operations, maintenance and environmental employees work together to coordinate such assessments.
- Any underground cable that is beyond its design life, has exhibited below-average availability, or has required above-average maintenance will be considered a candidate for replacement. In assessing potential cable replacements, consideration will be given to other needs in the area of the candidate cable to determine whether replacing the cable with a cable with a higher ampacity or with a cable capable of a higher voltage would fit into the “umbrella” plan for that planning zone. ATC engineering, operations, maintenance and environmental employees work together to coordinate such assessments.