Understanding the NERC Standards Development for Category 2 Inverter-Based Resources (IBR)
What Happened?
On July 24, 2024, the NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) provided updates to the ORCS (Organization Registration and Certification Subcommittee) to Standards Development for Category 2 IBR. If you missed our previous communication defining Category 2 IBRs, click here.
All GO and GOP Standards have been reviewed and placed into one of three blocks for Standards Development. Standard Drafting Team nominations have been submitted and Drafting Teams are being developed.
What Do We Recommend Now?
At this time, we recommend planning for GO/GOP IBR assets that meet the new registration criteria to be included on the NERC Registry. NERC will begin registering GO/GOP IBR Category 2 resources and plan to complete registration efforts by May 2026 with required compliance thereafter. We also recommend updating project budgets, if necessary, to account for developing, implementing, and managing compliance programs for GO-IBR assets.
The Three Blocks Explained
Block One Standards: Minor or No Changes Needed
The Standards placed in Block One are those that are planned for GO-IBR applicability, and which do not require additions or revisions. The NERC Rules of Procedure have been updated to make these Standards applicable to Category 2 IBR.
Some of these standards are already part of ongoing projects, so they might still be updated or retired in the future. If you want to stay up-to-date keep in touch with your GO/GOP Drafting Team representative.
Block Two Standards: Pending Approval and Implementation
The Block Two Standards include updates to existing Standards and the development of new Standards, which are waiting for approval from NERC and FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). Once approved, there will be specific implementation plans for Category 1 and Category 2 IBRs.
Specific implementation plans are being prepared for each of these new standards. For example the implementation plan for PRC-024 and PRC -029 can be found at this link:
Implementation Plan PRC -024 and PRC -029
Block Three Standards: Potential Modifications
Block Three Standards are those that could still be modified for Category 2 IBRs. The drafting teams will discuss the risk for Category 2 IBRs and decide on any necessary modifications.
What Next?
- Stay Informed: Drafting team nominations have been submitted and teams are currently being formed. Be sure to stay in contact with your GO/GOP representative to keep up with the latest changes.
- Stay informed through candidate outreach and education opportunities.
- Review Implementation Plans: For Standards in Block Two, check the NERC website for implementation plans and effective dates.
By understanding these updates, you can better prepare for changes in the NERC Reliability Standards and ensure compliance with NERC requirements for Category 2 IBRs.
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