Press Release RM16-6

February 15, 2018
News Media Contact
Craig Cano | 202-502-8680
Docket No. RM16-6
Item No. E-2

FERC Revises Requirements for Provision of Primary Frequency Response
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today revised its regulations for the provision of primary frequency
response, an essential service in ensuring the reliability and resilience of the North American Bulk Power-System.
Reliable operation of the grid requires maintaining system frequency within predetermined boundaries above and
below 60 Hertz. Primary frequency response involves the rapid, automatic and autonomous actions of generating
facilities to arrest and stabilize frequency deviations, and allows the interconnected grid to maintain frequency within
acceptable boundaries following the sudden loss of generation or load.
Today’s action is intended to address the increasing impact of the evolving generation resource mix. The final rule
amends the Commission’s pro forma Large Generator and Small Generator Interconnection Agreements to require that
all new generating facilities install, maintain and operate a functioning governor or equivalent controls as a
precondition of interconnection.
Today’s final rule also amends the pro forma agreements to include certain operating requirements including maximum
droop and deadband parameters, and sustained response provisions.
The final rule takes effect 70 days after publication in the Federal Register.
R-18-11

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