Examination framework
An inspection request begins with a scope review. The request should identify the facility or equipment involved, the question to be examined, available records, and the outcome being requested. The accepted scope determines what can be assessed and what will be documented.
Define the matter
Identify the equipment, facility, event, or technical question and its boundaries.
Identify evidence
List drawings, event files, test records, settings, operating data, maintenance records, and other material available for review.
Establish the method
Document the proposed examination method, assumptions, access requirements, test conditions, calculations, and known limitations.
Perform and document
Execute only the accepted scope, record observations and test results, distinguish measured facts from interpretation, and identify unresolved matters.
Testing and evidence sequence
Required evidence
Depending on the matter, useful evidence may include one-line diagrams, equipment specifications, protection or control settings, commissioning records, maintenance records, event files, test reports, operating conditions, photographs, drawings, and time-synchronized measurements. Only evidence identified in the accepted scope is relied upon for the resulting conclusion.
Findings and deliverable
A report should distinguish the requested question, evidence reviewed, method used, observations or measured results, analytical interpretation, limitations, and conclusions. An unresolved or insufficiently supported issue should be identified as such rather than converted into a definitive finding.
Scope and limitations
Inspection Testing is not a blanket certification of a facility and does not establish compliance with a separate regulatory or reliability requirement unless an applicable authority expressly recognizes the resulting document for that purpose. Conclusions are limited to the specific matter, evidence, method, and conditions identified in the accepted scope.
Technical examination and reliability assessment
DEOB uses a defined examination scope to evaluate electrical equipment, facility operating evidence, transmission interfaces, protection systems, and documented performance. This technical reference follows the subject areas described in publicly available FERC reliability and transmission-planning materials; it is an independent DEOB explanation, not a FERC form, audit, determination, or endorsement.
Engineering review categories
Power flow and system conditions
Review documented operating cases, active and reactive power, voltage magnitude, line or transformer loading, power factor, and applicable equipment ratings. Record model assumptions, base-case inputs, contingencies, and study limitations.
Protection and disturbance evidence
Review relay settings, event sequences, disturbance records, fault-clearing time, protection coordination, and documented equipment response. Separate observed operation from simulations and assumptions.
Voltage, frequency, and ride-through
Compare measured voltage and frequency trajectories with the agreed equipment-specific performance envelope, noting time outside the accepted bounds, data quality, and the basis for each criterion.
Stability and oscillation screening
Where sufficient time-synchronized measurements exist, examine frequency content, mode estimates, damping, and signal quality. Screening indicators are not proof of causation or system-wide stability.
Illustrative technical graphs
The figures below are synthetic examples for explaining examination methods. They are not FERC graphs, measured facility results, or regulatory limits.
Method and documentation
A defined review identifies the engineering question, applicable standards or contractual criteria, equipment boundaries, source records, units and timestamps, calculation method, test conditions, uncertainty, exceptions, and the accepted deliverable. Studies may include base-case and contingency comparisons, equipment response evaluation, trend plots, event timelines, and review of one-line diagrams when authorized and available.
Each report distinguishes source evidence, calculations, modeled results, observed results, and engineering interpretations. Where evidence is missing, the report records an open issue rather than treating the condition as verified.
Public regulatory references
FERC describes transmission planning information such as power-flow cases, one-line diagrams, reliability criteria, assessment practices, and system-performance evaluations in its Form No. 715 instructions. FERC also explains that mandatory NERC reliability standards are developed through the reliability framework and approved for enforcement by FERC. Those government processes are separate from DEOB's private technical examinations.
FERC Form 715 technical instructions · FERC electric reliability · FERC reliability oversight framework
Information handling: Do not submit protected critical energy infrastructure information or restricted facility records through a general public form. Any sensitive technical records require an approved secure intake process and appropriate authorization.
Prepare a request
Describe the matter as specifically as possible. Do not include passwords, payment details, or unrelated confidential information in the initial description.
Start an inspection request