Configuring Critical Day

The Critical Day screen is used to define, issue, and manage *critical day notices for an LDC. A Critical Day is a period during which the utility imposes special operational or contractual limits due to constraints such as extreme weather, system imbalance risks, pipeline restrictions, or market volatility.

Critical day settings influence how daily usage, nominations, and MDQ limits are validated across the system. These configurations allow LDCs to:

• Define the type of critical condition (e.g., cold weather event, system stress).
• Specify enforcement limits and duration.
• Determine whether the notice is informational or mandatory.
• Identify affected pipeline points.
• Issue notifications to appropriate stakeholders.

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Prerequisites

Before configuring a critical day, ensure the following:

1. The user has valid credentials and permission to access Critical Day (LDC Configuration) screen.
2. The LDC is configured and active in the system.
3. Critical Day Types field is configured and predefined in the Critical Day Setup screen.
4. Pipeline points and operational zones are fully configured if enforcement will apply to specific locations.
5. Notification templates or distribution mechanisms are configured (if the "Distribute Notices" action is used).

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Procedure to configure a critical day

Step 1: Navigate to the Critical Day screen

1. Log in to the nGenue application.
2. Click the Search icon and enter Critical Day.
3. Double-click Critical Day (LDC Configuration) to open the respective screen.

4. The Critical Day screen is divided into two primary sections:

   Critical Day List section

   The Critical Day List displays all existing critical day records for the selected LDC. Selecting an LDC refreshes the list of Critical Day events associated with it.

   Fields	Description
   Critical Day Type	Displays the predefined category of the Critical Day (e.g., system stress, cold weather alert, demo setup). The type controls how the Critical Day affects nominations or limits.
   Date Issued	The date on which the notice was officially issued by the LDC. Used for audit and reporting.
   Start Dt	The first day on which the Critical Day conditions are active.
   End Dt	The last day on which the Critical Day conditions apply.

   Selecting a row loads its details into the Critical Day Details panel for viewing or editing.

   Critical Day Details section

   This section is where new critical days are created or existing ones are updated. It contains two tabs: * General Info tab * Affected Pipeline Points tab

   General Info tab

   Fields	Description
   ID	Displays the unique system-generated identifier for the critical day record. This value is created automatically and cannot be edited. It is used for internal tracking, auditing, and linking related records.
   Date Issued	The date on which the critical day notice is formally issued. Used for compliance tracking and for identifying when the notice was communicated. This may be earlier than the Start Date.
   Start Date	The first date on which the critical day conditions take effect. From this date onward, any limits, warnings, or enforcement rules begin to apply.
   End Date	The last date for which the critical day remains active. After this date, the system stops applying critical day-based validations or limits.
   Max Limit	Specifies the numeric limit that applies during the critical day period. This may represent a usage cap, MDQ limitation, nomination restriction, or other value. When “Limit is Percent” is selected, the value is treated as a percentage.
   Critical Day Type	A dropdown listing all predefined critical day categories (for example: weather event, system constraint, imbalance event). The selected type defines the nature and behavior of the critical day notice.
   LDC	Displays the Local Distribution Company associated with this critical day record. The value is derived from the LDC selected in the Critical Day List section.
   Limit Apply To	Defines what the Max Limit applies against. Common options include MDQ or usage. The selection determines how the system interprets and enforces the limit.
   Additional Language	A free-text field used to include supplemental explanations, regulatory notes, or communication text that accompanies the critical day notice.
   Path To Attachment	Allows attaching an external file such as a PDF or official notice related to the critical day. Attachments help maintain documentation records.
   Is Warning Only	When checked, the critical day acts as an advisory notice only. The system shows warnings but does not enforce restrictions.
   Is Long	Indicates the critical day represents a “long” imbalance condition, typically meaning over-delivery or excess gas on the system.
   Is Short	Indicates a “short” imbalance condition where the system may be experiencing under-delivery or high demand.
   Limit is Percent	When selected, the Max Limit value is interpreted as a percentage rather than an absolute unit. The percentage applies against the value selected in “Limit Apply To.”
   Enforce Daily	When checked, critical day limits are enforced on a daily basis instead of over the entire critical day period. Each day is evaluated independently.
   Distribute Notices	Sends notifications to configured recipients (such as customers, marketers, or internal teams). Used to distribute the critical day announcement and instructions.

   Affected Pipeline Points tab

   The Affected Pipeline Points tab is used to identify the pipeline locations, meters, and segments that are impacted during a Critical Day event. This ensures that critical day limits, warnings, or restrictions apply only to the locations selected in this tab.
   To assign pipeline points:

   1. Click the Location Selection icon.

   2. In the next popup window:

      1. Select the desired locations in the left panel.
      2. Click the right arrow to move them to the Selected panel.

   3. Click Close to save the changes and return to the main screen.

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Key points to remember

1. LDC selection is mandatory before creating or viewing a Critical Day.
2. Critical Day Type determines the operational behavior and must be selected carefully.
3. Limits can be applied as absolute values or percentages using the Limit is Percent checkbox.
4. Enforce Daily ensures that violations are checked each day rather than cumulatively.
5. Attachments and additional language fields help maintain compliance with regulatory documentation requirements.
6. Use Distribute Notices to ensure timely communication.

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Summary

The Critical Day (LDC Configuration) screen allows LDCs to define, issue, and manage operational restrictions for periods of system stress or special conditions. It enables users to:

• Create and maintain Critical Day records.
• Apply usage, MDQ, or percent-based limits.
• Issue warning-only or enforcement-based events.
• Identify affected pipeline points.
• Notify internal and external stakeholders.

This configuration ensures accurate system validation, compliance, and operational efficiency during critical events.

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