Version 1.2

The Planned Outage Co-ordination Process Database

Overview

The POCP Database allows Asset Owners to upload and access data on planned outages of their and other participants' assets.

Uploaded data is used by the System Operator to assess any potential issues between planned outages, as communicated by all Asset Owners, and the System Operator's obligations under its Principle Performance Objectives. Where such issues exist, the System Operator will highlight this within the POCP Database, so Asset Owners are aware of any potential problems, and can then make more informed decisions in relation to assets in which they have an interest.

Asset Owners may download data from the POCP Database to obtain a better understanding of other Asset Owners' planned outages that may affect them. All Asset Owners are encouraged to use the database frequently and be aware of any changes that may require their action or consideration, as well as ensuring their own data remains complete and up to date.

The database can be accessed on http://pocp.redspider.co.nz/. Note that access to the database is restricted for viewing and retrieving planned outage data, to industry participants. However, interested parties can self register to view outage data.

What is an "outage"?
An outage is defined as any asset which is not capable of the generation, conveyance or consumption of electricity. Asset Owners are encouraged to upload the POCP Database with information about all planned outages.
Who is an "Asset Owner"?
An Asset Owner is defined as any person who owns and/or manages equipment connected to the electricity grid system. It includes by definition of "equipment" all lines companies, distribution networks and generators.
Is the POCP a mandatory requirement?
No. The POCP is a voluntary process. However, Asset Owners are reminded that the POCP does not override any obligations that may be imposed under the Rules.

Accessing data on the POCP database

The POCP database can be accessed at http://pocp.redspider.co.nz/.

Any registered user can browse or search the database upon acceptance of the legal Disclaimer that precedes access to it.

Search Function

The detailed search function allows database searching by:

Additionally, information may be viewed in three formats including Excel spreadsheet.

Results from each search are provided in the remainder of the search screen, and may consist of many separate pages. Results can be ordered by start time, outage ID, owner or date of last change.

Within the regular search results, each line represents a planned outage event. A detailed view of the entry can be obtained by selecting the outage plant identification code at the left of the screen. For users with JavaScript enabled, any part of this line may also be selected.

Much more detail on using the online database can be found in Appendix D - Help text.

Downloading

Within the "view" option, Excel view may be selected. This opens a new Microsoft Excel spreadsheet document containing the result data, ready for saving or manipulating as required.

Where can a complete description of each field be obtained?
A complete description of all fields used in the POCP database can be found in Appendix D - Help text.
Is there an on-line help facility available?
Yes, there is an on-line help option which is reproduced in Appendix D - Help text.
Is a password required to search the database?
Yes, access to the database cab be obtained through the self registration process.

Uploading data to the POCP database

Asset Owners should make reasonable efforts to ensure planned outage data uploaded is accurate and up to date.

The system provides for two means of uploading:

The preferred format for uploading data is XML. This is because:

An XML testing platform is available at: http://pocp.redspider.co.nz/xml_test.php. Users are encouraged to test using this platform to ensure their data is tagged correctly before actual uploading.

For further information on XML fields and a format example, refer to Appendix C.1.

Because not every user will be familiar with XML, CSV is also available. CSV is a common format for importing/exporting from/to most database software including Excel and Openoffice. The field descriptions and their order are shown in Appendix C.2.

Once uploaded, the System Operator uses this data to assess any potential failure it might incur in meeting its Principle Performance Objectives (PPO). Where a planned outage does have a potential impact on the ability of the System Operator to meet its PPO, then the relevant planned outage is highlighted, and additional information provided, within the database.

When should planned outage data be uploaded?
Ideally, outage information should be uploaded up to 12 months before the date it is planned to occur. This provides the System Operator and other Asset Owners with sufficient time to appreciate the extent of the outage, and plan accordingly. Recognising that 12 months notice is often not possible, outage information may be provided as soon as practical.
Can data be amended following its upload?
Any information uploaded may be subsequently changed at any time by the Asset Owner until its end date has passed by a certain period (currently 7 days).
Does the POCP apply to all planned outages?
Yes. However Asset Owners have the choice to upload either all planned outage data, or specific outage data at their discretion.
Is a password needed to access this part of the site?
Yes, this part of the site cannot be accessed without a username and password.
What is a "potential EGR issue"?
Under the PPO, the System Operator is tasked with co-ordinating New Zealand's power system in terms of meeting its security, frequency and voltage objectives. Asset Owners are also obliged under the Rules to assist the System Operator in meeting those objectives. A potential EGR issue exists where a planned outage may impact adversely on the System Operator's ability to meet the PPO.