VI. Triggered Audits

A. Purpose

The purpose of a triggered audit, or one that is prompted by anomalies in generating asset performance, is simply to determine if the anomaly is an early indication that the maintenance program is not achieving the desired objectives. Triggered audits will result from a clearly discernable declining trend in performance as indicated by examination of performance metrics and analysis of performance data for the generating asset that are not satisfactorily explained by investigation.

B. Requirements

1. Triggered audits will normally occur after appropriate interrogatory steps have been taken by the CPUC to determine the rationale behind performance issues. Typical interrogatory actions that might be applied would include:

a) Documented telephone or e-mail contact with the generating asset owner with questions regarding apparent anomalies noted in data.

b) Performing additional analysis of other data.

c) Formal request for information that might explain the anomaly, or, in some cases, to document the cause investigation and corrective action planned to prevent recurrence.

d) Site visit if issues are too complex to understand via telephone or written correspondence.

2. Once it has been determined that an audit is the appropriate response to the questionable performance issue, the CPUC shall appoint an Audit Team Leader, and define the scope of the audit. The scope of the audit may be assessed by review of the generation maintenance performance standards, the questionable performance issue, and prior communication with generating asset owner.

3. Once the scope has been determined, the audit shall be conducted in accordance with the audit procedures discussed in V.B.2 above.

4. The generating asset owner designee shall be provided at least one calendar week notice of the audit. The notice shall be provided in accordance with the audit procedures discussed in Section V.B.2 above.