PJM took its first step toward requiring cold-weather testing of generators, briefing the Operating Committee last week on a proposed problem statement it hopes will result in improved preparedness next winter.

The RTO says it wants to add operational testing and to reinstate winter-capability testing similar to what was formerly required.

As envisioned by PJM, generators would be required to conduct operational tests in December in which they start their units, synchronize them to the grid and operate at economic minimum or above for at least the minimum run time of the unit. The requirement would apply to generators that operate infrequently and those with dual fuel capability.

The winter capability test, which would measure plant output capacity, could be similar to tests that were eliminated in 2010 due to economic concerns and the addition of regional reliability standards. Since 2010, PJM has accepted summer test data corrected for winter conditions.

PJM’s action was prompted by the 22% forced outage rates during the polar vortex in early January. While 24% of these outages were related to gas interruptions, the bulk of the remaining 75% — approximately 30,000 MW of lost generation — were units that failed to start due to mechanical issues.

Forced outage rates were lower during a late January cold snap, leading to the conclusion that testing units in December before extreme cold typically strikes would help identify potential issues prior to peak winter load conditions. (See Winter Testing May Be on the Horizon.)

“Part of the reason we wanted to bring this up as a problem statement is that we realize we don’t have all the answers,” said Executive Director of System Operations Mike Bryson. He added, “We don’t think we can afford to see [a repeat of] what we saw last winter.”

Some stakeholders had questions about implementing the tests and how broadly they should be applied.

“It’s hard to test these conditions when you’re not in these conditions,” said Brad Weghorst, of PPL. “I’m not sure how much more operational performance you’re going to get under extreme conditions when you’re testing in December.”

One stakeholder representing a utility said he’d like to see demand response resources be included in winter capability testing.

“To exclude a set of resources such as DR that provides a significant portion of PJM capacity is a poor choice,” he said. “[Resource providers] are all getting paid the same, so I’m not sure why they’d get a way out of this and we’d have to pay” for testing.

Bryson said language in the problem statement and forthcoming issue charge could be changed from “Cold Weather Generator Testing” to “Cold Weather Resource Testing” to include DR before stakeholder approval is sought.