Reliability Model for North America

Across North America, electricity transmission regulations are strongly interrelated. In the U.S., the Energy Policy Act sets out mandatory reliability standards and financial penalties in case of their violation. Legislators in Québec have given similar powers to the Régie de l'énergie.

In 2006, Québec's transmission system was recognized by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) as a full interconnection because it is asynchronous with neighboring systems. Québec will consequently be able to develop its own reliability standards, as needed, and these will apply in addition to the relevant North American standards. Through the Régie de l'énergie, it will also be able to ensure that all users of the Québec power system fully abide by the standards in effect in the province.

There are currently four Interconnections in North America:

• The Eastern Interconnection
• The Western Interconnection
• The ERCOT Interconnection
• The Québec Interconnection

NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation)

NERC is a nonprofit organization created in 1968 following the Northeast Blackout of November 9, 1965. It comprises eight regional reliability councils (RRCs) covering the United States and Canada.

Mandate:

• Ensure the reliability and security of the bulk power system in North America

Role :

• Develop reliability standards for secure operation of power systems
• Assess compliance and enforce standards

NERC Reliability Functional Model in the Québec Context

The model developed by NERC [PDF] to specify the various functions needed to plan and operate the power system reliably, which is applicable in Québec.

NPCC (Northeast Power Coordinating Council, Inc.)

The NPCC is one of NERC's eight RRCs that Hydro-Québec TransÉnergie is a part of. It comprises North America's northeastern power grids. It was the first RRC and was created in 1966 following the Northeast Blackout of November 9, 1965.

Mandate:

• Promote reliability of service in the bulk power system in northeastern North America

Role:

• Develop regional reliability standards for northeastern North America
• Establish regionally specific criteria for northeastern North America
• Assess compliance and enforce standards and criteria