The current exclusive RIG vendor, Qualitrol, is phasing out support for the RIG devices. ISO-NE has undertaken a project to replace the RIG infrastructure with a DNP3-based Communication Front End (CFE) and Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) system. DNP3 was chosen as a protocol because of its non-proprietary nature and wide availability of solutions from multiple vendors.
RIG Replacement Project Frequently Asked Questions
The RIG Replacement Project began in early 2008 with communications to the NEPOOL and Market and Reliability Committees. Other tasks through 2008 and beyond are as follows:
- Software Development and testing for the new ISO-NE Communication Front End (CFE) servers began in March 2008
- In early June 2008, an RTU Specification was first published with several revisions issued
- Starting in July 2008, ISO-NE has held monthly Technical Forums with Participants
- Since August 2008, ISO-NE has hosted multiple conference calls with individual Participants to help answer their questions and promote discussion
- On November 7, 2008, the new ISO-NE CFE servers were placed into production
- Starting in November 2008 through February 2010, Participants are urged to procure a replacement for their Qualitrol RIG. Several Participants have already begun the procurement process
- All Participant RIG's must be cutover to RTU solutions by February 28, 2010!
ISO-NE has posted a RTU Specification Document on the ISO-NE web site that will describe in detail how the RTU is to be selected, configured and installed.
ISO New England Communications Front End Interface Specifications [PDF]
RTU solutions selected by a Participant will be very specific to their specific needs including but not limited to:
- Integration with existing plant equipment
- Human Machine Interface (HMI) needs
- Redundancy requirements
- Security requirements
- IT Staff training and expertise
- The RTU must meet the requirements of the most current RTU Specification
- The RTU must have passed DNP3 Level Two Conformance Testing
It is recommended that Participants also schedule a conference call with ISO-NE Market Support Services and IT-EMS staff to discuss and review the proposed RTU solution.
For any RTU under consideration that has not been DNP Level Two Conformance tested, it is recommended that Participants negotiate the completion of DNP Level Two Conformance testing as a condition of purchase.
DNP Level Two Conformance tested RTU products
DNP Conformance Testing Policy
It is the responsibility of the Participant and RTU Vendor to complete DNP Conformance Testing of the DNP RTU product under consideration for connection to the ISO-NE CFE servers.
The answer to this question will vary widely between Participants and will be dependent upon many factors The answer to this question will vary widely between Participants and will be dependent upon many factors including those listed above. Some budget items to consider:
- RTU Purchase. Most RTU's purchased by ISO-NE for testing was about $8000. This does not include yearly maintenance, training or additional engineering needs associated with the initial setup.
- RTU Redundancy. While ISO-NE does not require a redundant RTU, it is recommended that each Participant consult their Business Continuity Plan. With a 60-90 day delivery lead time for most RTU's, a Participant needs to assess whether a spare RTU is warranted relative to the safe, reliable and economic operation of their dispatchable assets.
- RTU Loading. While most existing RIG's have five or fewer assets configured, several RIG's are configured with a high number of assets beyond what is considered acceptable risk for ISO-NE and the Participant going forward. As part of submission of Appendix E of the RTU Specification, the Participant is asked to list the assets to be configured for an RTU. ISO-NE IT-EMS and Control Room Management will work with the Participant to ensure the highest reliability and lowest risk from an RTU asset loading perspective.
- Consultancy. Each Participant will have different needs in terms of any additional, outside help they may need to design, configure, test and maintain an RTU solution.
Participants should expect a 60 – 90 waiting period from the time they order their RTU to delivery. Participants may also need to reserve additional time to configure the RTU according to the RTU Specification, integrate and test the RTU with plant control systems, develop and test HMI screens, etc.
Due to the volume of RIGs being replaced, ISO-NE is requiring each customer to schedule a time to test their new RTU to ensure connectivity, configuration and performance requirements with at least 10 business day notice. The test will consist of a point-by-point checkout of the already configured RTU between the participant and ISO-NE IT-EMS staff engineer.
The length of time to perform an RTU checkout will be highly dependent upon the preparation of the Participant and quality of RTU configuration relative to the ISO-NE RTU Specification.
Customers should schedule an RTU Checkout with ISO-NE Market Support Services once they have completed and submitted the RTU Information Form found in Appendix E of the RTU Specification.
Due to the volume of RIG replacements to RTUs, each calendar quarter has a limited number of testing dates available. Please do not wait until the RIG replacement deadline to schedule your RTU testing.
If not done so already, existing routers in production must be upgraded to a CISCO 1800 Series router.
The router replacement is independent of the RTU replacement and should be done ASAP to avoid obsolescence issues with the older routers still in production.
No. ISO-NE can only send dispatch instructions and signaling to either the RIG or RTU but not both.
Customers can contact ISO-NE Customer Service for additional questions by phone (413) 540-4220 or e-mail custserv@iso-ne.com.
