GO 167-C Compliance Audits

As part of the Electric Safety and Reliability Branch’s (ESRB) responsibility to verify compliance with General Order (GO) 167-C requirements for safe and reliable operation, a team of ESRB auditors regularly conduct comprehensive audits of generating assets (GA) and energy storage systems (ESS). Audits are conducted pursuant to Section 10.0 (Audits, Inspections, and Investigations) through performance data analysis, records review, field inspection, and staff interviews. If ESRB auditors find any non-compliance with GO 167-C, the Generating Asset Owner (GAO) or Energy Storage System Owner (ESSO) must take corrective action(s) to remedy the deficiency or face enforcement actions by the CPUC.

The audit process consists of three main phases:

  • Planning Phase – ESRB auditors prepare for a GO 167-C audit by thoroughly researching and reviewing the selected GA's or ESS's outage history, safety-related incidents, performance data, maintenance and operation summary plans and records, procedures, and any major or reoccurring problems.
  • GA or ESS Visit Phase – ESRB auditors spend at least one week at the GA or ESS site to evaluate the facility's programs and procedures for compliance with GO 167-C. Auditors conduct the bulk of the field work during the visit through equipment inspection, personnel interview, and observation of operations and practices.
  • Report and Resolution Phase – ESRB auditors issue an audit report and notify the GAO or ESSO of any GO 167-C nonconformance identified during the audit and request the facility to correct deficiencies. Auditors work cooperatively with the GAO or ESSO to resolve noncompliance. The GAO or ESSO may request confidentiality treatment under Section 14.4 of GO 167-C for portions of the audit report. The audit report is posted publicly on the Commission’s website.

GO 167-C Audit Reports and Resolution

Redactions to the audit reports are requested by the relevant GAO or ESSO and are subject to the Commission’s review. ESRB reserves the right to challenge any redactions to public audit reports requested by a GAO or ESSO.

Recent Audit Reports

Archived Audit Reports - prior to 2020 
  Investigations

GO 167-B Compliance Audit