Commence commercial operation
Commence commercial operation means, with regard to a unit that serves a generator, to have begun to produce steam, gas, or other heated medium used to generate electricity for sale or use, including test generation. Except as provided in 97.4, 97.5, or subpart I of this part, for a unit that is a NOX Budget unit under 97.4(a) on the date the unit commences commercial operation, such date shall remain the unit's date of commencement of commercial operation even if the unit is subsequently modified, reconstructed, or repowered. Except as provided in 97.4(b), 97.5, or subpart I of this part, for a unit that is not a NOX Budget unit under 97.4(a) on the date the unit commences commercial operation, the date the unit becomes a NOX Budget unit under 97.4(a) shall be the unit's date of commencement of commercial operation.
Source
40 CFR § 97.2
Scoping language
The terms used in this part shall have the meanings set forth in this section as follows: