Which entities shall annually review and approve its Operating Plan for backup functionality?

• A. Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator
• B. Reliability Coordinator only
• C. Balancing Authority and Transmission Operator
• D. Transmission Operator only

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that backup capability planning requires coordinated oversight from all the key control entities that span the bulk electric system. The plan for backup functionality is something that can affect how power is reliably restored and maintained across different control areas and interfaces, so it needs review and approval from every party that has a role in operating and coordinating the system.

Reliability Coordinators oversee reliability across interconnections and coordinate actions among multiple control areas. Balancing Authorities manage the real-time balance between generation and load within their area, including interchange with neighboring areas. Transmission Operators are responsible for the transmission facilities and the day-to-day transmission operations that can affect reliability and the execution of contingency or backup procedures. Because backup scenarios often involve inter-area coordination, generation re-dispatch, and the use of alternate transmission paths, all three entities must review and approve the Operating Plan to ensure consistency, clarity of responsibilities, and up-to-date procedures.

If only one entity reviewed the plan, gaps could arise in how actions in one area affect another, potentially compromising reliability during contingencies. This collaborative review ensures the plan reflects current resources, network topology, and communication and authority arrangements across the entire interconnection.