The U.S. Department of Energy has requested that NERC conduct an independent review of a random sampling of utility Y2K projects with the goal of validating the self-reporting process. The May 21st letter to the Review Participants can be accessed at:

ftp://ftp.nerc.com/pub/sys/all_updl/docs/y2k/y2kreviewltr.PDF

"A review team has been established and is in the process of scheduling and conducting onsite reviews. The review team consists of qualified independent contractors hired for this purpose."

"Candidate organizations have been selected randomly.."

This random selection must have been within types of organizations, however, because in the same paragraph we read, "The sample profile has been carefully designed to asssure representation of ownership types, size, geographic location, and other factors."

"It is very important that each organization that is requested to participate does so. Any refusals to particpate will be recorded as part of the process. Refusals to participate will reflect negatively on the Y2K status of the electric power industry..."

"A summary report of the on-site reviews will be provided to DOE and the public in late July, 1999. No utility organizations participating in the review will be identified by NERC or anyone affiliated with the review process."

This appears to be a gutsy move by the DOE. I personally have difficulty imagining that if this review finds anything negative they will release that to the public. That would seem counterproductive to the concerns our government has raised about "panic in the public sectors". I heartily approve of the review, however. Just wish the process hadn't once again been handed off to NERC. Seems like the DOE could have hired the independent contractors directly.

What do y'all think? Are they taking a real risk here, or not?

-- Anonymous, May 27, 1999

Answers

Bonnie:

Sounds like what RAY ASSOCIATES was trying to do in Connecticut. Unfortunately they missed their deadline. Seems there are a lot of missed deadlines doesn't it?

-- Anonymous, May 27, 1999

Steve, you just made me remember that I read somewhere it turned out the independent contractors hired by Conn. were a group of former Conn. utility people. In one way, this has logic, because they are familiar with the types of systems. In another, it puts a shadow over the concept of outside verification. Seems wherever you turn there are two sides to an issue and lots of questions.

-- Anonymous, May 28, 1999

Hello Bonnie et. al.-

The DPUC audit began late due to contract negotiation snags, but it has been completed and is now back at DPUC for internal review.

My source for this is Bob Granquist at DPUC, who also told me that the report contained "no surprises", and that it would be available on their web site during the week of 5/31. (Just checked their rather labyrinthine site, but no sign of it yet.) An earlier thread here on this topic (with a link to DPUC),can be found at:

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000Tcr

Interestingly, the President's Council will be having the first of perhaps 200 Community Conversations at Trinity College in Hartford on Monday June 7th. I'm told that Mr. Koskinen and Sen. Dodd will be present, with a panel of luminaries including utilities, no doubt. The absence of the report from the public eye prior to this event does not surprise me somehow, but I'm still learning to control my cynical urges ;)

This event has received very little publicity so far, and if anyone wishes to attend, contact Dean Golumbeski at Trinity college (860) 297 2143. Seating is limited to 250 (though sadly, I doubt it will be a problem), and you can pre-register by calling the number above.

I will be attending the event, (along with several other denizens of the Timebomb2000 board), and we will post our observations over there.

A peri-event get-together is possible. Readers are welcome to e-mail me if they wish to join us to quaff a few root beers...

Regards

-- Anonymous, June 03, 1999

Oh!

Hi Steve!

Sorry to ignore you, I didn't read the email adresses above closely enough. See you at Trinity?

-- Anonymous, June 03, 1999