Wood Group GTS launches NERC CIP conversion and compliance service program

ALPHARETTA, Ga., April 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Wood Group GTS has introduced new conversion and compliance services for operators of US power stations and is currently conducting its first conversion under the program. The services--North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) conversions and recurring compliance services—integrate the NERC compliance program and power plant operations & maintenance (O&M) procedures. 

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Version 4 of the the NERC CIP Standards is designed to safeguard the North American power system from cyber security risks and secure overall reliability of the power grid. It requires technical conversion of the power system network, extensive administrative and ongoing testing.

Wood Group GTS is conducting a CIP conversion at a power station in the Northeast Power Coordinating Council (NPCC) region. The 500MW power station operates five GE LM6000 gas turbines.  The Wood Group GTS conversion will provide for a continuous audit-ready compliance program and help power station personnel manage compliance with NERC's complex requirements, reducing regulatory risk.

"Energy cyber security is emerging as a vital industry issue driving the nation's infrastructure to 'critical status' over the coming years," said John Ballentine, director, regulatory compliance of Wood Group GTS – Power Plant Services. "With Wood Group GTS' extensive knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements and widespread O&M experience, we are confident that we can support plants to comply with prescribed and complex standards, achieving optimum levels of operation and performance reliability."

"We look forward to providing a NERC compliance solution designed to allow the facility to meet their NERC obligation with the least possible cost by leveraging technology, existing infrastructure and our talented and experienced staff," said Frank Avery, president of Wood Group GTS - Power Plant Services. "It is our goal to ensure that every Wood Group-operated facility maintains compliance with minimal reliance on expensive external support."

Wood Group GTS is responsible for the care and custody including daily operations and routine maintenance for  over 20,000MW of produced power in the US.

Note for Editors
Wood Group GTS is a leading independent provider of rotating equipment services and solutions for clients in the power and oil & gas markets. Worldwide, these services include power plant engineering, procurement and construction; facility operations & maintenance; repair & overhaul, optimization and upgrades of gas and steam turbines, pumps, compressors and other high-speed rotating equipment. www.woodgroupgts.com

Wood Group is an international energy services company with around $7bn sales, employing around 43,000 people worldwide and operating in 50 countries.  The Group has three businesses – Wood Group Engineering, Wood Group PSN and Wood Group GTS – providing a range of engineering, production support, maintenance management and industrial gas turbine overhaul and repair services to the oil & gas and power generation industries worldwide. www.woodgroup.com

For further information contact
Carolyn Smith, Corporate Communications - Eastern Hemisphere, Wood Group
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 851099, email: [email protected]

Bobbie Ireland, Corporate Communications – Americas, Wood Group
Tel: +1 (281) 828 3505, email: [email protected]

SOURCE Wood Group GTS