The Utility Variable-Generation Integration Group (UVIG) announced it has published the Wind Operating Practices Guidebook (OPG).  The guidebook is the industry's first and authored by actual wind turbine and wind plant operating professionals. The OPG is a principle-based document written by UVIG's Operations & Maintenance User Group.  It focuses on principles, processes and best practices; not work instructions and practices.

"Wind in the U.S. has grown to almost 76 gigawatts as of the end of 2016. The 'care and feeding' of generation equipment and related components has understandably become a primary topic of concern for wind plant owners and operators," explained Mark Ahlstrom, UVIG Board President. 

"In 2013, UVIG recognized that we should tap into the extensive experience and expertise of the owner/operators in UVIG's O&M User Group - a group that represents a majority of the installed wind fleet in North America," said Ahlstrom. "So, we initiated the project and developed a writing team of UVIG member volunteers.  The OPG is the result of their work."

Funding support for the Wind Operating Practices Guidebook was provided by the APPA Deed Program, Edison Electric Institute, Electric Power Research Institute, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and UVIG members.

"All of us at UVIG want to thank the companies and organizations who provided funding for this significant project," commented UVIG's Executive Director, Charlie Smith.  "And, of course we want to express our sincere thanks to the team of UVIG volunteers for their diligence and dedication."

The OPG is dedicated to Steve Gilbert of Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, who championed the project until his untimely passing in April, 2016.

Utility Variable-Generation Integration Group | www.uvig.org