NERC MOD-032 Compliance

Planning & Operations Data Verification

eGridSync ensures accurate, consistent data provision to Planning Coordinators, Transmission Planners, and Reliability Coordinators with comprehensive verification, quality checks, and audit-ready documentation.

What is NERC MOD-032?

MOD-032 ensures accurate, timely, and complete data exchange between entities and planning coordinators for reliable system modeling.

Data Provision Requirements

Accurate, consistent data must be provided to Planning Coordinators, Transmission Planners, and Reliability Coordinators

Static & Dynamic Data

Covers equipment ratings, impedances, topology (static) and generator/load dynamic models

Data Quality Focus

Emphasis on data accuracy, timeliness, consistency, and completeness across all planning entities

Reliable Planning

Accurate data enables reliable planning studies, adequacy assessments, and operational readiness

Who Must Comply with MOD-032?

MOD-032 applies to multiple functional entities responsible for providing planning and operations data.

Generator Owners

Provide generator capability, dynamic models, and operating parameters

Transmission Owners

Provide transmission line data, equipment ratings, topology

Distribution Providers

Provide load data and BES distribution facility information

Load-Serving Entities

Provide demand forecasts and load characteristics

Data Recipients: Planning Coordinators (PC), Transmission Planners (TP), and Reliability Coordinators (RC) rely on this data for planning studies, operational assessments, and reliability analysis.

Understanding Data Quality & Consistency Requirements

MOD-032 requires comprehensive data management ensuring accuracy across multiple planning entities.

Static Data Requirements

Static data includes transmission line impedances, equipment ratings (MW, MVA, voltage), transformer tap settings, shunt device parameters, and system topology. Data must be current, accurate, and reflect actual field conditions including recent equipment changes or reconfigurations.

Dynamic Model Data

Dynamic models include generator models, excitation system models (AVR), turbine/governor models, load models, and FACTS device models. Models must be validated against field performance and updated when equipment changes. PSS®E, PSCAD, or equivalent formats required.

Data Consistency Across Entities

Same facility must have identical data across all planning entities. Inconsistencies create model errors and unreliable study results. Data synchronization processes, single-source-of-truth architectures, and regular reconciliation prevent discrepancies.

Timeliness Requirements

Data must be updated within specified timeframes when changes occur. Typical requirements: 30-90 days for planned changes, immediate for emergency modifications affecting planning. Late or missing data submissions create compliance violations and planning blind spots.

What eGridSync Delivers for MOD-032 Compliance

Data requirement mapping and obligation identification
Model consistency checks across planning entities
Data validation against verified sources
Gap identification and remediation planning
Data submission tracking and documentation
Evidence packages for audit readiness
Data governance process development
Ongoing audit support and compliance assistance

Inputs Required for MOD-032 Compliance

To ensure data quality and MOD-032 compliance, eGridSync requires:

Item Examples Why Required
Planning ModelsPSS®E, PowerFactory, PSCAD cases from PC/TP/RCBaseline for consistency verification
Dynamic ModelsGenerator, excitation, governor, load models in standard formatsVerify model accuracy and completeness
Equipment RatingsTransmission line ratings, transformer MVA, generator capabilityValidate against verified source data
Generator ParametersMW/MVAr capability, inertia, impedances, control modesConfirm consistency with verified capability (MOD-025)
Load DataPeak demand, load forecasts, load composition, characteristicsEnsure load representation accuracy
Data Exchange RecordsSubmission logs, email trails, data request responses, version trackingDemonstrate timely compliance with data requests
Change Management LogsEquipment modification records, model update history, version controlTrack data updates triggered by system changes
Prior Audit FindingsPrevious NERC findings, mitigation plans, data quality issuesAddress known deficiencies and improve processes

Common MOD-032 Compliance Failure Points

Understanding data quality pitfalls helps entities maintain compliance:

Inconsistent Data Between Entities

Same facility having different parameters across PC, TP, and RC models. Results from uncoordinated updates, manual data entry errors, or poor data synchronization. Creates unreliable study results and indicates data governance failures.

Outdated Models

Planning models not reflecting recent equipment changes, generator retirements, new interconnections, or transmission upgrades. Equipment modifications must trigger data updates within specified timeframes. Late updates create compliance violations.

Missing Data Submissions

Failure to respond to PC/TP/RC data requests within required timeframes. Missing submissions prevent planners from conducting required studies. Requires tracking systems for data requests and submission deadlines.

Poor Documentation of Updates

Data changes without documented rationale, version control, or change logs. Auditors require evidence showing what changed, when, why, and what triggered update. Undocumented changes create traceability gaps.

No Data Verification Process

Submitting data without internal validation checks. Data should be verified against source documents (nameplate, test reports, verified models) before submission. Unverified data leads to errors propagating across planning entities.

Poor Communication Between Departments

Engineering, operations, and planning teams not coordinating data updates. Equipment modifications known to one group but not communicated to data submission team. Requires cross-functional data governance processes.

Multiple Conflicting Sources of Truth

Different databases, spreadsheets, or systems maintaining conflicting equipment data. Prevents consistent data submission. Requires single-source-of-truth architecture and data governance ensuring one authoritative data set.

Unclear Data Submission Obligations

Uncertainty about what data must be provided, to whom, and when. MOD-032 requirements vary by functional entity and planning relationships. Requires clear obligation mapping and tracking of all data submission requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MOD-032?
MOD-032 is a NERC Reliability Standard requiring Generator Owners, Transmission Owners, Distribution Providers, and Load-Serving Entities to provide accurate, timely, and complete data to Planning Coordinators, Transmission Planners, and Reliability Coordinators. Data enables reliable system modeling, planning studies, and operational assessments.
Who must comply with MOD-032?
MOD-032 applies to multiple functional entities: Generator Owners (GO) provide generator data, Transmission Owners (TO) provide transmission data, Distribution Providers (DP) provide load and BES distribution data, and Load-Serving Entities (LSE) provide demand forecasts. Data recipients include Planning Coordinators, Transmission Planners, and Reliability Coordinators.
What data is covered by MOD-032?
MOD-032 covers static data (line impedances, equipment ratings, topology, transformer parameters) and dynamic models (generator, excitation, governor, load models). Also includes operating parameters, capability data, demand forecasts, and any data necessary for planning studies and reliability assessments.
How often must data be updated?
Data must be updated when equipment changes occur or upon request from planning entities. Typical triggers include equipment modifications, new facilities in service, retirements, rating changes, or significant parameter updates. Most entities update annually plus event-driven updates within 30-90 days of changes.
What evidence is required for MOD-032?
Evidence includes data submission records, email correspondence, data request logs, change management documentation, version control records, verification reports, and proof of timely responses. Must demonstrate data accuracy, completeness, and consistency across planning entities.
How is data consistency verified?
Consistency verification compares data for same facility across multiple planning entity models (PC, TP, RC). Automated comparison tools identify discrepancies. Regular reconciliation meetings address differences. Single-source-of-truth architectures prevent inconsistencies at origin.
What happens if data is late?
Late data submissions may constitute MOD-032 violations depending on circumstances and impact. Chronic lateness indicates process deficiencies. Late data prevents timely planning studies, potentially affecting reliability assessments. Mitigation requires improved tracking and submission processes.
Are dynamic models always required?
Dynamic models are required for equipment affecting system dynamic performance (generators, FACTS devices, dynamic loads). Not all equipment requires dynamic models. Applicability depends on equipment type, size, and impact on system stability. Planning entities specify dynamic model requirements.
How detailed must generator data be?
Generator data must include capability (MW/MVAr), impedances, dynamic models (generator, excitation, governor), operating modes, auxiliary loads, and any parameters affecting planning studies. Detail level must support accurate planning analysis. Data must be consistent with verified capability (MOD-025, MOD-026, MOD-027).
What are common MOD-032 audit findings?
Common findings include inconsistent data across planning entities, late data submissions, missing responses to data requests, outdated models not reflecting equipment changes, poor documentation of data sources, lack of data verification processes, and inability to demonstrate data submission tracking.
How do equipment changes trigger data updates?
Equipment modifications (new interconnections, generator rerates, transmission upgrades, retirements) trigger MOD-032 data update obligations. Change management processes must identify changes requiring data submission. Updates typically due within 30-90 days. Late updates create compliance risk.
Can data be submitted in any format?
Data must be submitted in formats specified by planning entities. Common formats include PSS®E, PowerFactory, PSCAD for dynamic models. Static data may use standardized spreadsheets or databases. Format requirements vary by planning entity—coordination ensures acceptable formats.
How does MOD-032 relate to other MOD standards?
MOD-032 requires data submission. MOD-025, MOD-026, MOD-027 verify that data is accurate. Together, they ensure planning models contain verified, accurate data. MOD-032 focuses on data provision and consistency; MOD-025/026/027 focus on data accuracy through verification.
What if planning entities request conflicting data?
Conflicting requests should be resolved through coordination with planning entities. Data should be consistent across all requestors unless technical justification exists for differences (different study assumptions, seasonal variations). Documented coordination meetings resolve conflicts.
How does eGridSync support MOD-032 compliance?
eGridSync provides data requirement mapping, consistency verification across planning entities, submission tracking, evidence compilation, gap remediation, and audit support. We develop data governance processes ensuring timely, accurate submissions and maintain documentation demonstrating MOD-032 compliance throughout audit cycles.

Official References

For complete standard requirements and technical guidelines, refer to official NERC resources:

Important: This page summarizes MOD-032 compliance concepts in original language for educational purposes. Always refer to the official NERC standard for authoritative requirements. eGridSync does not copy or reproduce NERC standard text.

Ready to Ensure MOD-032 Compliance?

For data verification, consistency checks, and MOD-032 compliance support, contact eGridSync today.