Reliability Standards

Functional Model FAQs

The Functional Model is a reference tool that links responsible entities with associated reliability-related functions and respective tasks.   Drafting teams use the Functional Model to help them determine which responsible entity should be required to comply with each requirement in a reliability standard.

In the past, drafting teams used an informal process when seeking answers to questions about the Functional Model.  A drafting team coordinator contacted the FMWG chair and the chair responded to the request via e-mail. 

With the recent expansion in the number of drafting teams working in parallel, it is no longer practical to use such an informal process for handling questions about the Functional Model.  To provide consistent responses to questions about the Functional Model that can be used by all drafting teams, a more open and inclusive process is needed. 

The FMWG is following this formal process for handling requests for clarification of the Functional Model.  This process is more open and inclusive as the avenue for requesting clarifications and the avenue for reviewing clarifications is accessible to all drafting teams as well as any other interested stakeholders.

1. If a drafting team needs help in understanding tasks that comprise a function and/or in determining which reliability model function entity is responsible for a function/tasks, the drafting team's coordinator will send an e-mail to the NERC staff assigned as the FMWG facilitator with a request for clarification.
   
   
2. The NERC staff assigned as the FMWG facilitator will convene a conference call/meeting of available members of the FMWG ro review the questions(s) and provide a clarification.
   
   

   • If the question(s) need more detailed discussion with the drafting team, the two coordinators will organize a conference call/meeting with available members of the FMWG and available members of the drafting team to discuss the issues in more detail.

3. Each FMWG request for clarification and the associated response will be posted on the NERC Functional Model Web page under a Frequently Asked Questions Section.

   • If the questions result in changes to the model, the changes will be added to a change summary table used to develop the next updated version of the Functional Model document.