Largest utilities agree to SERC

Largest utilities agree to SERC's reliability enforcement plan

Philadelphia, Pa.  (Platts)--29Apr2004


The Southeastern Electric Reliability Council said Thursday that utilities
representing about two-thirds of the generation, transmission and load within
the SERC region have signed a "regional compliance and enforcement program"
that requires participants to face penalties for non-compliance with certain
electric reliability standards adopted by the North American Electric
Reliability Council. SERC Chairman Terry Boston said that he believes that
enforceable reliability standards "are an enhancement to the SERC processes,
and serve to minimize the possibility of system disruptions." He added, "In
light of the Aug 14, 2003, blackout and the various initiatives to further
strengthen reliability, we believe SERC should take on a leadership role in
implementing the RCEP." SERC utilities that have signed the RCEP agreement and
are participating in its immediate implementation include the largest in the
13-state SERC region: Duke Power, Entergy, Southern Company, the Tennessee
Valley Authority, and Dominion.