Welcome Barry Kuehnle to GridSME! Please join us in welcoming Barry Kuehnle to the GridSME team as an Independent Consultant! Barry brings nearly 30 years of expertise in energy infrastructure, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. A seasoned engineer and leader, he is highly experienced in NERC CIP Reliability Standards, industrial control systems security, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. He joins us following a distinguished 15-year career at FERC, where he played a pivotal role in national cybersecurity strategy and regulatory oversight. With a background spanning the military, government, and private sectors, Barry’s insight will be a tremendous asset to our clients and team. Welcome to GridSME, Barry — we’re excited to have you on board!

Welcome Nathan Droivold to GridSME! We’re thrilled to welcome Nathan Droivold to GridSME as a Project Manager on our Compliance team! Nathan brings over eight years of experience managing hydroelectric and civil infrastructure projects. With expertise in scope development, project analysis, contract negotiation, and team leadership, he has a strong track record of delivering successful projects from start to finish. Known for his collaborative mindset and attention to detail, Nathan excels at guiding teams, engaging stakeholders, and navigating complex project landscapes. His skills and dedication make him a fantastic addition to the GridSME team.  Welcome aboard, Nathan — we’re excited to have you with us!

Celebrating 14 Years of GridSME!

Welcoming Sofia Marcoccia to GridSME! We’re excited to introduce Sofia Marcoccia as the newest member of GridSME’s Business Development team! Meet Sofia – Our New Proposal Coordinator Sofia joins us as a Proposal Coordinator, bringing valuable experience in administrative and business operations. She has a strong background in organization, scheduling, and process management, making her a key asset in ensuring seamless proposal development and execution. A Detail-Oriented and Collaborative Team Player Sofia is highly detail-oriented, a quick learner, and passionate about problem-solving and continuous improvement. Her ability to adapt to new challenges, stay organized, and collaborate across teams makes her an excellent addition to our growing Business Development group. Looking Ahead As we continue to expand our capabilities, we are thrilled to have Sofia on board to help streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and contribute to our mission of delivering outstanding solutions for our clients.  Please join us in welcoming Sofia Marcoccia to the GridSME family! We look forward to her impact and the great work she will bring to our team.

Welcome Casey James: Our New Senior Meter Engineer at GridSME We are thrilled to announce that Casey James has joined the GridSME team as our Senior Meter Engineer! With over seven years of experience in metering engineering and management, Casey brings a wealth of expertise to our clients, supporting their needs in large-scale energy projects, regulatory compliance, and advanced metering solutions. Casey holds a B.S. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, specializing in Power from California State University, Sacramento, and has built a reputation as an expert in controls and metering integration, battery energy storage systems, and both retail and wholesale metering. His skills also extend to consulting on metering regulations on a national level, where he has guided critical stakeholders and driven innovation in metering standards for the evolving power sector. In previous roles, Casey has led teams of engineers and technicians across California, establishing best practices, training programs, and compliance workflows for efficient, accurate project delivery. He has been instrumental in developing metering methodologies for some of the largest solar and battery energy projects in the country and has substantial experience with CAISO-compliant inspections, SCADA implementations, and programming complex metering algorithms. At GridSME, Casey’s technical acumen and leadership will be invaluable as he works to deliver precise, reliable, and compliant metering solutions for our clients. We are excited to have him on board to help advance our mission and further support our clients in the energy industry.  Please join us in welcoming Casey to the GridSME family!

Information regarding an upcoming NERC Alert Level 3

Welcome Casey James: Our New Senior Meter Engineer at GridSME We are thrilled to announce that Casey James has joined the GridSME team as our Senior Meter Engineer! With over seven years of experience in metering engineering and management, Casey brings a wealth of expertise to our clients, supporting their needs in large-scale energy projects, regulatory compliance, and advanced metering solutions. Casey holds a B.S. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, specializing in Power from California State University, Sacramento, and has built a reputation as an expert in controls and metering integration, battery energy storage systems, and both retail and wholesale metering. His skills also extend to consulting on metering regulations on a national level, where he has guided critical stakeholders and driven innovation in metering standards for the evolving power sector. In previous roles, Casey has led teams of engineers and technicians across California, establishing best practices, training programs, and compliance workflows for efficient, accurate project delivery. He has been instrumental in developing metering methodologies for some of the largest solar and battery energy projects in the country and has substantial experience with CAISO-compliant inspections, SCADA implementations, and programming complex metering algorithms. At GridSME, Casey’s technical acumen and leadership will be invaluable as he works to deliver precise, reliable, and compliant metering solutions for our clients. We are excited to have him on board to help advance our mission and further support our clients in the energy industry.  Please join us in welcoming Casey to the GridSME family!

Upcoming New Standard: PRC-030-1 Unexpected Inverter-Based Resource Event Mitigation

Understanding the NERC Standards Development for Category 2 Inverter-Based Resources (IBR)

GridU Live this October!

NERC Alert: Inverter-Based Resource Model Quality Deficiencies NERC has released a crucial alert addressing significant deficiencies in the modeling and study practices of inverter-based resources (IBR). This comes after analyzing 10 large-scale disturbances since 2016, resulting in nearly 15,000 MW of unexpected IBR output reduction, predominantly occurring between 2020 and 2024. Reporting of these efforts is required by September 2, 2024. Scroll to read the full NERC Alert Article. Key Points: 1) Modeling Deficiencies: Poor modeling practices have been identified as a major contributing factor to these disturbances. Accurate and detailed dynamic models are essential for reliable bulk power system (BPS) operation. 2) Recommendations for Improvement: Model Validation: Models should be validated at both the inverter and plant levels, ensuring they accurately reflect in-service performance. Lifecycle Updates: Continuous updates and validations of models throughout the lifecycle of IBR plants are necessary. Standard and Equipment-Specific Models: Both standard library and equipment-specific models should be used, with rigorous testing and documentation to ensure accuracy. 3) Coordination and Reporting: Generator Owners (GOs), Transmission Planners (TPs), and Planning Coordinators (PCs) must collaborate with manufacturers and third-party consultants to address modeling deficiencies. Reporting of these efforts is required by September 2, 2024.

A Quick Refresher: NERC’s Work Plan and Initiative to Enhance Grid Reliability

Insights from GridSME: California's Renewable Energy Roadmap GridSME's Subject Matter Experts, Gary Brown and Lowell Watros, contributed valuable insights to this article for Reuters. Their expertise helped provide information and analysis on California's latest grid plan, particularly concerning grid improvements, renewable energy projects, and an expected surge in solar and storage projects. With their input, the article offers a comprehensive understanding of the developments in California's energy landscape and the implications for the renewable energy sector. Below are some of the key insights and takeaways from the article.

🚨 NERC Alert: Assessing 6 GHz Communication Impact on Electric Industry NERC has issued a Level 2 Alert concerning 6 GHz Communication Penetration in the Electric Industry, targeting Distribution Providers (DP), Distribution Provider UFLS-Only (DP-UFLS), Generator Owners (GO), and Transmission Owners (TO). The alert aims to evaluate reliance on 6 GHz technology and potential interference severity. Respondents must address a series of questions by July 8, 2024, to assess the situation comprehensively. Although only registered entities can respond directly, the alert is publicly available. Action items include acknowledging the alert and completing the questionnaire. Recommendations include identifying critical circuits and conducting baseline performance tests. It's crucial to note that these recommendations are distinct from requirements, as clarified by NERC. This alert underscores the necessity of assessing 6 GHz communication's impact on industry reliability and security. Stakeholders should stay informed and promptly address the alert's requirements. For further details, visit NERC's website: Link . See our LinkedIn post about the NERC Alert: here .

Welcome Alix Minjarez to GridSME's Compliance Team! Please help us welcome Alix Minjarez as a Compliance Analyst at GridSME! Hailing from Lee's Summit, Missouri, Alix brings a wealth of expertise in contracts and proposals. Her proficiency in navigating the complexities of contractual processes, coupled with a strong commitment to accuracy and compliance, positions her as a valuable asset to our team. With a proven track record and prior leadership experience as a Contract Department Manager, Alix is well-prepared to contribute to our mission of ensuring the reliability and integrity of the electrical grid. Alix's background in efficiently managing contractual intricacies aligns seamlessly with the collaborative and detail-oriented environment at GridSME. We look forward to leveraging her skills and commitment to excellence as we continue to advance our initiatives in maintaining the highest standards of compliance. Welcome to the team, Alix!

Welcoming Lucy Schmidt to GridSME's Compliance Team We're thrilled to welcome Lucy Schmidt to GridSME's Compliance team. With a background in political campaigns and a strong commitment to compliance, Lucy's meticulous approach and dedication to accuracy make her an ideal addition to our collaborative environment. Lucy, a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law, brings versatility and expertise, honed through roles as an Election Worker and Paralegal.  Based in Meridian, Mississippi, Lucy is set to contribute to strengthening our compliance initiatives, including projects with Generator Owner (GO) and Low Impact Generator Operator (GOP) implementation. As she joins our team, we look forward to Lucy's positive impact on our mission of ensuring the reliability and integrity of the electrical grid. Welcome, Lucy!

GridSME is proud to announce some exciting developments within its Compliance Team. Three dedicated team members have been promoted to new positions, and their contributions are set to make a significant impact on the organization's pursuit of excellence in compliance services. Kim Van Brimer, who has been promoted to Manager of Compliance Administrative Services. In her new role, Kim will play a crucial part in supporting the compliance staff with various administrative tasks. Her responsibilities encompass Document Control, SharePoint Administration, Project Management, Procedural Documentation, and enhancing the overall client experience by delivering high-quality services. Kim's promotion signals a strong commitment to ensuring efficiency and seamless operations within the Compliance Department. Kaylie Hague, who has been promoted to Compliance Implementation Coordinator. Kaylie is set to be a key figure in strengthening GridSME's Generator Owner (GO) and Low Impact Generator Operator (GOP) implementation program. Her technical expertise and proactive approach will play a pivotal role in helping clients successfully navigate the complex landscape of NERC compliance. Her promotion reflects GridSME's dedication to offering top-notch support for clients in the renewable energy industry. Nick Barse, who has been promoted to Manager of Managed Compliance Services (MCS). Nick's responsibilities extend across the MCS program, which encompasses various compliance programs, including those related to Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and the new GO/GOP Inverter Based Resources (IBR) initiative. His leadership and expertise will be instrumental in the success of these programs, ensuring GridSME continues to provide outstanding compliance services. These promotions are a testament to GridSME's commitment to excellence and efficiency in compliance services. They are not only a well-deserved recognition of the skills and dedication of these team members but also a vital step towards further enhancing the organization's support for the renewable energy industry. Please join us in congratulating Kim, Kaylie, and Nick as they start on these exciting new roles and continue to contribute to GridSME's mission of compliance excellence.

In a recent update, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has mandated the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) to develop new standards for addressing issues associated with Inverter-Based Resources (IBR). This change primarily focuses on Generator Owners (GO) and Generator Operators (GOP), and on ensuring the reliability and stability of the grid. Applicability: The new standards will require Generation Facilities that produce more than 20 MW and interconnect at 60 kV or greater to register as GO-IBR. Additionally, GOPs operating GO-IBR facilities through a control center or a Remote Operating Center (ROC) will need to register as GOP-IBR. FERC's directive outlines four key areas of focus, including performance requirements, data sharing, model validation, and planning and operational studies. These changes will influence how IBRs collect and share data during system disturbances, affect the interconnection process, and enhance model validation activities. These modifications are expected to be rolled out by specific deadlines, with the aim of bolstering grid stability. Next Steps: To stay ahead of the curve and align with FERC's directives, GridSME encourages that owners and operators of GO-IBR sites plan and budget ahead of time. As these changes unfold, GridSME is committed to keeping a close eye on FERC and NERC developments to ensure that our clients are well-prepared for the evolving regulatory landscape if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to our team at bdgroup@gridsme.com or call at (916) 800-4545. Download our pdf here

Welcoming David Greene to GridSME! We are absolutely thrilled to introduce you to the newest member of our Grid Integration family at GridSME, David Greene. With over four decades of dedicated experience in the power industry, David's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. His expertise in DERMS, SCADA, NMS/ADMS, and smart grid technology is the result of a lifelong passion for innovation and excellence. Our journey with David began three years ago when he first crossed our path, and now, we're delighted to welcome him into a pivotal leadership role as an independent consultant here at GridSME. A Multifaceted talent Beyond his impressive professional journey, David has also chosen to call Austin, Texas, home, where he enjoys life with his beloved wife following his well-deserved retirement. When he's not contributing his incredible expertise to the world of power systems, you might find David exploring his love for photography or tinkering with custom computers. Additionally, his commitment to his community shines through his active role as a deacon, facilitating a small group Bible study, and contributing to the worship arts at his church. Join us in extending a warm and heartfelt welcome to David Greene, our esteemed independent consultant. With his wealth of knowledge, dedication, and personal touch, Welcome to the team!