Ozone Forecast Restrictions
for Emergency Engines
Section 22a-174-22e(a)(13) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA) provides the definition of "emergency engine":
"Emergency engine" means a stationary reciprocating engine or a combustion turbine that is used as a means of providing mechanical or electrical power only during the following periods:
(A) Emergencies;
(B) Testing;
(C) Scheduled maintenance;
(D) When the facility owner or operator interrupts power to the facility to perform construction, maintenance or repair of the power distribution system for the facility or portion of the facility; or
(E) When the electricity supplier makes a scheduled interruption of power to the facility so that the electricity supplier may perform construction, maintenance or repair of the primary power distribution system for the facility.
With the exception of a reciprocating engine or combustion turbine operated pursuant to subparagraph (E) of subdivision (12) of subsection (a) of this section, "emergency engine" does not include a reciprocating engine or combustion turbine for which the owner or operator is a party to any other agreement to sell electrical power from such reciprocating engine or combustion turbine to an electricity supplier, or otherwise receives any reduction in the cost of electrical power for agreeing to produce power during periods of reduced voltage or reduced power availability.
Section 22a-174-22e(a)(12) of the RCSA provides the definition of "emergency":
"Emergency" means an unforeseeable condition that is beyond the control of the owner or operator of an emergency engine and that:
(A) Results in an interruption of electrical power from the electricity supplier to the premises;
(B) Results in a deviation of voltage from the electricity supplier to the premises of three percent (3%) above or five percent (5%) below standard voltage in accordance with section 16-11-115 of the RCSA;
(C) Requires an interruption of electrical power from the electricity supplier to the premises enabling the owner or operator to perform emergency repairs;
(D) Requires operation of the emergency engine to minimize damage from fire, flood, or any other catastrophic event, natural or man-made; or
(E) Requires operation of the emergency engine under an agreement with the New England region system operator during the period of time the New England region system operator is implementing voltage reductions or involuntary load interruptions within the Connecticut load zone in accordance with Action 6 of the ISO New England Operating Procedure No. 4 - Action During a Capacity Deficiency, effective June 24, 2015, or subsequent revisions thereto.
Section 22a-174-22e(d)(14) and -22f(d)(2) specify the restrictions placed on emergency engines:
The owner or operator of an emergency engine shall not operate the emergency engine for routine, scheduled testing or maintenance on any day for which the commissioner has forecast that ozone levels will be "moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups" or greater. If, subsequent to the initial forecast of "moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups" or greater, the forecast is revised to "moderate" or lower, the owner or operator is no longer prohibited from operating the engine for routine, scheduled testing or maintenance for the remainder of that day. An owner or operator of an emergency engine may rely on an ozone forecast of "moderate" or lower obtained after 3 p.m. on the preceding day. Subsequent changes to the ozone forecast after 3 p.m. that forecast ozone levels of "moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups" or greater shall not obligate the owner or operator to refrain from operation of the emergency engine at the facility on the following day. The commissioner may exempt, by permit or order, the owner or operator of an emergency engine from this subdivision if such emergency engine is unattended and the testing is automated and cannot be modified from a remote location.
The full versions of RCSA sections 22a-174-22e and 22a-174-22f can be accessed at the following links: RCSA sections 22a-174-22e and 22a-174-22f
Content Last Updated on May 1, 2018