Q3 2021 NERC & FERC Regulatory News
GridSME Reliability & Compliance Team • June 30, 2021
Recent NERC News
- Registration for GridSecCon is open. Co-hosted by NERC and Texas RE, GridSecCon will take place virtually between October 19-20. This online conference will include presentations and discussions on emerging cyber threats from leading industry subject matter experts. Register
HERE.
- On July 19th, ERO Enterprises announced the Release 2 launch of the Align tool and ERO Secure Evidence Locker (SEL) for MRO, NERC and Texas RE. The purpose of the Align project is to use a standardized platform for compliance monitoring and enforcement. Training materials are located
HERE.
- E-ISAC and Dragos Inc. announced an initiative to increase visibility of emerging cyber security threats affecting the North American electricity industry. Dragos Inc., in collaboration with the Department of Energy, is the creator of Neighborhood Keeper which allows participants to share and receive threat insights.
- On July 1,
TPL-007-4 – Transmission System Planned Performance for Geomagnetic Disturbance Events Requirements R12 and R13 became effective. The new requirements mandate that responsible entities have a process for collecting Geomagnetic Induced Current (GIC) and geomagnetic field data.
Recent FERC News
- NERC, FERC and regional entities published a joint report to evaluate system conditions using real-time data to assess existing and potential operating conditions. Their report provides the assessment methodology and concludes with recommendations for system operators to identify performance metrics and data evaluation procedures for assessing loss of Real-time data. The report applies to Transmission Operators and Reliability Coordinators and is located HERE.
- On July 15, FERC announced the approval of an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to accept public commentary on improving transmission planning as the U.S. transitions to renewable resources. The Notice seeks to address improvements to transmission infrastructure as well as the needs for customer protection, and coordination between transmission providers. The Notice is located
HERE.
| NERC Reliability Standard | Effective/ Enforcement Date | Functional Registration / System Applicability | New/Revised Standard | Potential Impacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAC-008-5 R8 | 10/1/21 | TO, GO* | Revised | R7 will be retired. R8 is applicable to TO and GOs that meet R2 criteria must show communication of Facility Ratings and limiting equipment to RC, PC, TP, TO and TOP. Applicable facilities should have a process in place to ensure adherence to the standard.� |
| TPL-007-4 R6, R10 | 1/1/22 | PC*, TP*, TO*, GO* | Revised | Applicable GOs and TOs must have a Thermal Impact Assessment completed. |
| PRC-012-2 R9 | 1/1/22 | RC | Revised | Reliability Coordinators (RC) that don�t have a RAS databased must establish a database by the effective date.� |
| PRC-002-2 R2-R4, R6-R11 | 7/1/22 | Entities owning only one BES bus, BES Element, or generating unit� | Revised | Entities that own only one (1) identified BES bus, BES Element, or generating unit shall be fully compliant with the requirements by the effective date.� |
| PRC-024-3 R1-R4 | 10/1/22 | GOs that apply protection listed in Section 4.2.1., TOs that own a BES generator step-up transformer or collector transformer and apply protection listed in Section 4.2.1. | Revised | To set protection such that generating re- source(s) remain connected during defined frequency and voltage excursions in support of the Bulk Electric System (BES). |
| TPL-007-4 R3, R4, R8 | 1/1/23 | 1/1/2023 PC, TP, TO, GO, Facilities that include power transformers with a high side wye-grounded winding with terminal voltage greater than 200 kV | Revised | Includes requirement for GOs to perform ther- mal impact assessments with applicable BES power transformers (applicability subject to further evaluation and action by planning enti- ties). Planning Coordinators will inform GOs of their obligations, if any, per the Requirements. |
| TPL-007-4 R7, R8 | 1/1/24 | PC, TP, TO, GO, Facilities that include power transformers with a high side wye-grounded winding with terminal voltage greater than 200 kV | Revised | Qualifying entities that determine their system does not meet the performance requirements for the steady state planning benchmark GMD event, shall develop a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) addressing how the performance requirements will be met. |
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!