Status
The Reliability
Functional Model (FM) and Reliability Functional Model
Technical Document (FMTD) were endorsed by the Standards
Committee (SC) at its December 12, 2018 meeting.
Background
In December 2015, the FMAG began a comprehensive review and assessment of the FM and FMTD to determine if it correctly reflects the industry today and whether there was a need to incorporate any new or emerging reliability-related tasks. As a result of the review, the FMAG identified many areas in need of revision. The FMAG is soliciting industry input on the scope of additional changes to the FM and FMTD based on the work the FMAG performed (including responses to comments received during the 2016 comment period) to address changes in reliability-related tasks and to better align the documents with actual industry practice.
Purpose/Industry Need
The Reliability Functional Model (FM) is a guideline that identifies the functions that must be performed to ensure that the Bulk Power System is planned and operated in a reliable manner. The FM describes, in general terms, the functions that must be performed to ensure reliability, the specific tasks that are necessary to perform each function, and the relationships between functional entities that perform the various tasks. In its capacity of a guideline, the FM serves to provide a framework for NERC Reliability Standards as they are developed through the standard development process. The FM is independent of any particular organizational or market structure. The focus of the FM is solely on identification of reliability-related functions and the associated tasks and relationships.
The purpose of the Functional Model Advisory Group (FMAG), as outlined in the FMAG Scope document, is to (1) maintain the FM and FMTD to ensure the model correctly reflects the industry today, and (2) evaluate and incorporate new and emergent reliability-related tasks. The FMAG reports to the Standards Committee (SC), and works with the Planning Committee (PC), Operating Committee (OC), and Critical Infrastructure Protection Committee (CIPC) to obtain consensus regarding any proposed changes to the FM and FMTD. All proposed changes to the FM must be posted for industry comment, obtain consensus agreement from the PC, OC, and CIPC, and, ultimately, approval by the SC.
