studyabroadlife wrote:
Autonomous Power Producers (IPPs) are non-utility generators (NUG) that are commonly not possessed by the national power organization or open utility.
If you aren't "utility interactive", either not grid connected at all or else set up in some way as a backup system, then yes NERC does NOT apply. NERC/FERC doesn't have any mandatory arc flash rules though so whether or not the equipment falls under these regulations is immaterial. Yes NERC worms their way into the maintenance side of things but it has little to do with the safety aspect of the system except indirectly. NERC regulations are pretty "open" too compared to OSHA. They give very broad systemic-style requirements as opposed to specific requirements and let the utilities develop their own rules.
I'm hesitant to suggest that OSHA 1910.269 does not apply. If it's the primary power source then 1910.269 does apply since this applies to "generation, transmission, and distribution". The definition is a little vague by at least one letter of interpretation makes it very clear that at least cogens would fall under 1910.269. If it doesn't, then OSHA's general duty clause still applies and thus NFPA 70E applies rather than 1910.269 rules. Both contain arc flash requirements, so there is no "escape" either way.
In EU, Canada, and Australia, I've been able to confirm that similar logic applies in that some kind of SAFETY regulation applies, irrespective of whether or not any regulations regarding power production apply.