Understanding NERC Impact Ratings and Compliance Timing for Generation Control Facilities

Defining a Control CenterThe foundation of understanding impact ratings begins with the NERC glossary definition of a Control Center. For generation operators specifically, this means facilities that function as a Generator Operator (GOP) for generation facilities at two or more locations. Instead, it becomes a Control Center based on its functional role in monitoring and controlling multiple BES generation facilities. An organization could manage 18 non-BES generation facilities and a single BES generation facility without qualifying as a Control Center. Step One involves confirming whether the generation control facility meets the Control Center definition.