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Introduction
GVEA's Response to APUC Order R-98-2
Other Matters
Corporate Computing
Corporate & Operational Communications
SCADA Operations and Security
Pipeline Operations
Fairbanks Area Generation Plants
Healy Generation Plant
Transmission and Distribution Facilities
Building Facilites and Fire Protection
Via Facsimile and Overnight Mail
Alaska Public Utilities Commission
Attention: Records and Filing
1016 West Sixth Avenue, Suite 400
Anchorage, AK 99501
Re: Golden Valley Electric Association, Inc. - APUC Certificate # 13
Response to R-98-2 (1); Commission Investigation Into Readiness of
Public Utilities and Pipeline Carriers To Provide Service in the New Millennium
Dear Commission:
Golden Valley Electric Association, Inc., submits the following response to the Commission's Order in Docket R-98-2 regarding the status of Year 2000 compliance efforts of public utilities and pipeline carriers.
I. INTRODUCTION
GVEA is an electrical cooperative association that provides electric service to its members in Alaska's Northern interior. GVEA currently serves over 30,000 meter locations, operates and maintains over 2,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines, and is interconnected to the Railbelt utility grid. As the enclosed information will demonstrate, GVEA is involved in significant efforts to insure its electric system and members experience a smooth transition into the new millennium. Based on information available at this time, GVEA believes it's equipment and systems may be at risk of diminished functuality or failure due to Year 2000 issues. Such diminuation of functuality and/or system failures could precipitate a wide range of problems ranging from minor inconveniences to outages. In order to minimize the risk of Year 2000 issues, GVEA is preparing a comprehensive planning document, GVEA's Year 2000 Planning Document (Plan).
GVEA has a target date of the 3rd Quarter of 1998 for all critical systems to be in the final phase of testing. By the end of the 2nd quarter of 1999, all equipment and systems should be returned to service and Year 2000 compliant. At this time, GVEA does not anticipate any Year 2000-related problems in providing service to its members before and beyond January 1, 2000. It is our goal to make the switch-over transparent to our customers.
GVEA is finalizing its Plan to assist employees in managing the issues involved in the assessment, revision and testing of all of GVEA's critical systems. The Plan will be forwarded to the attention of the Commission when available.
II. GVEA'S RESPONSE TO APUC ORDER R-98-2 (1)
The following is GVEA's response to the specific inquiries that were included in the Commission's June 16, 1998, Order in R-98-2.
1. Provide the following information about your Year 2000 Project Leader(s).
GVEA's Year 2000 Project Leaders are:
| Brad Evans Telephone: 907/451-5655 E-mail: bwevans@gvea.com Fax: 907/451-0556 |
Jeff Yauney Telephone: 907/458-5778 E-mail: jpyauney@gvea.com Fax: 907/451-5650 |
2. Do you have a Year 2000 planning document?
Yes. As noted earlier, GVEA is in the process of finalizing its Plan. GVEA management intends to distribute the Plan among its employees as an additional tool for identifying any and all systems that may be affected by Year 2000 issues. By having all employees informed of the Year 2000 issues (through distribution of the Plan, newsletters and normal internal communications), GVEA expects to have a full awareness of all systems that may be at risk. It is expected that this information exchange will encourage employees involved with systems that may have been overlooked in the Plan to bring those areas to the attention of management.
If yes,please include a copy with this response.
The Plan will be forwarded to the attention of the Commission when available.
Where are you in this planning cycle?
GVEA has identified eight areas of Year 2000 responsibility internal to its organization.
1) Corporate Computing
2) Corporate and Operational Communications
3) SCADA Operations and Security
4) Pipeline Operations
5) Fairbanks Area Generation Plants
6) Healy Generation Plant
7) Transmission and Distribution Facilities
8) Building Facilities and Fire Protection
The Project Team Members, individuals responsible for each of these areas, are listed below along with a summary of the planning cycle status of each area.
1) Corporate Computing
| Project Team Member Name: Jeff Yauney Phone: (907)458-5778 e-mail: jpyauney@gvea.com Fax: (907)451-5650 |
Planning Status * Launch * Inventory * Assessment * Repair * Testing * Finished |
Completed. Completed. In progress, with some systems completed. In progress, with some systems completed. In progress, with some systems completed. In progress, with some systems completed. |
2) Corporate and Operational Communications
| Project Team Member Name: Jeff Yauney Phone: (907)458-5778 e-mail: jpyauney@gvea.com Fax: (907)451-5650 |
Planning Status * Launch * Inventory * Assessment * Repair * Testing * Finished |
Completed. Completed. In progress, with some systems completed. In progress, with some systems completed. In progress, with some systems completed. In progress, with some systems completed. |
3) SCADA Operations and Security
| Project Team Member Name: Fred LeBeau Phone: (907)451-5640 e-mail: falebeau@gvea.com Fax: (907)451-0556 |
Planning Status * Launch * Inventory * Assessment * Repair * Testing * Finished |
Completed. Completed. Completed. In progress. In progress. Pending. |
4) Pipeline Operations
| Project Team Member Name: Alex Gajdos Phone: (907)451-5654 e-mail: asgajdos@gvea.com Fax: (907)451-5682 |
Planning Status * Launch * Inventory * Assessment * Repair * Testing * Finished |
Completed. Completed. Completed. In progress waiting on final from vendor. Pending. Pending. |
5) Fairbanks Area Generation Plants
| Project Team Member Name: Alex Gajdos Phone: (907)451-5654 e-mail: asgajdos@gvea.com Fax: (907)451-5682 |
Planning Status * Launch * Inventory * Assessment * Repair * Testing * Finished |
Completed. Completed. Completed. In progress waiting on final from vendor. Pending. Pending. |
6) Healy Generation Plant
| Project Team Member Name: Frank Abegg Phone: (907)451-5659 e-mail: fabegg@gvea.com Fax: (907)451-5682 |
Planning Status * Launch * Inventory * Assessment * Repair * Testing * Finished |
Begun. In progress. Pending. Pending. Pending. Pending. |
7) Transmission and Distribution Facilities
| Project Team Member Name: Tim Devries Phone: (907)451-5669 e-mail: trdevries@gvea.com Fax: (907)451-5638 |
Planning Status * Launch * Inventory * Assessment * Repair * Testing * Finished |
Completed. Completed. Partially complete, waiting on vender response. Pending assessment. Pending. Pending. |
8) Building Facilities and Fire Protection
| Project Team Member Name: Tom Hartnell Phone: (907)451-5663 e-mail: tkhartnell@gvea.com Fax: (907)451-5681 Name: Dave Gardner Phone: (907)451-5635 e-mail: dgardner@gvea.com Fax (907)451-5619 |
Planning Status * Launch * Inventory * Assessment * Repair * Testing * Finished |
Completed. Completed. Completed. Completed. Completed. Completed. |
Project Team Members are responsible for taking five basic steps for their areas of responsibility.
STEP 1: Conduct a physical inventory to identify equipment and systems using date-related hardware or software.
Project team members are responsible for compiling an inventory list of all software, hardware, embedded systems or overall systems that are subject to Year 2000 risks in their area of responsibility. Corporate systems provided company wide will be addressed by area of responsibility (not where the device or system physically may reside).
The entire project team will compile a unique company wide list of equipment and systems at risk as a result as a result of Year 2000 issues. This list will be widely distributed within GVEA. Feedback will be encouraged.
STEP 2: Assess software, hardware and systems for Year 2000 compliance.
Each project team member will assess their area of responsibility and determine if equipment and or systems are Year 2000 compliant. Correspondence from vendors certifying compliance is required to complete assessment when such information is available and can be obtained. Each system or piece of equipment will be classified in one of the following five categories:
Class 1 Critical to system operations; may result in electrical outages, interruption of pipeline operations, loss of fuel delivery, fire hazard or safety, loss of security, loss of communications, loss of essential corporate network functions utilized in operations and loss of essential building controls.
Class 2 Critical to administrative functions but will not cause interruptions to electrical service or create a safety problem.
Class 3 Critical to system operations but manual override of automatic systems defeats the Year 2000 issues.
Class 4 May cause equipment or system to stop operating but equipment or system is not critical.
Class 5 May cause equipment or system to merely report the wrong date but functionality is not effected.
In the interest of reliability and preservation of resources, these classifications will be utilized to prioritize Project Team Members work plans. Classes 1, 2 and 3 will receive the most attention and resources. All equipment and systems are subject to being reclassified if their output effects downstream functionality of a critical piece of equipment or system.
STEP 3: Modify/replace non-compliant equipment or systems.
Each Project Team Member will be responsible for coordinating conversion or replacement of non-compliant equipment and/or systems. For each system, plans will be submitted to the entire project team outlining the actions to be taken. The Project Team Leaders will monitor progress and assist where needed. Monthly department reports will include progress made in each area of responsibility. The Project Team Leaders will be responsible for reporting the progress of the entire group. A progress report and reference document will be maintained by each Project Team Member and submitted to the Project Team Leaders on a quarterly basis.
STEP 4: Test equipment/systems affected by Step 3.
All equipment and systems that are time sensitive and subject to Year 2000 issues, will be tested. All systems will be tested from "end to end" to satisfactorily pass the intent of Step 5). All testing will consider the effects of any software or system, which may be effected before the actual date of January 1, 2000. Systems and or software may have look forward subroutines, which can effect functionality before reaching the end of the year. Tests are intended to be complete and must be performed.
Testing plans will be submitted to the project team and review for compliance. Factory or vendor tests must be documented and submitted with a testing plan if testing takes place off site.
STEP 5: Placing modified/replaced systems and hardware into service.
Modified, upgraded or replaced equipment and systems must be continually monitored for performance. This step will be the final review of successful migration to the year 2000 before the event actually occurs.
3. What actions remain to be taken by your company in order for your software to be fully Year-2000 compliant?
The general progress GVEA has made to date varies by area. GVEA has made the greatest progress in the areas of: Corporate Computing, Pipeline Operations, SCADA Operations and Security, Fairbanks Area Generation Plants and Building Facilities and Fire Protection. The review of the Building Facilities and Fire Protection area is complete. The SCADA Operations and Security and Corporate Computing areas are in testing. Numerous other systems are awaiting vendor modifications and/or upgrades to make the systems Year 2000 compliant. Work on some systems is on hold pending vendor verification of Year 2000 compliance.
GVEA's response to the specific inquiries are included in the attached compilations made by the Project Team Leaders responsible for the identified area.
4.What actions remain to be taken for your computer hardware to be fully Year-2000 compliant?
See attached.
5. What actions remain to be taken for your utility or pipeline facilities to be fully Year-2000 compliant?
See attached.
6. What actions remain to be taken in order for your infrastructure to be fully Year-2000 compliant?
See attached.
7. What actions have you taken to identify and test embedded chips within your infrastructure?
See attached.
8. What specific Year-2000 problems have you found and in what way could they affect the services you provide?
See attached.
9. Summarize the resources you anticipate will be necessary for your company to remedy your Year-2000 issues.
See attached.
10. What facilities and equipment have vendors certified as Year-2000 compliant?
See attached.
11. Provide any comments or advice what may be helpful in addressing this issue.
See attached.
12. Are new purchases required in order for your company to be Year-2000 compliant?
See attached.
13. Are you working with any trade organization for Year-2000 compliance assistance? If yes, please identify.
See attached.
14. What entities outside your organization are you dependent on, and what actions are you taking to ensure that the services provided by the external system are not affected by the Year-2000 issue?
See attached.
III. OTHER MATTERS
External systems and services important to GVEA operations will be investigated on a parallel path to our own internal program. We have identified the external systems/services critical to our electric system operations to be: the North Pole Refinery, Alyeska Pipeline operations, North Slope fuel production, State of Alaska micro-wave communications, leased communications services of any form, Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project (and related transmission facilit1ies), other electric utility operations and Cook Inlet gas production and delivery. GVEA intends to address Railbelt inter-utility issues through the Alaska Intertie Operating Committee. Other non-electric utility systems/services will be addressed on a case-by-case basis with the relevant governing body or service provider.
A final measure for external systems and service review will be for GVEA to determine whether the Plan should consider the interruption of any external services critical to GVEA's operations. The necessity of including such a review in the Plan would increase if critical external systems are believed not to be Year 2000 compliant or the risk of failure is too great to have compliance left to chance.
Unfortunately, the Plan is not expected to address consumer systems that may fail for Year 2000 issues. GVEA would like to extend our services and help individual consumers, however our own systems are most critical and this problem has stretched our resources to their utmost limits.
Respectfully submitted this 16th day of July, 1998.
___________________________________________________
Ronald L. Saxton
Kirk H. Gibson
ATER WYNNE LLP
222 SW Columbia, Suite 1800
Portland, Oregon 97201-6618
phone: 503/226-1191
503/226-0079
Attorneys for Golden Valley Electric Association, Inc.
Section 1: Corporate Computing
Team Leader
Jeff Yauney
phone: (907) 458-5778
e-mail: jpyauney@gvea.com
fax: (907) 451-5650
Introduction
This section outlines the time-line and tasks necessary to assure Y2000 compliance for all administrative systems, programs, application/file servers, desktop applications within Golden Valley?s Corporate Computing Environment. All computers, operating systems and software applications will be certified by June 1999. Certification will be achieved using one or more of the following methods:
Obtain certification from suppliers for compliant products
Perform remedial action on systems with known non-compliance
Perform extensive testing using actual data/time rollover on modified systems
Item 2: Year 2000 planning cycle status for Corporate Computing
|
*Launch *Inventory *Assessment *Repair *Testing *Finished |
Completed. Completed. Completed. In progress, with some systems already completed. In progress, with some systems already completed. In progress, with some systems already completed. |
Item 3: Actions remaining for corporate software to be Y2000 compliant.
Administrative Systems and Programs
With the installation of any new system there is the possibility of unforeseen problems that can directly affect the projected installation time-line. With this in mind, Golden Valley completed a formal review of the existing administrative systems and associated hardware platforms for Y2000 compliance.
The remaining systems and programs that need to be fixed are handled by running a "Pivot Test," which consists of a small sub-routine within each program. The pivot test checks the two digit date (year), if it is between 00 and 50 it will be assigned the 2000 prefix 20XX, if it is between 51 and 99 it will be assigned the 1900 prefix 19XX. We have already thoroughly tested the Pivot Test Routine,it isn't very elegant but it is quick and it will work.
The final time estimate to correct all of the existing systems is 12 weeks for 3 programmers. This is "worst case" leaving ample time for testing. Since we expect to be on the new Orcom system by the summer of 1999, we will not allocate any additional programmer time to Y2000 program updates on the remaining systems unless the Orcom installation timeline slips significantly.
http://www.microsoft.com/Year2000/
Windows NT Server 4.0
- Does not recognize 2000 as a leap year.
- Control Panel/Time Applet date may jump ahead an extra day. System date stays correct, displayed date is wrong.
- Custom Date properties in Office files are assumed to be 1900, if a two digit date is used.
- Using Find to locate a file created after 1999 will place give you a non-numeric date field.
- The following will fix the problems (all must be installed):
2. Microsoft Site Server Express 3.0 (Beta)
3. Windows NT Y2000 QFE Fixes.
SQL Server 6.5
- EXPIREDATE function does not properly handle dates greater then or equal to 2000. Possible overwrites of backup media may occur.
- Does not recognize 2000 as a leap year.
- Task Manager user interface also does not recognize 2000 as a leap year.
- Service pack 5 will address these problems.
SMS 1.2
- When clock rolls over to 2000, it resets to 1980.
- Year 2000 not recognized as a leap year.
- Service pack 3 fixes these problems.
Windows NT Workstation
- Same as Server, including fixes minus the Microsoft Site Server.
Access 2.0
- May misrepresent two digit dates as 1900?s instead of 2000.
Access 97
- May misrepresent two digit dates. 1/1/00 ? 12/31/29 as year 2000-2029 and 1/1/30 ? 12/31/99 as 1930-1999.
Excel 97
- Two digit dates may be misrepresented.
- Misrepresentation may cause miscalculations if dates are linked with other functions.
PowerPoint 97
- Saving to non-native (including PP4.0) may cause loss or incorrect entry of century data for Insert Date and Time functionality.
- A patch exists to fix this: PP7TRANS.DLL
Word 97
- Assumes any two digit date falls between 1930 and 2029.
Windows 95
- Windows file manager does not display dates beyond 2000.
- Command.com returns "Invalid Date" for any date from 00-79.
Visual Basic
- Y2000 Compliant up to 2030.
IE4.0
- Two digit dates may be misrepresented. This could cause improper cookie expiration dates, improper caching of web pages, and if "Web Wallet" is installed, not allow credit card expiration dates past 2000, or editing of balances.
Autocad/Softdesk
- Y2000 Compliant.
McAfee Antivirus
- Y2000 compliant.
Meeting Maker
- Y2000 Compliant up to 12/31/2039.
Netscape
- Y2000 compliant.
Norton Utilities
- Y2000 compliant.
Item 4: Actions remaining for corporate hardware to be Y2000 compliant.
IBM AS/400 & Digital VAX Computer Systems
The existing production (VAX 4000-600) and development (Micro VAX 3100-90) computer systems, and all of the on-line peripherals from Digital Equipment Corporation, are Y2000 compliant. Both machines are currently running version 6.2 of the VMS operating system, which again, is Y2000 compliant.
In support of the common desktop, Dell PowerEdge 6100, Dell PowerEdge 4200 and Digital Alpha XL300 servers were selected. The PowerEdge 6100 and 4200 servers are Y2000 compliant (using Bios versions A05 and A01 respectively). Digital?s Alpha XL300 servers are also Y2000 compliant.
The remaining Desktop Applications will provide very little disruption, if at all. Any adverse affects should be confined to internal efficiencies and will have no adverse affects on the services we provide to our members.
For all additional Corporate Computing systems we expect no more than 2 weeks for 2 employees to complete all necessary system testing. Again this is "worst case."
- To date, all other hardware and software "certification" has come via vendor web pages, which have been printed out and are on file. We are continuing to pursue written certification from vendors where possible.
Team Leader
Jeff Yauney
phone: (907) 458-5778
e-mail: jpyauney@gvea.com
fax: (907) 451-5650
Introduction
This section outlines the time-line and tasks necessary to assure Y2000 compliance for all aspects of Golden Valley?s Corporate/Operational Communications. GVEA?s Communications environment consists of the following systems: 1) ATM Data Communications Network. 2) NEC Telephone Switch. 3) Rolm Telephone Switch. 4) Motorola 800MHz Trunked Radio 5) Analog Microwave System.
All systems will be certified by June 1999. Certification will be achieved using one or more of the following methods:
- Perform remedial action on systems with known non-compliance
- Perform extensive testing using actual data/time rollover on modified systems.
|
*Launch *Inventory *Assessment *Repair *Testing *Finished |
Completed. Completed. In progress, with some systems already completed. In progress, with some systems already completed. In progress, with some systems already completed. In progress, with some systems already completed. |
Item 3: Actions remaining for communications software to be Y2000 compliant.
Golden Valley has installed a corporate wide network with an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) backbone, providing either 155/622Mb ATM or 10/100Mb switched Ethernet to the desktop. All of the network electronics are from Cisco Systems, Inc., and consists of the following equipment:
- LightStream 1010 ATM Switch ? IOS Version 11.2
- Catalyst 5000 Series Switch ? IOS Version 3.1
- Catalyst 2820 Series Switches ? Version 7.02
- Catalyst 1900 Series Switches ? Version 7.02
- PIX Firewall ? Version
- AS5200 Universal Access Servers ? Version 11.2
- 4000 Series Router ? Version 11.2
- 2500 Series Routers ? Version 11.1 & 11.2
All of the data network electronics in use at Golden Valley come from Cisco Systems, Inc. Cisco has stated (via their web page) that each device listed above, and its? corresponding software to be Y2000 compliant. Cisco?s Y2000 homepage address is:
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/752/2000/.
Trunking Central Controller ? AMSS ? Primary Control System at the central site.
Startsite Controllers ? AMSS ? Primary Control System at the remote sites.
Centracom II ? Consoles at the central site.
The following system is not Y2000 compliant:
SIMS II ? Stand alone system log, this is not essential equipment and the system can operate without it being on-line. There is a Y2000 software patch that we have ordered.
The connections with the State of Alaska are currently being reviewed, and Y2000 preparedness is unknown at this time.
Item 4: Actions remaining for corporate hardware to be Y2000 compliant.
SECTION 3: SCADA OPERATIONS AND SECURITY
Team Leader
Fred LeBeau
phone: (907) 451-5640
e-mail: falebeau@gvea.com
fax: (907) 451-0556
Item 2: Project status
|
*Launch *Inventory *Assessment *Repair *Testing *Finished |
Completed. Completed. Completed. In progress. In progress. Pending. |
Item 3: Actions remaining for software
2. Replace energy recorder translation software with compliant version from vendor
3. Replace Procomm Plus Script for Protective Relay Access with compliant software from vendor
4. Continue with procurement of replacement SCADA/EMS
2) GPS Time and Frequency Source fully certified by manufacturer
Problems have been found in the SCADA/EMS software anywhere a date was modified using addition, subtraction, division, or multiplication. This could have affected the execution of interchange schedules and Automatic Generation Control creating problems with energy transactions and regulation of frequency.
The translation software for reading energy recorders was flawed in several ways. This could have affected our ability to accomplish the timely and accurate processing of bills for purchases and sales of bulk power.
Digital Equipment for VAX hardware and VMS operating system software
Myself at about 20% for remainder of 1998
CNS for miscellaneous minor items concerning PC applications
2) GPS Time and Frequency source fully certified by vendor
3) Replacement energy recorder translation software certified by manufacturer
4) SCADA/EMS computers certified by Digital Equipment
2) Protective Relay Interrogation software
SECTION 4: PIPELINE OPERATIONS
Team Leader
Alex Gajdos
phone: (907) 451-5659
e-mail: asgajdos@gvea.com
fax: (907) 451-5682
Question 2: Project Status
|
*Launch *Inventory *Assessment *Repair *Testing *Finished |
Completed. Completed. Completed. In progress waiting on final from vendor. Pending. Pending. |
Question 3: Software
Question 9: Resources
Question 13: Trade Organizations
SECTION 5: FAIRBANKS AREA GENERATION PLANTS
Team Leader
Alex Gajdos
phone: (907) 451-5659
e-mail: asgajdos@gvea.com
fax: (907) 451-5682
Question 2: Project Status
|
*Launch *Inventory *Assessment *Repair *Testing *Finished |
Completed. Completed. Completed. In progress waiting on final from vendor. Pending. Pending. |
Question 3: Software
SECTION 6: HEALY GENERATION PLANT
Team Leader
Name: Frank Abegg
Phone: (907) 451-5659
e-mail: fabegg@gvea.com
Fax: (907) 451-5682
Item 2: Year 2000 planning cycle status for Healy Generating Plant
|
*Launch *Inventory *Assessment *Repair *Testing *Finished |
Begun. In Progress. Pending. Pending. Pending. Pending. |
Items 3 through 13:
Although the Year 2000 efforts in this identified area have not undergone the level of review that the other areas have, GVEA expects that this area will achieve the milestones desired by GVEA management for this Year 2000 process. Considerable coordination will be required between GVEA and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to accomplish this task. The work has commenced.
SECTION 7: TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES
Team Leader
Tim DeVries
phone: (907) 451-5669
e-mail: trdevries@gvea.com
fax: (907) 451-5638
Introduction
|
*Launch *Inventory *Assessment *Repair *Testing *Finished |
Completed. Completed. Partially complete, awaiting vendor response Pending assessment. Pending. Pending. |
Item 3: Actions remaining for Transmission and Distribution Facilities software:
SECTION 8: BUILDING FACILITIES AND FIRE PROTECTION
Team Leader
Tom Hartnell
phone: (907) 451-5663
e-mail: tkhartnell@gvea.com
fax: (907) 451-5681
Introduction
The two Y2000 impacted systems are currently certified by the manufacturers. Certification has been achieved by:
Obtaining certification from the manufacturer, Honeywell, for the Excell 100 HVAC control system.
|
*Launch *Inventory *Assessment *Repair *Testing *Finished |
Completed. Completed. Completed. Completed. Completed. Completed. |
Item 3: Actions remaining for Corporate Facilities and Fire Systems software:
The Simplex Fire System has been upgraded by the supplier.
The Honeywell Excell 100 HVAC system was certified by the manufacturer prior to installation.
The Honeywell Excell 100 HVAC system was certified by the manufacturer prior to installation.
Item 11: Comments or advice that may be helpful in addressing this issue:
