1999 AGN JAN 19 I24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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a F] U Year 2000 Issues for the Electric Utility Industry TAVA/P, W. Beck, LLC March 1998 "Never before. have we had so little time in which to do so much." -- FDR, Fireside Chat at the beginning of WWII The year 2000 (defined as Y2k) problem has received significant industry coverage, but why should a plant or system operations manager care? The answer is that most electrical systems in a power plant, transmission system or distribution system rely on time for measuring, recording, calculating and conveying information. The clocks that supply this time are embedded in computer code, devices that interconnect systems, and micro -chips buried within the systems that control operations. If these clocks are not synchronized, they have the potential to disrupt the flow of information. INTRODUCTION Although most utilities are aware of the Y2k challenge, few have considered the problem in detail as process control and embedded systems issues. Some information technology (rr)-based projects already underway address Y2k affected operations through loosely integrated, separate solutions implemented by various manufacturers and vendors. These approaches, however, fail to consider the interactivity of utility operations and the different technologies, operating systems/platforms, linkages, and standards that can lead to unforeseen events. This paper is provided to introduce the spectrum of issues, the urgency of the problem, and some information on how the problems can be addressed. Through the five sections following the Introduction, we outline the issues and answers to the year 2000 challenge facing your utility: ■ Operations and the Year 2000 illustrates how operating challenges differ from corporate challenges; ■ Operating_ Systems defines the processes which are at risk; ■ Solving Y2k Problems explains TAVA/R.. W. Beck, LLC's proven approach to mitigating year 2000 risks for our clients; and ■ Time is of the Essence and A Call to Action urge you to consider immediate solutions to your utility's Y2k challenge. Provided as an appendix to this paper is a sample tabulation of software, controllers, processors and clock modules known to be Y2k non-compliant. Please look through this material and consider whether your operations are at risk. Copyright 1998. TAVA/R. W. BeckLLc j All rights reserved. (TAVA R.W BECK