Protection and Control

Mission

The Protection and Control (“PRC”) Focus Group mission is a resource to the members of WICF that are seeking information,
support and advice in connection with the PRC Standards' family. The development and implementation of a common approach and
consistent understanding across the WECC region is intended to lead to reduced compliance risk for WICF members under the
PRC Standards.

It is the intent of the PRC Focus Group to facilitate knowledge, sharing of lessons learned and ideas relating regarding
Protection and Control compliance matters, to that support the reliable and secure operation of the Bulk Electric System/Bulk
Power System.


Activities, Duties, and Responsibilities

• Identify applicable standards subject to compliance monitoring
• Identify areas of concern
• Establish industry best practices for compliance, including information sharing which may include:
• Audit experience
• Compliance / Lessons Learned
• Document and methodology
• Internal controls
• Technical applications and interpretations; e.g. would this Component be subject to the PRC-005 standard?
• Timing of implementation
• Maintain an open line of communications with NERC and WECC for dissemination of information and feedback.
• Consider/Discuss/Share Compliance options and practices
• Communicate efforts to WICF membership
• Interface with regulatory authorities as appropriate
• Support WICF initiatives as needed

Approach

Members will communicate regularly via phone, and email as necessary.  Meetings will be held on an as needed basis, rather
than recurring to preserve flexibility around normal work schedules and obligations. Meetings will, however, follow the WICF
Focus Group Meeting Schedule whenever possible. The scheduled day and time for the PRC FG is the 3rd Thursday of the month
11:00-12:00 Pacific Time Zone. 

Assigned leadership tasks shall be honored and completed as scheduled by the assignee to the best of their ability. If an
assignment cannot be completed, due to work schedule, personal matters or other circumstance, it is the responsibility of
the assigned person to share this issue with the leadership group so that additional resources may be added, or the schedule
can be adjusted.


Participation

Participation in the PRC Focus Group is open to all active WICF members. Non-WICF members that may be allowed to participate
as a guest with the consent of the Focus Group Chair and WICF Steering Committee Sponsor.  The Focus Group Chair will
announce the non-WICF member as a guest during calls and meetings. If interested in becoming a member, you are encouraged to
join by contacting the Chair, Vice Chair, or WICF Steering Committee Sponsor.


Leadership:

Current Chair: William White, NAES
Current Vice Chair: Vacant
Current WICF Steering Committee Sponsor:  Leland McMillan, NAES

The Focus Group will select the Chair and Vice Chair using simple majority voting.  The nominee that receives the most votes is
selected. A Sponsor will be appointed by the WICF Steering Committee.

The focus group reports directly to the WICF Steering committee.


Version History

Revisions to the charter will be developed by the Focus Group and approved by the WICF Steering Committee.

Version 1 	Date:	March 16, 2016 – Founding Charter
Version 2 	Date:	March 18, 2019 – Revisions to align with template