The Saudi Distribution Code
The Saudi Distribution Code
The Saudi Distribution Code
This Preface does not legally constitute part of the Distribution Code.
The Distribution Code has been developed to define the rules and
regulations for all parties for accessing and using the Distribution System.
The objective is to establish the obligations of Distribution Service
Providers (DSP's) and system Users, owners of generation (i.e. Power
Producers) and Customers for accessing and using the Distribution
System, more specifically to:
define obligations, responsibilities, and accountabilities of all parties
for ensuring open, transparent, non-discriminatory, and economic
access and use of the system while maintaining its safe, reliable and
efficient Operation;
define minimum technical requirements; and
set out the information exchange obligations.
The Distribution Code is a comprehensive document and Users of the
Distribution Code may need to interact with it thus:
Other Persons Planning to Connect to the Distribution System
These persons are Users of the Distribution Code and should pay
particular attention to the Planning Code and Connection Conditions. The
Connection Conditions state the performance which Users Plant must
meet and all data required is stated in Tables appended to the Planning
Code. This is because that the data is required to either initially or on an
on-going basis plan the Distribution System and the User Connection.
There are duties in the Planning Code whereby the DSP must supply data
to the User to allow the User system to be planned.
Users Already Connected to the Distribution System
Persons already Connected, except as above, are Users of the
Distribution Code and are reminded that the Connection Conditions are
the technical requirements not just to be Connected but to remain
Connected. Such persons have duties under the Planning Code to report
changes or intended changes in the data and to report annually or when
they are aware of changes in load or generation levels or profiles.
Where specific dates are to be used for profiles to assist the TSP in overall
planning, the DSP has duties under the Planning Code to make these
known.
Ongoing Obligations of All Users
Users owning generation or storage greater than 200kW in size or Users
Connected at MV, should be aware that they will have duties to interface
annually and on an on-going basis with the DSP under the Operating
Code. The annual information is to assist the DSP to plan outages and
maintenance and the on-going duties help the DSP to manage the safe,
economic and efficient day-to-day running of the system by understanding
the expected flows on the network. There are also investigative and
reporting duties falling on Users and the DSP if certain Events occur which
Abbreviation Meaning
AC Alternating Current
CC Connection Conditions
DC Direct Current
GC General Conditions
Hz Hertz
kA Kiloampere
kV Kilovolt
kW Kilowatt
LV Low Voltage
MC Metering Code
min Minute
ms Millisecond
MV Medium Voltage
Abbreviation Meaning
MW Megawatt
OC Operating Code
PC Planning Code
PV Photovoltaic
s Second
SF 6 Sulphur Hexaflouride
V Voltage
VA Volt ampere
W Watt
Name Definition
Active Power The product of Voltage and the in-phase component of alternating current
(normally measured in W, kW or MW).
Apparent Power The vector sum of Active Power and Reactive Power expressed in VA, kVA
or MVA.
Asynchronous A Generating Unit or electric drive, and has the meaning that the
Generating Unit or drive is not linked to the system Frequency by a
Synchronising torque. In general, this means that there is no natural
contribution to the inertia of the Total System, although control mechanisms
may be employed to synthesise a contribution, which assists in stabilising the
Total System after a disturbance.
Asynchronously shall be construed accordingly.
Asynchronous A Generating Unit which, is based upon a single device or group of devices
Generating Unit generating electricity, which:
are Connected to the network Asynchronously or through power
electronics,
has a single Connection Point to the Distribution System,
and is/are controlled to behave as one Generating Unit.
An Asynchronous Generating Unit is comprised of all the Asynchronous
generating and Energy Storage devices in the User
capable of being operated as a single Generating Unit.
Backup A Protection system which will supplement the main Protection by opening
Protection a Circuit Breaker or other fault-current interrupting device in case the latter
should be ineffective, or to deal with faults in those parts of the power system
which are not readily included in the operating zones of the main Protection.
Black Start The procedure, for recovery from a total or partial system shutdown.
Bulk Supply A Connection Point between the Transmission System and the
Point Distribution System or between the Transmission System and a directly
Connected Customer of the Transmission System.
Chairperson Means the person who chairs the Distribution Code Review Panel with the
duties and responsibilities set out the General Conditions.
Circuit Breaker A mechanical switching device, capable of making, carrying and breaking
currents under normal circuit conditions and also of making, carrying for a
specified time and breaking currents under specified abnormal circuit
conditions, such as those of short circuit.
Commissioning Are tests carried out to prove that part of a system or Plant or apparatus is
Tests compliant with its specification and is suitable for normal use.
Committed The data (as further specified in the Planning Code) relating to a prospective
Project User
Planning Data
Name Definition
duties to ensure safety from the Distribution System or the User system,
which duties include receiving, transferring and clearing specified safety
documents.
Complex Refers to the arrangements at a Connection site with a User. If there is any
part of a User Connection equipment which can be energised from more
than one source of supply the installation is deemed Complex irrespective of
whether the Connection is at LV or MV.
Connected The estimated values assumed for planning purposes by the DSP when
Planning Data confirmed or replaced by validated actual data (as further specified in the
Planning Code).
Connection An agreement between a DSP and a User setting out terms relating to a
Agreement Connection with the Distribution System.
Connection Is the chapter of this Distribution Code, which sets out for Users, and
Conditions prospective Users, the technical requirements to be and remain Connected
to the Distribution System.
References to the Connection Conditions are prefixed CC.
Connection The physical point at which User Plant or apparatus is joined to the
Point Distribution System.
Controllable Means the Demand which can be modulated in response to signals from the
Demand DSP or other licensed organization to manage the Demand or flows on part
of or all of the Distribution System or the Total System.
Customer A person whose premise is Connected to the Distribution System for the
purpose of obtaining a supply of electricity at that premises.
The size of Demand Customers Connected to the Distribution System
would normally not exceed to 25MVA.
Demand The electric power which is drawn from the system by a Customer, usually
expressed in MW, MVA or MVAr.
Demand The process or capability of modifying the flows on the Distribution System
Transfer where the same total Demand can be supplied from more than one
Connection Point.
Detailed Data additional to Standard Data needed to allow detailed stability studies to
Planning Data be carried out.
or Detailed Data
Dispatch The issue of instructions for Generating Units to achieve specific Active
Power and Reactive Power Outputs within registered data parameters or
declared availability and by stated times.
Dispatch Dispatch Instructions are instructions issued by the DSP to a User to alter
Instruction the operational state or mode of Operation of Plant, to Synchronise or de-
synchronise a Synchronous Generating Unit, to modify the amount of
Active Power (MW) or Reactive Power (MVAr) generated or consumed at
the User facility or to provide or change any other contracted system
Name Definition
service.
Distribution The panel with the functions which are set out in GC9 of this Distribution
Code Review Code.
Panel
Distribution A distribution licence granted under Article 5 and 6 of the Electricity Law
Licence promulgated on 20/10/1427 AH (21/11/2006 AD) by Royal Decree M/56 and
WERA Charter dated 17/05/1425 AH (05/07/2004 AD).
Distribution The legal entity that is licensed to own and maintain a network on the
Service Distribution System.
Provider
Distribution or The system which consists of electric lines, electric Plant, transformers and
Distribution switchgear and which is used for conveying electricity to final Customer.
System
Disturbing Load Loads which have the potential to introduce waveform distortion (Harmonics,
Flicker) or phase unbalance into the system.
Electricity A document prepared by the DSPs and approved by WERA which sets down
Service the procedures and arrangements for Minor Customer Minor Customers
Provision electricity Connections to the Distribution System. It is deemed to be
Manual Distribution Code compliance. In the case of Minor Customer s as outline
in the General Conditions of this Distribution Code.
Energy Exports Energy Export mean the amount of active energy entering the Distribution
System from the User Connection Point.
Energy Imports Energy Export mean the amount of active energy exiting the Distribution
System in to the User Connection Point.
Electric Vehicle An EV charging system or a set of EV charging systems enabling the charge
(EV) Charging of Electric vehicles
Station
Electric Vehicle Complete system including the EV supply equipment and the EV functions
(EV) charging that are required to supply electric energy to an EV for the purpose of
System charging.
Name Definition
EV DC Fast An EV Charging Station with AC/DC built-in units. If AC/DC unit is enabled to
Charger Station communicate with DSP, it can be a special type of Controllable Demand.
Energy Storage The conversion of electrical energy into a form of energy, which can be
stored, the storing of that energy, and the subsequent reconversion of that
energy back into electrical energy.
For the purposes of the Distribution Code it does not include storage of
energy from regenerative braking, from flywheel storage systems, or from any
storage source where the delivery of Active Power is fundamentally not
controllable or short lived, i.e. typically available for less than one minute. It
also excludes Synchronous compensation equipment.
Event Recorder A certified device that measures and records data at locations on the
Distribution System.
Fault Level Prospective current that would flow into a short circuit at a stated point on the
Distribution System. It is expressed in kA or in MVA.
Final Is a document issued by the DSP to a User indicating that the User
Connection installation is Distribution Code compliant, or is compliant with the
Certificate Distribution Code as derogated.
Frequency The Operation of a Generating Unit whereby its generation level is varied
Sensitive Mode automatically to compensate for variations in the Frequency of the
Distribution System.
Gas Zone A single line diagram showing boundaries of, and interfaces between, SF6
Diagram gas-insulated Plant modules which comprise part, or the whole, of a
substation at a Connection site, together with the associated stop valves and
SF6 gas monitors required for the safe Operation of the Distribution
System or the User system.
General Is the chapter of this Distribution Code, which sets out the overall scope of
Conditions the Code, the administrative arrangements including for suspension,
derogation and disputes and the mechanism for maintaining the Distribution
Code.
References to the General Conditions are prefixed GC.
Generating Unit One or more devices converting energy into electricity, including any rotating
generation equipment, power electronic converters, prime movers and other
sources of energy, together with all associated apparatus and any generator
transformer, which relate exclusively to the Operation of that generator.
Name Definition
In the case of:
a steam turbine will include the boiler and heat exchanger and in addition
in the case of a solar concentrator the solar collectors,
a gas turbine will include the combustion turbine and ancillary equipment,
and
a fuel engine will include the engine and any gearbox etc.
In the case of:
wind generation: a wind turbine Generating Unit comprises one or more
wind turbine generators that are controlled together, including all
apparatus and any step-up transformer and any reactive equipment which
relates exclusively to the Operation of those wind turbine generators.
solar generation: a solar Generating Unit is a group of devices which are
controlled together to collect or concentra
power production facility, together with all Plant and apparatus and any
step-up transformer which relates exclusively to the Operation of that
part of the solar power production facility.
In the case of Energy Storage
battery storage: the battery and its inverter/converter that are controlled
together to modulate the flow of Active Power and Reactive Power at
the Connection Point both when importing energy into the battery and in
the discharge of that energy.
compressed air storage: the means of using electricity to compress the
air, and the equipment driven by the compressed air to generate
electricity.
Any Energy Storage technology should be construed accordingly.
A Generating Unit can be a Synchronous Generating Unit or an
Asynchronous Generating Unit.
Good Industry The standard of practice attained by exercising that degree of skill, diligence,
Practice prudence and foresight which would reasonably and ordinarily be expected
from a skilled and experienced operator engaged in the same type of
undertaking under the same or similar circumstances.
Interconnected Means the Distribution System when it is part of the Total System.
System
Isolation The disconnection and separation of the electrical equipment from every
source of electrical energy in such a way that this disconnection and
separation is secure.
Licensed The legal entity that is licensed to supply energy to a User connected to the
Supplier Distribution System.
Limited Is a document issued by the DSP to a User indicating that the User
Performance installation is Distribution Code compliant (or is compliant with the
Certificate Distribution Code as derogated) except for certain matters which have were
previously but are no longer compliant. For the avoidance of doubt, such a
certificate can only be issued were the Plant is deemed safe for Operation.
Name Definition
Low Voltage A Voltage used for the supply of electricity, of nominal RMS value of which
does not exceed 1kV.
Major Customer A User who is supplied at Medium Voltage whose load is greater than
1MVA.
Medium Voltage A Voltage used for the supply of electricity, the nominal value of which is
11kV and greater than 1kV and up to 69kV
Meter or Meters The Meter refers to the devise that measures the amount of energy flowing
or Metering through the Connection Point.
Equipment
The Metering Equipment refers to any other associated equipment required
for the Meter to operate correctly.
Metering Code Is the chapter of this Distribution Code which sets out the standards, tests
and arrangements for tariff metering employed on the Distribution System.
References to the Metering Code are prefixed MC.
The Metering Code excludes arrangements for the settlement system.
Minor Customer A User Connected at LV with Demand less than 100kW and compliant with
the requirements of the Electricity Service Provision Manual.
A Minor Customer may have PV generation Connected at LV at the same
Connection Point with a Registered Capacity of less than 200kW and
compliant with the requirements of the Small Scale Solar PV Regulations.
Operating Code Is the chapter of this Distribution Code which sets out for Users, and
prospective Users, the information and interactions with the DSP to enable
the DSP to efficiently plan and manage the day to day Operation of the
Distribution System References to the Operating Code are prefixed OC.
Operational The effect of any Operation which causes the Transmission System or the
Effect Distribution System, or the system of other Users, to operate (or be at a
materially increased risk of operating) differently from the way in which it
(they) would or may have operated in the absence of such Operation.
Output As the context requires, the Active Power delivered in MW, the Reactive
Power delivered or absorbed in MVAr or the Apparent Power in MVA of a
Generating Unit, measured by certified Meters at the Connection Point or
measured at some other point and adjusted by adjustment factors.
Planning Code Is the chapter of this Distribution Code, which sets out the standards to
Name Definition
which the Distribution System is planned, compels the DSP and Users to
exchange information prior to and after Connection and sets out the
fundamental process for obtaining or modifying a Connection to the
Distribution System. References to the Planning Code are prefixed PC.
Plant Items used in the generation and/or supply and/or Transmission and/or
distribution of electricity.
Power Producer The person who generates electricity. It includes any person who owns or
operates any Energy Storage device.
Preliminary Means the data relating to the proposed User development at the time a
Project User applies for a Connection but before an offer is made by the DSP and
Planning Data accepted by the applicant User.
Protection The provisions for detecting abnormal conditions in a system and initiating
fault clearance or actuating signals or indications.
Reactive Power The product of Voltage and current and the sine of the phase angle between
them. Normally measured in kilovar (kVAr) or megavar (MVAr).
Registered Refers to a Generating Unit and is the normal full load capacity of that
Capacity Generating Unit set down in the Connection Agreement and stated in MW
measured at the Connection Point and under conditions of maximum
Reactive Power flows (or minimum Power Factor requirements) as required
in the Connection Agreement.
Renewable Refers to energy sources deemed to cause no or low carbon emissions and
Resource includes solar, wind, geothermal and energy from waste. Hybrid technologies
are assessed as renewable when operating solely on Renewable
Resources.
Retailer A person engaged in bulk purchase for the purpose of retail sale of electricity
to Users and authorized by a licence.
Safety The procedure adopted by the DSP or a User to ensure the safe Operation
Management of its system and the safety of personnel required to work on that system.
Safety Rules The DSP document of the same name mandating the basic procedures for
work or testing on the Distribution System, or as described inOC.9, by its
staff when working on User systems. The document forms part of the
Safety Management system employed by a DSP.
Significant An Event which has had or which may have an Operational Effect on the
Incident Transmission System or Distribution System or on a User installation.
Site Common Drawings that incorporate Connection site layout drawings, electrical layout
Drawings drawings, common Protection/control drawings and common services
Name Definition
drawings prepared for each Connection site.
Standard The general data required by the DSP under the Planning Code.
Planning Data
or Standard
Data
Synchronous A Generating Unit or drive and has the meaning that the Generating Unit or
drive is linked to the system Frequency by a Synchronising torque.
In general, this means that there is a natural contribution to the inertia of the
Total System, which assists in stabilising the Total System after a
disturbance.
System Tests Tests which involve simulating conditions or the controlled application of
or System Test irregular, unusual or extreme conditions on the Total System or any part of it,
but not including routine testing, Commissioning Tests or re-
Commissioning Tests.
Temporary Is a document issued by the DSP to a User indicating that the User
Connection installation is Distribution Code compliant (or is compliant with the
Certificate Distribution Code as derogated) except for certain matters which have not
yet been tested.
The matters to be demonstrated and the period of validity of the Temporary
Connection Certificate are stated in the certificate together with the
consequences of:
insufficient Distribution System conditions to determine compliance
within the validity period of the certificate; and
inadequate performance of the Plant under actual Distribution System
conditions.
Total Harmonic Is the aggregate of the Harmonic distortions at all Harmonic Frequencies.
Distortion This is expressed as the root mean square value of Harmonic distortions, at
all Harmonic Frequencies.
Total System The Distribution System together with its Connected Customer
installations in Saudi Arabia or part thereof (as the context requires) and
including (as the context requires) the effects of Connection to the
Transmission System.
Transmission Reference shall be made to the Saudi Arabian Grid Code for detailed
or definition.
Transmission
System
Transmission The legal entity that is licensed to own and maintain a network on the
Name Definition
Service Transmission System (or has such right by virtue of its historic existence for
Provider this purpose).
User The term applied to persons who are Connected to the Distribution System
and the requirements of this Distribution Code apply.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
While each part of the Distribution Code presents the rules and
provisions relating specifically to that part, the General Conditions (GC)
presents provisions which are of general application to all parts of the
Distribution Code.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of the General Conditions are as follows:
to ensure, insofar as it is possible, that the various sections of the
Distribution Code work together for the benefit of all Users; and
to provide a set of principles governing the status and development
of the Distribution Code and related issues as approved by WERA.
SCOPE
Scope of the General Conditions
The General Conditions apply to all DSPs and Users of the Distribution
System.
Scope of the entire Saudi Arabia Distribution Code
These General Conditions provides rights to all Distribution System
Customers to be treated equitably and obtain information regarding
Controllable Demand and the Metering Code) The technical
requirements placed upon Users of the Distribution Code (as amended
from time to time) shall be similarly enacted by the ESPM.
Minor Customer Minor Customers are exempt from abiding by the data
exchange within the Connection Conditions, however Minor
Customer Minor Customers are obligated to abide by the requirements of
the ESPM.
In the event of conflict between the two documents, the Distribution
Code shall prevail.
It shall be the duty of the Chairperson of DCRP to ensure that such
approved amendments are advised to parties responsible for the ESPM in
a timely manner.
TIME OF EFFECTIVENESS
This Distribution Code shall have effect, as regards each User, at the
time at which its Connection Agreement comes into effect, except that
the provisions of the Planning Code and Connection Conditions to
supply data and follow Connection processes shall come into effect from
the time of application for a Connection or changed Connection.
UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
If circumstances arise which the provisions of the Distribution Code have
not foreseen, a DSP shall, to the extent reasonably practicable in the
circumstances, consult promptly and in good faith with affected Users in an
effort to reach agreement as to what should be done. If agreement cannot
be reached in the time available, the DSP shall determine what is to be
done.
Whenever a DSP makes a determination it shall have regard, wherever
possible to the views expressed by the User, and in any event, to
what is reasonable in all the circumstances.
Each User shall comply with all instructions given to it by a DSP
following such a determination, provided that the instructions are
consistent with the then current technical parameters of the particular
User Distribution Code. The DSP shall
promptly refer all such unforeseen circumstances and any such
determination to the DCRP.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
Users should note that the provisions of the Distribution Code may be
suspended, in whole or in part, pursuant to any directions given and/or
DEROGATIONS
Any User find that they are, or will be, unable to comply with any
provision of the Distribution Code. A Derogation may be granted by
WERA on the following grounds:
to provide for existing Plant that has not been designed in
accordance with the provision of the Distribution Code.
to facilitate a smooth transition to the Distribution Code from the
existing situation; and / or
to ease temporary constraints that prevent compliance and
necessitate exemption.
Request for Derogation
A User seeking a derogation from any provision of the Distribution
Code shall make a written request to the DCRP justifying the request in
terms of both the specific circumstances and the expected duration. As
a minimum, the application shall contain the following:
Details of the applicant;
relevant provisions of the Distribution Code and the required
performance;
identification of the Plant and/or apparatus in respect of which a
derogation is sought, and if relevant, the nature and extent to which
the non-compliance exists;
a description of the proposal for restoring compliance (where
applicable) including details of actions to mitigate risks and restore
compliance including timetable;
a description of the reasonable alternative actions that have been
considered; and
a statement of the expected duration of the non-compliance.
A standard Distribution Code Derogation Application Form can be
obtained through WERA.
The process for seeking derogations to the Distribution Code is
depicted in Figure 2.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The Distribution Code contains procedures under which a DSP will
receive information from a User relating to the intentions of such User.
The DSP shall not, except as provided for in the Planning Code of this
Distribution Code or as agreed in writing with the User, disclose such
information to any User or other person without the prior written consent of
the provider of the information, subject to the requirements of the
Distribution Licence or the express requirement of any court of law.
The Constitution and Rules of the DCRP shall ensure that each Member
of the DCRP is bound by appropriate levels of data confidentiality in
respect of any data received for a DSP or User.
FORCE MAJEURE
If a DSP or User would breach the terms of the Distribution Code due to
an Event outside the reasonable control of the DSP or User Force
Majeure event Distribution Code that
are affected by the force majeure event are suspended as long as the
force majeure event continues.
The DSP or the User must give the other party prompt notice of the force
majeure event including full details, an estimate of likely duration, the
obligations affected by it and the steps taken to remove overcome or
mitigate its effects.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
This code sets out the roles and responsibilities of DSP(s) and Users
regarding the data to be exchanged and the procedures to be complied
with, to enable the planning and development of the Distribution System,
and to facilitate Users in the planning and development of their
installations as far as they affect the Distribution System.
The Planning Code is required to define the planning process that shall
occur annually, covering the load forecast plans for the succeeding five
Operational Years (Distribution Capability Statement) in order to
provide sufficient lead times to facilitate the implementation of a DSP
network development strategy including:
any necessary planning or consent work; and
detailed engineering design/construction work to be completed by
DSP(s) and existing or potential Users of the Distribution System.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of the Planning Code are to define the roles and
responsibilities of DSPs and Users to enable:
the exchange of information and interaction between DSPs and
Users concerning any proposed development of a User system that
is to be Connected to the Distribution System, or that may have an
impact on the performance of the Distribution System or the
Transmission System;
any proposed development by a User that may have an impact on
the performance of the Distribution System or the Transmission
System to be carried out in a manner that will allow DSPs to meet
their obligations as defined in the Distribution license;
the supply of information to allow DSPs to undertake their planning
duties as set down in their licenses and Sector Law; and the supply
of information to the TSP to allow it to fulfil its License obligations.
In addition, the Planning Code briefly describes the process relating to
entering into, and modification of Connection Agreements.
SCOPE
User requirements may necessitate the reinforcement of, or an extension
to, the Distribution System and reinforcement of, or extension to, the
relevant Transmission/Distribution interface capacity, such work
identified by DSP or the TSP as appropriate.
Time needed to plan the Distribution System and User
systems
The time required for the planning and development of the Distribution
System and any consequential requirement of the interface with the
Transmission System will depend on:
the type and extent of the necessary reinforcement and/or extension
work;
The Saudi Arabian Distribution Code 28
Planning Code
Design standards
The Distribution System is designed to perform in accordance with the
following standards.
Frequency
The Frequency of supply on the Interconnected System is outside the
control of DSPs, however the standard Frequency is nominally 60Hz and
shall normally be controlled within the limits of 59.9Hz to 60.1Hz;
The Frequency on the Interconnected System could rise to 62.5Hz or
fall to 57.0Hz in exceptional circumstances. Design of Power Producer s
Plant and apparatus must enable Operation of that Plant and apparatus
within that range in accordance with the following Table 1.
For a period of 30
57.0 57.4 61.6 62.5
seconds
33kV-69kV 3.0
23 1.7
25 1.5
>25 (38.5/h-0.27
19 1.5 12 0.4
23 1.2 14 0.4
25 1.1 16 0.3
Harmonic
Harmonic Harmonic
Order 'h' Order 'h' Order 'h' Voltage
Voltage % Voltage %
%
19 1.1 12 0.3
23 0.9 14 0.3
25 0.8 16 0.3
Connections MV
For Connections at MV, the provisions of PC.8.4.1 apply. Additionally, the
following information is required from Users, unless provision of part or all
the data is excused by the DSP:
User MV System Data
The characteristics of User switchgear at the Connection Point;
Where a User has a User system involving significant amounts of network,
the effects of the User network on the Distribution System may need to
be modelled by the DSP. The User should in the first instance model the
User system and provide such model to the DSP. The DSP may wish to
check the model, in such case, Schedule B point 4 should be completed
by the User. For this purpose, the characteristics of the User network are
modelled as User Demand.
Where a User has connecting transformers, these may need to be
modelled by the DSP. Such Users are to provide a transformer and
Voltage control model and if requested data as in Schedule B point 5.
Protection data related to the interface of the User system with the
Distribution System as in Schedule B point 6.
On request, sufficient transient overvoltage data for equipment at the
interface with the Distribution System as detailed in Schedule B point 7.
Reactive Compensation Equipment
All MV Users with reactive compensation equipment should complete
Schedule B point 2.
All Types of Demand
Maximum Active Power requirements. Schedule C;
Maximum and minimum Reactive Power requirements. Schedule C;
Type of load and control arrangements (e.g. type of motor start,
controlled rectifier or large motor drives) see PC.8.4.2.4 below
Schedule C; and
Maximum loading on each phase. Schedule C point 1.
Disturbing Loads
Users must provide a comprehensive schedule of installed new
equipment including details of Disturbing Loads. Disturbing Loads could
be non-linear loads, power converters/regulators and loads with a widely
fluctuating Demand.
The type of load information required for motive power loads, welding
equipment, Harmonic producing/ non-linear loads and generating
equipment is contained in Schedule C point 3.
In the case of compensating equipment associated with Disturbing
Loads, details and mode of Operation are to be provided to ensure
compliance with emission limits specified in CC.8.1.6.
6 the maximum Active Power sent out and any Reactive Power
requirements for the User site;
7 information regarding the control arrangements and capability for:
DISCONNECTING USERS
DSP(s) may disconnect Users under certain circumstances. These
circumstances shall include:
1 where the Customer installation or use of electricity is such as to
interfere with the satisfactory Operation of the Distribution System
or Transmission System or to cause disturbance to other
Customers;
K Outage schedules
Initially unless
C load characteristics data
changed
This Demand profile should be completed for each year of the 5-year period. Where there is no
change expected, a User may complete the following declaration. [Year 0 refers to the year just
past.]
DSP(s) may request D1 and D2 as part of Connection Data
Declaration - [User name] is unaware of any expected change to this/ these Demand profile(s)
over the 5-year forecast period.
00:00 01:00
01:00 02:00
02:00 03:00
03:00 04:00
04:00 05:00
05:00 06:00
06:00 07:00
07:00 08:00
08:00 09:00
09:00 10:00
10:00 11:00
11:00 12:00
12:00 13:00
13:00 14:00
14:00 15:00
15:00 16:00
16:00 17:00
17:00 18:00
18:00 19:00
19:00 20:00
20:00 21:00
21:00 22:00
22:00 23:00
23:00 24:00
This Demand profile should be completed for each year of the 5-year period. Where there is no
change expected, a User may complete the following declaration. [Year 0 refers to the year just
past.]
WEEKLY
If there is a significant difference in daily load profile for certain days of the week Users must
supply representative profiles for e.g. work days and non-work days.
SEASONAL
Users who expect significant variation in Demand throughout the year should indicate their
expected Maximum Demand and Minimum Demand for each month and if certain periods have
different daily profiles these should be supplied.
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
All Users with Generating Units and all Users with Controllable Demand
This Output usable/Controllable Demand profile should be completed for each year of the 5-
year period. Where there is no change expected, a User may complete the following declaration.
[Year 0 refers to the year just past.]
DSP(s) may request D3 and D4 as part of Connection Data
Declaration - [User name] is unaware of any expected change to this/ these Output
usable/Controllable Demand profile(s) over the 5-year forecast period.
Forecast daily Output usable/Controllable Demand profiles in respect of each Generating Unit
and/or Controllable Demand.
And/Or:
00:00 01:00
01:00 02:00
02:00 03:00
03:00 04:00
04:00 05:00
05:00 06:00
06:00 07:00
07:00 08:00
08:00 09:00
09:00 10:00
10:00 11:00
11:00 12:00
12:00 13:00
13:00 14:00
14:00 15:00
15:00 16:00
16:00 17:00
17:00 18:00
18:00 19:00
19:00 20:00
20:00 21:00
21:00 22:00
22:00 23:00
23:00 24:00
This Output usable profile should be completed for each year of the 5-year period. Where there is no
change expected, a User may complete the following declaration. [Year 0 refers to the year just past.]
WEEKLY
If there is a significant difference in daily profile for certain days of the week Users must supply
representative profiles for e.g. work days and non-work days.
SEASONAL
Users who expect significant variation in Output usable throughout the year should indicate their
expected maximum Output and minimum Output for each month and if certain periods have different
daily profiles these should be supplied.
This Controllable Demand profile should be completed for each year of the 5-year period. Where
there is no change expected, a User may complete the following declaration. [Year 0 refers to the
year just past.]
WEEKLY
If there is a significant difference in daily profile for certain days of the week Users must supply
representative profiles for e.g. work days and non-work days.
SEASONAL
Users who expect significant variation in Controllable Demand throughout the year should indicate
their expected maximum Demand and minimum Demand for each month and if certain periods have
different daily profiles these should be supplied.
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
CONTENTS
User system are similar for all Users within an equivalent category.
In this way, the Connection Conditions enable DSP(s) to comply
with the Sector Law and License Obligations in a non-discriminatory
way.
The integrity of the Distribution System and the security and quality
of supply to existing Users shall not be allowed to fall below
minimum standards as a result of Generating Units operating in
parallel with the Distribution System. Conditions for Connection
and Operation shall guarantee the safety of members of the general
public, personnel and distribution equipment.
Ownership Boundary
The point or points at which supply is given or taken between the
Distribution System and the User installation shall be agreed in the
Connection Agreement between the DSP and the User.
For Low Voltage supplies the DSP responsibility extends up to the
Customer Connection Point, which is normally at the DSP main
Circuit Breaker.
For Medium Voltage supplies, the Ownership Boundary shall be subject
to specific agreement between the parties. Changes in the Ownership
Boundary arrangements proposed by either party shall be agreed in
advance and shall be recorded in the Connection Agreement.
All equipment at the Ownership Boundary shall meet the design
principles contained in CC.6. Connections to the Distribution System
shall incorporate a means of disconnection of the User installation by
the DSP.
Connected in accordance with normal practice for the User installation and
the local network characteristics.
Generally, the Voltage level will be the minimum nominal Voltage in
standard use on the system, assessed against:
satisfactory Operation of the installation;
Isolation of disturbance from other Customers;
lifecycle costs; and
cost of Connection.
The DSP may, on occasion, specify higher Connection Voltage in order
to avoid potential disturbances caused by the User apparatus to other
Users of the Distribution System or for other technical reasons or may
agree alternative methods for minimizing the effects of Disturbing Loads
or Generating Units.
Connection Standards
From the time that this Distribution Code is issued all equipment in an
installation Connected to the Distribution System shall be designed,
manufactured, tested and installed in accordance with all applicable
statutory obligations and shall conform to relevant SASO standards or
equivalent IEC standards with the latest version at the time of the
Connection of the installation to the Distribution System.
For equipment approved to be Connected to the Distribution System
before issuing this Distribution Code, that is compliant with other
standards such as ANSI, ASTM, IEEE
relevant standards can be applied for a further period, on condition that
they shall have at least an equivalent degree of conformity specified in
SASO or equivalent IEC standards, and shall satisfy the service conditions
of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, the acceptability of any alternative
standards or codes is at the discretion of the DSPs.
In case of any conflict between SASO standards and the other standards,
SASO or equivalent IEC standards shall be applied.
If there are no relevant SASO standards or equivalent IEC standards
available, and/ or if the DSP considers it necessary, the DSP may notify
the Users that supplemental specifications and/or standards shall be
complied with, in which case the User Plant and apparatus shall so
comply.
Tolerance of System Conditions
All equipment in an installation Connected to the Distribution System
shall be suitable for use at the operating Frequency of the Distribution
System and at the Voltage and short-circuit rating and the insulation level
as shown in PC.4.2.2.1, CC.6.2.10 and CC.6.2.11 at the Connection
Point. The DSP may require certification that the equipment has been
designed and installed in a satisfactory manner. The DSP may also seek
evidence that the equipment has been tested for conformity with the
standards.
For Users Connected at Low Voltage, installations shall comply with the
standards as in CC.6.2.10 and CC.6.2.11.2. Users complying with these
Unless the DSP advises otherwise, the use of Protection and associated
equipment to limit the fault current infeed from the User system to the
Distribution System is not acceptable if the failure of that Protection and
associated equipment to operate as intended in the event of a fault could
cause equipment owned by the DSP to operate outside its short-circuit
rating.
Commissioning of Protection relays
Protection relays shall be commissioned on site by the User who shall
ensure that the settings are below the maximum permitted levels. In certain
cases, the DSP may wish to witness these tests and it shall be the
responsibility of the User to ensure that sufficient notice is given to the DSP
in such cases. Users shall ensure that the Protection settings remain
below the maximum permitted levels. This may require regular testing of
the relays.
Interface Protection settings and settings affecting generation Operation
shall not be changed without the permission of the DSP.
Earthing Requirements
The DSP shall advise on the method of Earthing of the Distribution
System as stated in PC.4.2.5. The specification of associated User
equipment shall be appropriate to the Voltages that will be imposed on the
equipment as a result of the method of Earthing.
The arrangements for connecting the User installation with Earth shall be
designed to comply with relevant international (IEC) and national (SASO)
standards.
Users shall take precautions to limit the occurrence and effects of
circulating currents in respect of the neutral points Connected with Earth
where there is more than one source of electricity.
Earthing of the part of the User installation that is Connected to the
Distribution System shall comply with the following requirements:
Bonding of LV neutral and MV Earths
LV neutral Earthing and any earths associated with MV equipment /
system (e.g. MV metalwork, cable screen, etc.) shall be kept bonded.
Earth Resistance
The recommended resistance limits for different installations should be as
shown in Table 9 below.
Installation Resistance
System Earthing
All distribution sub-station
Surge arrestors
LV Distribution panel
Table 9: Resistance limits for different installations
The User shall provide Earthing at its interface. The User shall bring the
Earth wire to the Earthing terminals provided in the Meter box. The
User Earth wire shall be Connected to the Earthing terminal inside the
Meter box. The Earthing terminal shall be short linked with the neutral.
Up to four Meters may be Connected to one Earth rod. In case of
additional Meters at the premises, additional Earth rods shall be provided.
Ground mounted MV equipment
The equipment covered is RMUs, MV switches etc, when separated from
transformer and User indoor switchgear. All metal work shall be bonded
together and to the substation metalwork Earthing system. Each
continuous piece of metal that could form part of the path of a ground fault
current shall be bonded to its neighbours so that continuity of Earthing
circuit does not depend on mechanical Connection between components.
Requirements in relation to Voltage Regulation and Control
Extensions or Connections to the Distribution System shall be designed
so that they do not hinder the necessary control of Voltage on the
Distribution System. Information on the Voltage regulation and control
arrangements shall be made available by the DSP if requested by the User.
Requirements to tolerate Short-Circuit Levels
The short-circuit rating of User equipment at the Connection Point shall
not be less than the design Fault Level of the Distribution System as
shown in Table 10 below. The DSP shall take into account the contribution
to Fault Level of the User Connected system and apparatus in the design
of its system.
220 / 127 V 21
45
380 / 200 V 20
30
400 / 230 V 20
30
13.8 kV All 21
33 kV All 25
69 kV All 31.5
Table 10: Short circuit ratings
Note: The dry/wet power Frequency withstand Voltages are dry for one
minute and wet for ten seconds.
Low Voltage levels
Unless otherwise specified in the User Connection Agreement, the BIL
and power Frequency withstand Voltage for low system Voltages are as
tabulated below in Table 12:
277 / 480
230 / 400
6 3 2
220 / 380
127 / 220
Table 12: Basic Insulation levels for Low Voltage apparatus
Compliance
Generating Units connecting to the Distribution System and operating in
parallel with, or which are capable of being operated in parallel with the
Distribution System, shall comply with the ESPM.
If an existing User does not comply with the technical and design
standards set down in CC.6, or cannot comply (for technical or economic
or other reasons) with the requirements of this section, the User shall seek
derogation from the provision from WERA.
Where a Generating Unit is to be installed and operated in parallel with
the Distribution System within an existing User installation, the DSP
shall be informed. The DSP has the right to inspect generating installations to
ensure that the requirements are met. In some cases, the DSP may require
a demonstration by Operation of the Generating Unit. Such
demonstrations shall be by agreement with the User.
DSP has the right to witness
The DSP has the right to witness aspects of the commissioning testing of
a Generating Unit and the Harmonic emissions testing or Flicker
compliance testing of any Plant. The DSP will signal its intention to
witness tests in a timely manner.
Power Factor
Each User with Demand shall maintain a Power Factor of not less than
0.85 lagging at the interface with the DSP. No User shall present a leading
Power Factor to the DSP system unless resulting from Operation of its
Generation as agreed or instructed by the DSP.
Change in Power Factor range
By 21.10.1438 H. Users must improve their Demand related Power
Factor to not less than 0.90 lagging and by 21.10.1443 H to a minimum of
0.95 lagging. The DSP may require proof that this has been achieved.
Users with both generation and Demand shall not transgress any Power
Factor or Reactive Power limits set down in their Connection
Agreement or notified to them by the DSP further to the performance
conditions of this Distribution Code.
Phase Unbalance
Under normal system conditions the three-phase Voltages shall be
balanced at MV, and higher Voltages in the system, such that the
negative-phase-sequence Voltage does not exceed 2% of the positive
phase sequence Voltage.
Phase Unbalance for Users with a Dedicated Transformer
Users with a dedicated transformer shall ensure that their loads are so
balanced that load unbalance which they create on the MV system meets
the User negative-phase-sequence current criteria of 1%.
Phase Unbalance for Users supplied at 13.8kV
Users supplied at 13.8kV or a higher Voltage shall balance their loads,
such that the load phase unbalance at the Customer User interface
meets the User negative-phase-sequence current criteria of 1%.
Deadband
settable
Droop
settable
60
Frequency (Hz)
For Frequencies above 61Hz, the controller shall detect the over-
Frequency and automatically switch to Frequency Sensitive Mode and
ramp-down Output according to a regime agreed with the DSP who shall
have regard to the TSP instructions.
For Frequencies below 59Hz, the controller shall detect the under-
Frequency and automatically switch to Frequency Sensitive Mode and
ramp-up any available Output according to a regime agreed with the DSP
who shall have regard to the TSP instructions.
Further Active Power performance requirements for Asynchronous
Generating Units are set down in Schedule 2.
Reactive Power Performance and Control
Generating Units with a Registered Capacity less than 2MW shall be
able to control the Power Factor to a value agreed with the DSP.
The Reactive Power capability must, as a minimum, lie within the range
0.95 absorbing to 0.95 generating as measured at the Connection Point
when the Generating Unit is operating at full Active Power Registered
Capacity.
Generating Units shall be equipped to vary their Reactive Power so as
to control Voltage local to the Power Producer facility, but nothing shall
compel a Power Producer to operate beyond the equipment rating or
stability limits set down in the relevant Connection Agreement.
Generating Unit Operating on a Fixed Power Factor
Where the Generating Unit is to be operated on a fixed Power Factor,
this will be stated in the Connection Agreement and may be varied from
time to time by the DSP within the range stated above or as further agreed
in the Connection Agreement (as allowed for in GC.4).
The Reactive Power control requirements for Synchronous Generating
Units having a Registered Capacity greater than 2MW are set down in
the Performance Schedule 1 - Synchronous Generating Units.
Further Reactive Power control requirements for Asynchronous
Generating Units of all sizes are set down in the Performance Schedule 2
- Asynchronous Generating Units.
Low Voltage Ride Through
Low Voltage Fault Ride through capability of Generating Units of up to
200kW
Generating Units of up to 200kW Connected to the Distribution
System need not ride through faults.
Low Voltage Fault Ride through capability of Generating Units greater than
200kW and less than 2MW
Under transient conditions, Generating Units with a Registered Capacity
greater than 200kW and less than 2MW must be capable of withstanding
faults on the Distribution System which may cause the Voltage at the
Connection Point to drop to between 70% and 80% of the nominal
Voltage for a period of up to 300ms in any one phase or combination of
Figure 4: Fault ride through requirements for Synchronous and Asynchronous Generating Units
Communication
Each Power Producer shall ensure that it complies, in respect of each
Generating Unit within its facility, with a list of signals as set by the DSP,
which details the destination, list and format of signals required to enable
information and normal and emergency control of the Generating Unit.
The DSP will have the right to test performance of these signals and the
DSP may withhold a Temporary Connection Certificate or Final
Connection Certificate or replace a Final Connection Certificate with a
Limited Performance Certificate until such time as the problem has
been rectified and the communication is proven to work.
Each party (TSP, DSP and SSECC) empowered to issue and receive
signals from Users is required to have proper regard for the security of the
Total System or Distribution System from cyber threats and all control
centres, the DSP and Users of the Distribution System are required to
cooperate to the fullest extent in establishing and maintaining procedures
and practices aimed at reducing such cyber-attack risks to any party.
Generating Plant Commissioning Tests and Compliance Certification
Where the Generating Unit requires Connection to the Distribution
System in advance of the commissioning date, for the purposes of testing,
the Power Producer shall comply with the requirements of the
Connection Agreement.
Provision of a commissioning Programme
The Power Producer shall provide the DSP with a commissioning
programme, for approval by the DSP prior to any testing.
The DSP shall approve the commissioning programme, if reasonable, to
allow Commissioning Tests to be co-ordinated.
The Power Producer shall, as a minimum, confirm that at least interface
Protection (as described in the Protection philosophy document
(CC.5.3)) and preferably the main Generating Unit Protection has been
proven to function as designed.
DSP Right to Witness Compliance Tests
Commissioning testing proves for the User that the Plant supplied and
installed is functioning as agreed. Tests may be required by the DSP to
prove Distribution Code compliance. The DSP has a right to witness
these compliance tests and will advise in a timely manner if it is the
intention to do so. The results of compliance tests shall be supplied to the
DSP in an agreed format.
Issuance of a Final Connection Certificate
On successful completion of compliance testing the DSP shall issue a
Final Connection Certificate. Where a test fails to meet the requirements
of the Distribution Code, the DSP may refuse Connection or may issue
a Temporary Connection Certificate valid for a time to allow the matter
to be rectified whilst the Generating Unit is permitted to be operational.
Alternatively, the DSP may issue a Limited Performance Certificate
restricting the Generating Unit in some way.
Schedule B
with respect to accuracy of the set point adjustment and the resulting
control action, there shall not be any deviation of more than 2% of
the set point value or by 0.5% of the rated Power, whichever
provides the closer tolerance and the action shall be completed in
less than 10 minutes after receipt of the Dispatch Instruction. In
making such assessment due regard shall be taken of the available
energy and the power curve as specified/set out in the Connection
Agreement.
Figure 5: Minimum Reactive Power requirements for Asynchronous Generating Units 2MW
depending upon the selected control mode
Figure 6: Per unit Reactive Power at the Connection Point based upon 1p.u. Active Power rating
Figure 7: Deployment of modes of Reactive Power control for Asynchronous Generating Units
CONTENTS
DEMAND FORECASTING
Introduction
In order for the DSP to operate the Distribution System efficiently and to
ensure maximum system security and system stability, there is a need for
those User specified in OC.2.1 to provide loading and generation Output
information to the DSP.
Demand forecasting specifies the information to be provided to the DSP
by other User of the Distribution System so that these requirements
can be met.
OBJECTIVE
This Operating Code sets out the Demand forecasting and the
Generating Unit Output information to be provided by User to enable
the DSP to operate the Distribution System, and specifies the
information to be provided by User to the DSP.
Generating Units incorporating Energy Storage behave, when importing
energy, as Demand, and when exporting energy, as Generating Units.
Power Producers should provide loading and generation Output
information as required by the DSP from other Users with Demand or
Generating Units.
Users with Controllable Demand should identify that part of their load
that is controllable.
The means of providing the information to the DSP and its confirmation
includes any non-transitory written form, or any other suitable means of
electronic transfer, which enables the recipient to retain information.
Scope
Demand forecasting applies to the following Users of the Distribution
System:
Major Customer Connected to the Distribution System and
Medium Voltage Customers where the DSP considers it
appropriate;
Power Producers with a Registered Capacity greater 2MW and
whose Generating Units are not subject to Central Dispatch;
Energy Storage with a Registered Capacity (in respect of
generating Output) greater than 2MW (or Demand greater than
1MW) and whose Energy Storage are not subject to Central
Dispatch; and
Energy Storage is greater than 2MW.
DEMAND CONTROL
Introduction
OC.4.1 is concerned with provisions to be made by DSP(s) or Users of
the Distribution System, in certain circumstances, to permit reductions in
Demand.
Reductions could occur:-
1 In Normal conditions to optimize system operation or in case of
congestions
2 in the event of insufficient generating Plant and transfers from
external interconnections are not available to meet Demand;
3 to avoid disconnection of Customers; or
4 in the event of breakdown and/or operating problems (such as in
respect of system Frequency, system Voltage levels or system
thermal overloads) on any part of the Transmission or Distribution
System.
The demand control procedures ensure that hardship to Users and
Customers is minimized and that in so far as is practicable all parties
affected are treated equitably.
Means of reducing Demand
OC.4 deals with the following means of reducing Demand:
1 automatic low Frequency or Voltage Demand disconnection;
2 Customer Demand reduction including Voltage reduction;
Customer Demand management initiated by Licensed Suppliers or
other parties, other than following an instruction by DSP or the TSP;
3 Customer Demand reduction instructed by DSPs or the TSP; and
4 Emergency manual Demand disconnection.
The term demand control is used to describe any or all of these methods
of achieving a Demand reduction.
Demand control Exercised by DSPs or the TSP
Where demand control is exercised by DSPs or the TSP it shall be done in
a manner that, in so far as reasonably practicable, does not discriminate
against any Customer or Licensed Supplier. DSPs or the TSP shall use
reasonable endeavours to ensure that the burden is shared fairly among
Customers. Exemptions may apply to vital and priority Customers as
defined in the Distribution load shedding criteria/plan submitted by the
DSPs and approved by WERA. DSPs shall consider the location of
significant local generation and arrange load shedding plans to maintain
that local generation, and any incidental load on that part of the
Distribution System.
Methods of Demand Control
Customer Demand may be disconnected automatically at selected
locations in accordance with the requirements of the SAGC and
arrangements agreed from time to time with the TSP, in the event of a
sudden fall in Frequency. Such arrangements shall be carefully
coordinated as part of an overall scheme and may take into account any
operational requirements or essential load.
Automatic Disconnection by Undervoltage Relays
Automatic disconnection by undervoltage relays may be used
discriminately to disconnect load at 33kV or 13.8kV in order to maintain
Voltage within acceptable limits, so as to avoid widespread load shedding.
Deliberate Reduction of Voltage
Deliberate reduction of Voltage may be used to achieve a temporary
reduction in Demand.
Deliberate Reduction in System Frequency
Deliberate reduction in system Frequency may also be used to achieve a
temporary reduction in Demand in accordance with the SAGC.
Emergency Manual Load Shedding
Emergency manual load shedding may be carried out on the Distribution
System or Transmission System for reasons of shortfall in supply or
other reasons.
In the event of a sustained period of shortfall then planned rota load
shedding may be used to share the available power among affected
Customers.
Implementation of Demand Control
Where demand control is exercised by the DSP in order to safeguard the
Distribution System the DSP shall liaise with and inform Users
accordingly, as far as is practicable.
Where demand control is exercised by a DSP on instruction or request
from the TSP in order to safeguard the Total System, then the DSP is
required to respond to the TSP requests promptly but shall liaise with and
inform other Users, so far as is practicable.
The procedures for load shedding including exemption policies, load
shedding rota and Customer communications are contained in the current
EVENT REPORTING
Introduction
OC.6 sets the requirements for reporting in writing those Events deemed
to be Significant Incidents under OC.5.3.
OC.6 also provides for the joint investigation of Significant Incidents by
the Users.
Scope
OC.6 applies to the following Users of the Distribution System:
1 Major Customers Connected to the Distribution System where
the DSP considers it appropriate;
2 Power Producers having Plant with a Registered Capacity greater
than 2MW, or according to the Connection Agreement between the
DSP and User.
Procedures
A DSP and each User specified in OC.6.2 shall nominate officers and
establish communication channels to ensure the effectiveness of OC.6.
Such officers and communication channels may be the same as those
established under OC.5.
Communication shall, as far as possible, be direct between the User and
the DSP. This does not, however, preclude communication with the
User nominated representative.
In the case of an Event that has been reported to the DSP under OC.5
and subsequently has been determined by the DSP to be a Significant
Incident, a written report shall be given to the DSP by the User in
accordance with OC.6.
In the case of an Event that has been reported to the User under OC.5
and subsequently has been determined by the DSP to be a Significant
Incident, a written report shall be given to the User by the DSP in
accordance with OC.6.
The report shall be in writing or in electronic form and shall be sent to the
DSP or User, as the case may be. It shall contain confirmation of the
notification given under OC.5 together with more details relating to the
Significant Incident including information, which has become known
relating to the Significant Incident since the notification. The report shall,
as a minimum, contain those matters specified in OC.6.
A report under OC.6 shall be given as soon as reasonably practical after
the notification under OC.5.
Joint Investigations
Where a Significant Incident has been declared and a report submitted
under OC.6 either party or parties may request in writing that a joint
investigation be carried out.
The composition of such an investigation panel shall be appropriate to the
incident to be investigated and agreed by all parties involved.
A joint investigation shall only take place where all parties affected by it
agree to it. The form and rules of, and procedures for, and all matters
relating to the joint investigation shall be agreed at the time of a joint
investigation, and in the absence of agreement, the joint investigation shall
not take place.
Matters to be Included in a Written Report of a Significant
Incident
Matters to be Included by all Participants
Matters applicable to DSPs and Power Producers or Major Customers
are as follows:
1 date and time of Significant Incident;
2 location;
3 equipment involved;
4 brief description of Significant Incident;
5 details of any demand control undertaken;
6 conclusions and recommendations, if applicable
Matters applicable to the DSP
Matters applicable to the DSP are as follows:-
1 Effect on Users and where appropriate:
2 Duration of incident; and
3 Estimated date and time of return to normal service.
Matters applicable to Power Producers and Major Customers
Matters applicable to Power Producers and Major Customers are as
follows:
1 date and time of Significant Incident;
2 location;
3 equipment involved;
4 brief description of Significant Incident;
The Saudi Arabian Distribution Code 124
Operating Code
SYSTEM TESTS
Introduction
OC6 sets out the responsibilities and procedures for arranging and
carrying out System Tests, which have or may have an effect on the
systems of DSPs or Users. System Tests are either those which involve
simulated or the controlled application of irregular, unusual or extreme
conditions on the Total System or any part of the Total System, but
which do not include Commissioning Tests or re-Commissioning Tests
or any other tests of a minor nature.
Scope
OC.7 applies to the following Users of the Distribution System:
1 Major Customers Connected to the Distribution System where
the DSP considers it appropriate;
2 Power Producers with Plant having a Registered Capacity greater
than 2MW, or according to the Connection Agreement between the
DSP and the User.
Procedures
If the System Test is proposed by the DSP or the User Connected to the
Distribution System then the provisions of OC.7 shall apply.
All System Test procedures shall comply with all applicable legislation.
Tests subject to OC6
If the System Test will or may have an effect on the Transmission
System, then the provision of the Saudi Arabian Grid Code shall apply.
System Tests which have a minimal effect on the Distribution System or
the systems of others will not be subject to this procedure; minimal effect
shall be taken to mean variations in Voltage, Frequency and waveform
distortion of a value not greater than those figures which are defined in the
Planning Code.
Period of notice of Test
When a DSP or a User intends to undertake a System Test which may
have significant effect on the system of others normally
notice, or as otherwise agreed by the DSP, shall be given by the person
proposing the System Test (Test Proposer) to the DSP and to those
Users who may be affected by such a System Test.
Written Test Proposal Notice
The proposal shall be in writing and shall contain details of the nature and
purpose of the proposed System Test and shall indicate the extent and
situation of the Plant or apparatus involved.
If the information set out in the proposal notice is considered insufficient by
the recipient, they shall contact the Test Proposer with a written request for
further information which shall be supplied as soon as reasonably
practicable. The DSP shall not be required to do anything under OC.7 until it
is satisfied with the details supplied in the proposal or pursuant to a
request for further information.
The Saudi Arabian Distribution Code 125
Operating Code
Duties of DSP(s)
If a DSP wishes to undertake a System Test, the DSP shall be deemed to
have received a proposal for that System Test.
The DSP shall have responsibility for overall co-ordination of the System
Test, and, using the information supplied to it under OC.7, shall identify in
its reasonable estimation, which Users other than the Test Proposer, may
be affected by the proposed System Test.
Following receipt of the System Test proposal, the DSP shall evaluate the
impact of the System Test and discuss the proposals with Users
identified as being affected.
1 Within one month of receiving the System Test proposal the DSP
shall submit a report to the Test Proposer which shall contain
proposals for carrying out the System Test (including the manner in
which it is to be monitored);
2 an allocation of costs between the affected parties, (the general
principle being that the Test Proposer will bear the costs); and
3 such other matters that the DSP considers appropriate; an outline of
the procedure to be followed and the proposed test schedule and
advice regarding any costs.
The proposal report shall be submitted to all those who received a notice
under OC.7.3.3.
If the proposal report (or a revised proposal report as agreed between the
DSP and the Test Proposer) is approved by all recipients, the System
Test can proceed.
Test Programme
At least one month prior to the date of the proposed System Test, the
DSP shall submit to all recipients of the proposal notice
1 a programme which in OC.7 shall be called a Final Test Programme
stating the switching sequence and proposed timings;
2 a list of those staff involved in carrying out the System Test
(including those responsible for site safety); and
3 such other matters as the DSP deems appropriate.
The final test programme shall bind all recipients to act in accordance with
the provisions contained within the programme in relation to the proposed
System Test.
Final report
At the conclusion of the System Test, the Test Proposer shall be
SAFETY COORDINATION
Introduction
OC8 specifies the Safety Rules and procedures to be applied by the DSP
to meet statutory requirements and Distribution Licence conditions and
obligations.
Similar Safety Rules and procedures shall be provided by other Users of
the Distribution System when carrying out work or tests at the
operational interface with the DSP, otherwise reliance is to be placed on
working to the DSP Safety Rules.
Objectives
The objectives of Safety Coordination procedures are to:
lay down the Safety Management criteria to be applied,
to ensure safety of persons across operational and Ownership
Boundaries.
Scope
OC.9 specifies the Safety Rules and procedures that apply to the DSPs
and the following Users of the Distribution System:
1 all Power Producers;
2 Major Customers;
3 any other party reasonably specified by the DSP including Users
Connected at Medium Voltage or Low Voltage for appropriate
sections of OC.9 when necessary;
4 agents of the DSPs or Users working on the Distribution System or
at or across operational boundaries.
Procedures
The Safety Management principles and procedures (Safety
Management system) for ensuring the health and safety of all relevant
personnel shall be specified by the DSP and Users for work on their
respective systems or Plant and apparatus Connected to them.
There shall be joint agreement by DSPs and Users on which Safety
Management system is to be used for sites or locations where an
operational boundary exists and proper documentation of the safety
precautions to be taken shall be maintained.
There shall be written authorization of personnel who carry out the duties
of control, Operation, work or testing of Plant apparatus forming part of,
or Connected to, the Distribution System.
There shall be joint agreement between the DSP and each User as to
which of them specifies responsibility for system or control equipment and
which agreement shall ensure that only one party is responsible for any
item of Plant or apparatus at any one time.
The DSP and each User shall at all times have nominated a person or
persons responsible for the co-ordination of safety on the respective
system.
The DSP and each User shall maintain a suitable system of
documentation which records all relevant operational Events that have
DISPATCH CODE
Introduction
This OC.10 sets out the minimum requirements for Users whose
generation or Demand may be dispatched in part or in total by the DSP
and allows the DSP to test the availability of controllable Plant.
Scope
OC.10 specifies the arrangements and procedures that apply to DSPs and
the following Users of the Distribution System:
all Power Producers whose Generating Units are subject to
Dispatch by the DSP but not subject to Central Dispatch by the
TSP;
Users with Controllable Demand part or all of which may be
dispatched by the DSP but is not subject to Central Dispatch by the
TSP.
Content of Dispatch Instructions
Dispatch Instructions are instructions issued by the DSP to a User to
alter the operational state or mode of Operation of Plant, to Synchronise
or de-synchronise a Synchronous Generating Unit, to Connect or
disconnect an Asynchronous Generating Unit, to modify the amount of
Active Power (MW) or Reactive Power (MVAr) generated or consumed
at the User facility or to provide or change any other contracted system
service.
Arrangements for Information and Control
Control information is not required from Generating Units with a
Registered Capacity of less than 200kW, but may be provided.
Generating Units and Controllable Demand may or may not be subject
to Dispatch Instructions and may fall under separate bi-lateral
agreements falling outside the Distribution Code.In the case of all Plant
falling within the Scope of this OC.10 :
Either:
A Power Producer or User with Controllable Demand subject to
control by the DSP shall ensure that their Plant is equipped to
receive and transmit signals in a format and to the extent specified
by the DSP, including the operational state of the Plant and, where
Appendix E RISSP
Recording of Safety Precautions
Agreement of Safety Precautions
When a User or DSP wishes to carry out work and/or testing on or near its
system and it is of the opinion that, for this to be done safely, safety
precautions all
be undertaken:
1 in the case of work on a DSP apparatus, the DSP s Requesting
Safety Coordinator will contact the User Safety
Coordinator; or
2 in the case of work on the User MV apparatus the User
Requesting Safety Coordinator will contact the DSP s Implementing
Safety Coordinator;
In either case for the part of the system on which (or relating to which) the
safety precautions are required. This contact is made to agree, in
accordance with the procedure contained in this Appendix, the location at
which the safety precautions will be implemented or applied.
When a DSP wishes to carry out work and/or testing on or near the
Distribution System and it is of the opinion that, for this to be done
safely, safety precautions are required on (or relating to) more than one
User system the provisions of this Appendix shall be followed with regard
to each User separately.
Agreement of Isolation
The Requesting Safety Coordinator shall inform the Implementing Safety
Coordinator of the MV apparatus on which Safety from the system is to
be achieved and they will need to reach agreement on the location(s) at
which Isolation is to be established on (or relating to) the Implementing
Safety Coordinator's System.
The Implementing Safety Coordinator shall then promptly inform the
Requesting Safety Coordinator of the following:
1 for each location, the identity (by means of name and numbering or
position, as applicable) of each point of Isolation;
2 whether Isolation is to be achieved by an Isolating Device in the
isolating position or by an adequate physical separation or sufficient
gap or by disablement (by means of switching or dismantling) of
Plant and/or apparatus so that electrical energy cannot pass from
the apparatus (or, in the case of Plant, from the associated
apparatus) to the MV apparatus, other than by an Isolating Device;
and
3 the procedures to be taken under Safety Rules being applied to
clearly identify the isolated equipment and points of Isolation and to
ensure that no inadvertent re-energization can take place.
The Implementing Safety Coordinator shall maintain each point of
Isolation in accordance with the relevant Local Safety Instructions until
the Requesting Safety Coordinator confirms that Isolation is no longer
required and that it is safe (including any arrangements for Earthing
implemented by the Requesting Safety Coordinator) to re-energise the
previously Isolated part of the system.
Agreement of Earthing
If, in addition to the Isolation requested under this Appendix E to OC.9 the
Requesting Safety Coordinator requires Earthing, he shall notify this
requirement to the Implementing Safety Coordinator and they will need
to reach agreement on the location(s) at which Earthing is to be
established on the Implementing Safety Coordinator's system until the
Requesting Safety Coordinator confirms that the arrangements for
Earthing are no longer required.
The Implementing Safety Coordinator shall then promptly inform the
Requesting Safety Coordinator for each location, the identity (by means
of apparatus name and numbering or position, as is applicable) of each
point of Earthing.
The Implementing Safety Coordinator shall maintain each point of
Earthing in accordance with the relevant Local Safety Instructions.
In the event of Disagreement
In any case where the Requesting Safety Coordinator and the
Implementing Safety Coordinator are unable to agree the location of the
Isolation and (if requested) Earthing, it shall be at the closest available
points on the in-feeds to the apparatus on which safety from the system is
to be achieved. The closest point will be as indicated on the Ownership
Boundary Diagram or, in the case where, by reason of the design of any
MV apparatus on which safety precautions are to be applied, it is not
practicable to apply safety precautions on that apparatus, it shall be at the
most appropriate point(s) on the User Plant and/or apparatus to achieve
safety from the system, as determined by the DSP.
Implementation of Isolation and Earthing
Once the location of Isolation and (if requested) Earthing are agreed, the
following procedure will apply:
1 the Implementing Safety Coordinator will ensure the implementation
of the Isolation;
2 the Implementing Safety Coordinator will confirm to the Requesting
Safety Coordinator that the Isolation has been established on their
system;
Work
Following confirmation by the Implementing Safety Coordinator to the
Requesting Safety Coordinator that all of the agreed safety precautions
have been established on or relating to the System of the Implementing
Safety Coordinator, the Implementing Safety Coordinator will record in
Section 1.1. of his RISSP-B the details of the MV apparatus on which he
has been told that safety from the system is required. The Implementing
Safety Coordinator will also record the safety precautions established on
or relating to the system of the Implementing Safety Coordinator onto
parts 1.1 and 1.2 of his RISSP-B.
Where Earthing was not requested (either because Earthing was
possible but was not required or because Earthing was not possible), part
1.2(b) of the RISSP-B will be completed with the words "not earthed".
The Implementing Safety Coordinator shall then contact the Requesting
Safety Coordinator and confirm, by reading out the details entered on
parts 1.1 and 1.2 of RISSP-B, to the Requesting Safety Coordinator, that
the safety precautions have been established.
The Requesting Safety Coordinator will then complete parts 1.1 and 1.2
of RISSP-A with the precise details received from the Implementing
Safety Coordinator and then read back all those details to the
Implementing Safety Coordinator. If both confirm that the details entered
are the same, the Requesting Safety Coordinator shall issue the RISSP
identifying number, as stated on the RISSP-A, to the Implementing Safety
Coordinator who shall ensure that the number, including its prefix and
suffix, is correctly entered on the RISSP-B.
The Requesting Safety Coordinator and the Implementing Safety
Coordinator shall then respectively complete part 1.3 of RISSP-A and
RISSP-B (which relates to the identity and location of the Implementing
Safety Coordinator and the Requesting Safety Coordinator
respectively). Each Safety Coordinator shall then complete the issue of
the RISSP by signing part 1.3 of their respective RISSPs and then enter
the time and date. Once signed, no alteration to the RISSP is permitted;
the RISSP may only be cancelled. If a change is required then the original
RISSP shall be cancelled and a new RISSP shall be issued following the
above RISSP procedure so that the new RISSP incorporates the required
alterations. For the avoidance of doubt, if the need for an alteration to a
RISSP is discovered after the commencement of work or testing,
procedures in Safety Rules shall immediately be implemented to remove
all persons from danger and secure the zone until the procedure under a
new RISSP has been completed.
The signed copy of the RISSP shall be transmitted in facsimile form by an
agreed method by both the Requesting Safety Coordinator and the
Implementing Safety Coordinator for confirmation.
The Requesting Safety Coordinator is then free to authorise work, but
not testing. Where testing is to be carried out, the testing procedure set
out below shall be implemented. The procedure for carrying out the work
is entirely an internal matter for the party which the Requesting Safety
Coordinator is representing.
Testing
Where the Requesting Safety Coordinator wishes to authorise the
carrying out of a test to which the procedures in this Appendix E to OC8
apply he may not do so and the test will not take place unless and until the
following procedures have been followed:
1 confirmation is obtained from the Implementing Safety Coordinator
that no person is working on, or testing, or has been authorized to
work on, or test, any parts of the Systems within the points of
Isolation identified on the RISSP form relating to the test which is
proposed to be undertaken (the "original RISSP"), and the points of
Isolation on the Requesting Safety Coordinator System, and will
not be so authorized until the proposed test has been completed (or
cancelled) and the Requesting Safety Coordinator has notified the
Implementing Safety Coordinator of its completion (or cancellation)
and thereby the cancellation of the requirements;
2 all current RISSPs (except for the original RISSP under which
Testing is to be carried out) between the Requesting Safety
Coordinator and the Implementing Safety Coordinator which relate
Appendix F RISSP - A
[CONTROL CENTRE/SITE] RECORD OF INTER-
SYSTEM SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (RISSP-A)]
(To be completed by the Requesting Safety Coordinator)
RISSP Number
PART 1
1.1 MV APPARATUS IDENTIFICATION
safety precautions have been established by the Implementing Safety
Coordinator to achieve (in so far as it is possible from that side of the
Connection Point) safety from the system on the following MV apparatus
on the Requesting Safety Coordinator's system: [state identity -
name(s) and, where applicable, identification of the MV circuit(s) up to
the Connection Point]:
EARTHING
[State the location(s) at which Earthing has been established. For each
location, identify each point of Earthing. For each point of Earthing, state
the means by which the Earthing has been achieved and whether
immobilised and locked or other safety procedures applied, as
appropriate].
1.3 ISSUE
established and that instructions will not be issued at his location for their
PART 2
2.1 CANCELLATION
I have confirmed to _______________________ (name of the
(location) that the safety precautions set out in paragraph 1.2 are no
Appendix G RISSP - B
[CONTROL CENTRE/SITE] RECORD OF INTER-
SYSTEM SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (RISSP-B)]
(To be completed by the Implementing Safety Coordinator)
RISSP Number
PART 1
1.1 APPARATUS IDENTIFICATION
Safety precautions have been established by the Implementing Safety
Coordinator to achieve (in so far as it is possible from that side of the
Connection Point) safety from the system on the following apparatus on
the Requesting Safety Coordinator system: [state identity - name(s)
and, where applicable, identification of the circuit(s) up to the Connection
Point]:
EARTHING
[State the location(s) at which Earthing has been established. For each
location, identify each point of Earthing. For each point of Earthing,
state the means by which the Earthing has been achieved and whether
immobilised and Locked or other safety procedures applied, as
appropriate].
1.3 ISSUE
identified in paragraph 1.2 have been established and that instructions will
not be issued at my location for their removal until this RISSP is cancelled.
PART 2
2.1 CANCELLATION
I have received confirmation from __________________ (name of the
the safety precautions set out in paragraph 1.2 are no longer required and
Feeder 1
Feeder 2
Feeder 3
Feeder n
CONTENTS
MC.1 INTRODUCTION
In order to account for the flow of electricity through the Distribution
System, it is imperative that suitable and accurate metering and recording
facilities are provided at all Connection Points to the Distribution
System. This chapter deals with Metering and recording requirements for
Users and clarifies the obligations Users relating to such installations. It
also sets the minimum technical, design and operational criteria to be
complied with relating to Metering, installations and data collection
equipment.
The provisions of this chapter are specifically applicable to issues relating
to the following:
1 supply, installation maintenance, testing and verification of Meters;
2 collection, storage and communication of metering data; and
3 competencies and standard of performance of participants relating to
metering.
MC.2 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Metering Code is to set out the responsibilities
relating to the measuring and recording of Active Power and Reactive
Power, Apparent Energy , Power Factor for both Import and Export
parameters, Energy Imports to, or Energy Exports from the Distribution
System. This Metering Code also specifies the conditions that will govern
the Meters and recording equipment and systems employed.
MC.3 SCOPE
Application of the Metering Code
The Metering Code applies:
to licensed DSPs;
to Users Connected to the Distribution System at MV or LV where
the installed Meter is used for revenue and billing purposes.
This Metering Code applies to all Users with a Connection Point to the
Distribution System.
When the Metering Code does not apply
This Metering Code does not apply when:
1 the installed Meter has not been approved and / or verified, or
installed by the DSP;
2 the end User is Connected indirectly to the Distribution System;
i.e. by a privately owned network;
3 the metering of a building or complex has been divided to separate
Meters and independently provided Meters have been installed by
the building owner;
4 Meters are those installed at the boundary to the Transmission
System. In this scenario, the Saudi Arabian Grid Code will apply;
Meters removed from service must undergo re-certification test as set out
in this clause before reconnection for use.
New Meters shall have the capability of electronic data transfer.
Location of the Meter
Meters shall be installed as close to the Connection Point as is
reasonably practicable.
The actual location of the Meter Metering Point
may be different from the Connection Point. Where the Metering Point is
not coincident with the Connection Point, compensation shall be
provided for any power transformer and/or line losses so that the overall
accuracy requirement at the Connection Point is met.
be recorded.
Where the User is supplying the data, they shall ensure that the data is
provided promptly for entry into the MRS.
Law. The DSP is also responsible for managing and collecting metering
information and shall ensure that all Connection Points have a certified
Meter.
MC.6.1.1 Repair and maintenance of Meters and Metering Equipment
The Meter and any Metering Equipment shall be maintained by the DSP.
All test results, maintenance programmes, and sealing records shall be
kept for the life of the Meter. Once the equipment is retired, the records
must be kept for a minimum of six months. At the end of the six months
the records can be destroyed. The equipment data and test records shall
be made available on request to authorised parties.
Meter Accuracy
The accuracy class of the Meter shall comply with SASO IEC 62053-22
IEC 62053-21 OIML R46 (active energy) and SASO IEC 62053-23
(reactive energy),
MC.9.2.1 Frequency of Testing
The frequency of testing shall be based on SASO requirements.
MC.9.2.2 Timekeeping
All Meters shall record time, based on Saudi Arabian Standard Time.
The commencement of each Demand period shall be within ±10 seconds
of the true time.
The duration of each Demand period shall be accurate to within ± 0.1%.
MC.9.2.3 Reference Device for Timekeeping
The reference devices for timekeeping must be calibrated at the National
Measurement Calibration Center at SASO.