Transmission Switching and Clearance Procedures

Due to the importance of switching and clearances being performed safely to avoid injuries and to minimize the possibility of unscheduled outages or equipment damage, we performed an evaluation to determine if switching and clearances, required training, and audits were performed in compliance with Transmission and Power Supply’s switching and clearance procedures. We determined the selected procedural requirements for requesting and tracking of switching and clearances were generally performed in accordance with procedures. We could not assess most procedural requirements related to preparation and performance of switching orders because field personnel performing the work do not always submit the completed switching order. However, we identified several instances where switching order steps were not performed in sequence as required. We also determined employees who performed key functions received required training; however, tracking of training could be improved. In addition, while clearance audits were completed by the appropriate personnel within the required time frames, their effectiveness could be increased.