This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to undertake the scheduling of generation plant to meet forecast demand.

Schedulingis the process of optimising plant operations in the power generation process. The aim is to enhance overall energy delivery over different planning and time horizons.

Competency in this unit requires the ability to forecast from market data, identify generation unit availability and capability, prepare generation unit schedulesand implement generation unit schedules. Individuals will, in general, work under supervision, in a power generation facility as an operator with responsibility for scheduling. Power generation plant operators are typically trained and authorised to isolate, prepare plant and issue permits to work.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Note: Workplace practice

The application of the skills and knowledge described in this unit may require a licence or training permit to practice in the workplace where work is carried out on gas and electrical installations. Additional conditions may apply under state and territory legislative and regulatory licensing requirements.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Forecast from market data

1.1

Information on all variables which have the potential to affect generation demand is obtained and employed, in accordance with workplace procedures, to enable a forecast

1.2

Forecast prediction is based on the interpretation of relevant information, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.3

Forecast outcomes are produced in a time frame that enables electricity system security and operational criteria to be maintained, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4

Forecast prediction is continuously assessed, in accordance with workplace procedures, against real time trends and adjustments are made

2

Identify unit availability and capability

2.1

Information integrity is confirmed, in accordance with workplace procedures, and deficiencies are detected and rectified

2.2

Information is processed and recorded, in accordance with workplace procedures, in a time frame that enables scheduling to take place

2.3

Information on all factors which have the potential to affect generation unit status is obtained, in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4

Communication is maintained with remote and independent power generators, in accordance with workplace procedures

2.5

Power generation plant maintenance commitments are incorporated into setting priorities for committing generation units scheduling, in accordance with workplace procedures

2.6

Generation plant testing commitments are incorporated into setting scheduling priorities, in accordance with workplace procedures for committing units

2.7

Power station generation plant problems are accurately assessed, in accordance with workplace procedures, for impact on generation unit commitments and scheduling requirements

3

Prepare generation unit schedules

3.1

Base load generation is scheduled, in accordance with workplace procedures and contractual obligations

3.2

Electricity system security criteria is applied and met, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3

Schedule is produced and applied, in accordance with workplace procedures, to allow for power generation plant movements to occur within required timeframes

4

Implement generation unit schedules

4.1

Circumstances resulting in unexpected changes to demand are identified and managed, in accordance with workplace procedures and electricity system requirements

4.2

Transmission system losses are identified and minimised, in accordance with workplace procedures and electricity system requirements

4.3

Transmission and generation system status changes are identified and accommodated, in accordance with workplace procedures and electricity system requirements

4.4

Fuel supply status changes are identified and accommodated, in accordance with workplace procedures and electricity system requirements

4.5

Generation outputs are monitored, in accordance with workplace procedures and electricity system requirements

4.6

Power generation plant problems are assessed, in accordance with workplace procedures, and impact on generation unit scheduling and electricity system requirements

4.7

Electricity system fault levels and transmission plant load levels are identified and not exceeded, in accordance with workplace procedures and electricity system requirements

4.8

Scheduling of generation units is timed to optimise electricity system efficiency, in accordance with workplace procedures

4.9

Scheduling information is recorded and communicated to all stakeholders, in accordance with workplace procedures and electricity system requirements

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Electricity generation

Operations