EPA updates definition of Emergency Standby Generator
The EPA Tier 4 Final regulation that becomes effective in 2015 requires that diesel engine exhaust emissions be significantly lower than previously unregulated levels. The EPA has determined that emergency standby generator sets will be exempt from Tier 4 regulations including any associated exhaust after treatment. Furthermore, the EPA states that emergency standby applications can utilize current Tier products that do not require after treatment - including current Tier 2 and Tier 3 generators. The key to this exemption is the term, "emergency standby". Emergency Standby generator installations are those that operate only on the total loss of all normal power sources such as the utility or the grid.
Effective February 2012, the EPA has broadened the definition of "Emergency Standby" to include storm avoidance use and demand response programs as defined below:
- Storm Avoidance - Starting emergency generators and transferring load prior to the loss of all utility in anticipation of an outage due to weather. Standby generators may be run up to 50 hours per year for storm avoidance.
- Demand Response - A situation where the utility provider cannot provide enough power to the grid without rolling blackouts, power failures, etc. With an end user agreement in place, Tier 2 or 3 standby generators can be operated up to 60 hours per year for demand response. If the owner receives any financial incentives for participating in the program, then Tier 4 generators are required.
The EPA regulation allows users 100 hours per year of operation for maintenance and exercise requirements, storm avoidance and demand response while still qualifying as emergency standby applications. This is a cumulative number of hours, not additive.
Any generator application other than "Emergency Standby" is required to use Tier 4 Interim factory certified generator sets after January 1, 2011. The EPA mandates specific engine labeling for both emergency and non-emergency products in order to avoid confusion in the field. Below is a list the applications that will require Tier 4 certified generator sets:
1. Non-emergency standby units
2. Prime Power/Continuous rated applications
3. Load management/peak shaving (other than approved demand response programs)
4. Electric Power Rental units
*There are state and local regulations that may drive the use of Tier 4 generator sets in 2012 and beyond. In Florida, there is no current or pending legislation to establish any emissions standards that exceed what the EPA has directed. There are however several potential non-attainment areas in the state including Dade, Duval, Orange and Pasco counties that could impact local emissions standards in the future.
If you have any questions, please contact Rick Hodgkins, Engineering Manager, 904-494-1014, rick.hodgkins@ringpower.com