| 2022 Business Plan and Budget | | https://rfirst.org/2022-business-plan-and-budget | 2022 Business Plan and Budget | | <p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1">On April 16, 2021, the Board of Directors approved the ReliabilityFirst Corporation's 2022 Business Plan and Budget, Draft, Version 1, for publication for 30 day industry comment and release to NERC.</span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1">Annually, the Regions are required to develop their Business Plan and Budget (BP&B) for the following year to provide adequate time for the Regional Boards, the NERC Board, and FERC to each approve the documents in succession. NERC and the Regions developed a set of strategic and operating objectives in order to develop their individual BP&B with a common foundation. These strategic and operating objectives are set forth in the ERO Enterprise Long Term Strategy. Any unique objectives that apply only to ReliabilityFirst are expressly noted in the BP&B. In developing the 2022 BP&B, management considered the common assumptions, conducted manpower analyses, considered efficiency gains attributable to new processes and maturing systems, and examined projected future workloads.</span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1">Highlights of the proposed 2022 BP&B (compared to the 2021 BP&B) are as follows:</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1">An overall increase in the budget of 5.8% or $1,434,435 </span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1">An increase in total personnel expenses of 5.3% or $1,128,747 </span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1">An increase in operating and fixed asset expenses of 8.4% or $305,688 </span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1">The addition of 4.25 FTEs</span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1">An overall increase in assessments to Load Serving Entities of 3% or $682,950 </span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1">An Operating Reserve of $1,000,000, consistent with 2021 </span></li></ul><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1">Please review the 2022 BP&B and provide any comments to <a href="mailto:%20carol.baskey@rfirst.org"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-4 ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1">carol.baskey@rfirst.org</span></a>.</span></p><p><span class="ms-rteForeColor-2 ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1"><a href="/about/publicreports/Public%20Reports/2022%20Business%20Plan%20and%20Budget,%20draft%20Version%201.pdf">Click here to review the plan.</a></span></p> | aspx | 0x010100C568DB52D9D0A14D9B2FDCC96666E9F2007948130EC3DB064584E219954237AF3900242457EFB8B24247815D688C526CD44D0093A70D41E916EA45B5172B8FDD4B3EFA00F578CE634144CA46817471FA34146B93 | | | 2021-04-16T04:00:00.0000000Z |
| ReliabilityFirst Announces National Search for Independent Board Director Led by CarterBaldwin Executive Search | | https://rfirst.org/reliabilityfirst-announces-national-search-for-independent-board-director-led-by-carterbaldwin-executive-search | ReliabilityFirst Announces National Search for Independent Board Director Led by CarterBaldwin Executive Search | | <font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style=""><font color="#000000">ReliabilityFirst (RF) has partnered with Atlanta-based
CarterBaldwin Executive Search to identify an independent Board Director to
join its governing body.<span style=""> </span></font></span></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style=""><font color="#000000">RF’s mission is to ensure the reliability, security, and
resilience of the electric grid in its region which covers 13 states and the
District of Columbia, stretching from the Atlantic Seaboard to Lake Michigan. </font></span></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style=""><font color="#000000">In addition to a reliable and secure electric grid being
fundamental to our most basic daily routines and needs, our economy, national
security, and public welfare depend on it. To achieve its mission, RF employs a
diverse team of experts across numerous disciplines to address the complex and
dynamic challenges the grid presents. RF is uniquely positioned to work closely
with transmission, generation, and other power companies, as well as the
federal government, to help identify and protect against operational risks and
physical and cyber security threats to the grid. The confluence of the
evolving state of the electric grid, the essential nature of its mission, and
its skilled workforce provide RF the opportunity to make a positive impact for
the greater good.</font></span></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style=""><font color="#000000">RF is one of only six companies across North America that is
responsible for this important work under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) approved delegation agreements with the North American Electric
Reliability Corporation (NERC). </font></span></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="background:white;margin:0in -13.5pt 15pt 0in;"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="color:black;">RF has a hybrid Board of Directors that is made up of three
independent directors and 11 stakeholder directors, as well as RF’s President
and CEO as a non-voting ex officio member. One of RF’s independent directors
was recently selected to serve on the NERC Board of Directors, and RF is
conducting a search for his replacement, with a particular focus on experience
outside the utility industry and on government policy expertise. </span></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1"><span style="color:black;">Chris Guiney, Partner and </span><font color="#000000"><span style="">Energy and Infrastructure Practice Leader at
CarterBaldwin, </span></font><span style="color:black;">will lead the search. For more information, he can be
reached via e-mail at </span></font><a><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style=""><font color="#000000">cguiney@carterbaldwin.com</font></span></a><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="color:black;">.</span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font> | aspx | 0x010100C568DB52D9D0A14D9B2FDCC96666E9F2007948130EC3DB064584E219954237AF3900242457EFB8B24247815D688C526CD44D0093A70D41E916EA45B5172B8FDD4B3EFA00F578CE634144CA46817471FA34146B93 | | | 2021-02-10T05:00:00.0000000Z |
| RF Director Larry Irving Elected to NERC Board of Directors | | https://rfirst.org/rf-director-larry-irving-elected-to-nerc-board-of-directors | RF Director Larry Irving Elected to NERC Board of Directors | | <p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
<font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">ReliabilityFirst (RF) is pleased to congratulate Larry
Irving on being elected to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation
(NERC) Board of Directors. To serve the industry in this new role, he will step
down from his current position on RF’s Board of Directors.</font></font><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">Irving is one of the founding RF Directors having joined at
the organization’s inception in 2006. His exemplary leadership and commitment
to RF’s mission of ensuring a safe and reliable electric grid are appreciated
by all who have the privilege of working with him. As a member of the NERC
Board, the ERO Enterprise and industry overall will benefit further from
Irving’s expertise and knowledge, and the RF team looks forward to continued
collaboration with him.</font></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">“I can think of no higher praise to bestow on anyone than my
thoughts about Larry: you are a better person after spending time with him,”
said Tim Gallagher, RF president and CEO. “He is one of those very rare people
who makes a positive and lasting impression on everyone he meets, and his
leadership has been instrumental in making our organization what it is today.
The entire RF team will miss him terribly, but we are so very humbled and proud
to lose him to a great organization like NERC.”</font></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">Among his many impressive accomplishments, Irving was the
first African-American inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame for his tireless
efforts and groundbreaking research to address the digital divide – a term he
is widely credited with coining. He continues his important advocacy work today
and is a strong voice for students lacking the internet access needed for
virtual education during the pandemic. </font></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">He is currently the president and CEO of the Irving Group,
an international telecommunications and information technology consulting firm,
and his career spans executive roles in the private sector, as well as
government positions. Irving served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Communications and Information and Administrator of the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). In addition to his
work on domestic and international telecommunications and information
technology issues, he was one of the principal architects and advocates of the
Clinton Administration's successful efforts to reform US telecommunications
laws, which resulted in passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.</font></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">Irving also serves on the boards of directors of Education
Networks of America, the American Australian Council and the Texas
Tribune. He is president of Northwestern University's Alumni Association
and is a member of Northwestern's Board of Trustees. Additionally, he is a
member of the Boards of Visitors of Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and
Sciences and Stanford Law School. </font></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font> | aspx | 0x010100C568DB52D9D0A14D9B2FDCC96666E9F2007948130EC3DB064584E219954237AF3900242457EFB8B24247815D688C526CD44D0093A70D41E916EA45B5172B8FDD4B3EFA00F578CE634144CA46817471FA34146B93 | | | 2021-02-04T05:00:00.0000000Z |
| NERC, ERO Extend Expanded Self-Logging and On-site Activity Deferment Through Q2 2021 | | https://rfirst.org/nerc-ero-extend-expanded-self-logging-and-on-site-activity-deferment-through-q2-2021 | NERC, ERO Extend Expanded Self-Logging and On-site Activity Deferment Through Q2 2021 | | <font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">On January 6, 2021, the ERO released </font><a href="https://www.nerc.com/news/Pages/ERO-Enterprise-Further-Extends-Self-Logging-Program-Expansion-and-Deferment-of-On-Site-Activities-Through-Mid-2021.aspx"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0563c1">guidance</font></span></a><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000"> that
it is further extending expanded self-logging and on-site activity deferment
until the end of Q2 2021. For additional guidance on the expanded self-logging
process, please see our </font><a href="/reliabilityfirst-granted-additional-discretion-for-standards-impacted-by-covid-19"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0563c1">prior
announcement</font></span></a><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">. The expanded self-logging process was created to lighten the
administrative burden of entities for noncompliances posing only a minimal or
moderate risk and resulting from impacts related to COVID-19.</font></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">Thank you for your dedication to ensuring the health and
safety of your employees and communities, as well as the continued reliability
and security of the ReliabilityFirst Region.
</font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">If you have other questions or concerns regarding the coronavirus outbreak that
are not related to this regulatory discretion, please use the </font><a href="/Pages/Contact%20Us.aspx"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0563c1">Contact Us</font></span></a><font color="#000000" face="Arial" size="3"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1"> page.
Choose “COVID-19" as the Area and “Updates - COVID-19" as the Topic</span>.</font></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font> | aspx | 0x010100C568DB52D9D0A14D9B2FDCC96666E9F2007948130EC3DB064584E219954237AF3900242457EFB8B24247815D688C526CD44D0093A70D41E916EA45B5172B8FDD4B3EFA00F578CE634144CA46817471FA34146B93 | | | 2021-01-07T05:00:00.0000000Z |
| NERC, ERO Further Extend Expanded Self-Logging and On-site Activity Deferment | | https://rfirst.org/nerc-ero-further-extend-expanded-self-logging-and-on-site-activity-deferment | NERC, ERO Further Extend Expanded Self-Logging and On-site Activity Deferment | | <font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">On October 27, 2020, the ERO released </font><a href="https://www.nerc.com/news/Pages/ERO-Enterprise-Further-Extends-Self-Logging-Program-Expansion-and-Deferment-of-On-Site-Activities.aspx"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0563c1">guidance</font></span></a><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000"> that
it is further extending expanded self-logging and on-site activity deferment
until the end of Q1 2021. For additional guidance on the expanded self-logging
process, please click </font><a href="/reliabilityfirst-granted-additional-discretion-for-standards-impacted-by-covid-19"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0563c1">here</font></span></a><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
for our prior announcement. The expanded self-logging process was created to
lighten the administrative burden of entities for noncompliances posing only a
minimal or moderate risk and resulting from impacts related to COVID-19.</font></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">Thank you for your dedication to ensuring the health and
safety of your employees and communities, as well as the continued reliability
and security of the ReliabilityFirst Region.</font></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
If you have other questions or concerns regarding the coronavirus outbreak that
are not related to this regulatory discretion, please use the </font><a href="/Pages/Contact%20Us.aspx"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0563c1">Contact Us</font></span></a><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000"> page.
Choose “COVID-19" as the Area and “Updates - COVID-19" as the Topic.</font></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font> | aspx | 0x010100C568DB52D9D0A14D9B2FDCC96666E9F2007948130EC3DB064584E219954237AF3900242457EFB8B24247815D688C526CD44D0093A70D41E916EA45B5172B8FDD4B3EFA00F578CE634144CA46817471FA34146B93 | | | 2020-11-19T05:00:00.0000000Z |
| FERC and NERC Issue Second Joint White Paper Regarding CIP Filings | | https://rfirst.org/ferc-and-nerc-issue-second-joint-white-paper-regarding-cip-filings | FERC and NERC Issue Second Joint White Paper Regarding CIP Filings | | <p></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="line-height:107%;"><font color="#000000">Earlier this week, FERC and NERC
released their </font></span><a href="https://www.ferc.gov/media/second-joint-staff-white-paper-notices-penalty-pertaining-violations-critical-infrastructure"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="line-height:107%;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0563c1">Second Joint Staff White Paper on Notices of
Penalty Pertaining to Violations of Critical Infrastructure Protection
Reliability Standards</font></span></span></a><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="line-height:107%;"><font color="#000000"> </font><span style="color:black;">(the Second White Paper). </span></span></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="line-height:107%;"><font color="#000000">In the Second White Paper, FERC and
NERC announced that for CIP noncompliance, “going forward, NERC will request
that the entire filing or submittal be treated as CEII and Commission staff
will designate such filings and submittals as CEII in their entirety.”
Additionally, they explained that because of the risk posed by disclosing CIP
noncompliance information, NERC will no longer publicly post redacted versions
of the CIP noncompliance filings or submittals.</font></span></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="line-height:107%;"><font color="#000000">The Second White Paper reflects the
priority for protection of cybersecurity information as it relates to grid
security. If Registered Entities have questions regarding enforcement
activities, please reach out to your Enforcement Case Manager. </font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font> | aspx | 0x010100C568DB52D9D0A14D9B2FDCC96666E9F2007948130EC3DB064584E219954237AF3900242457EFB8B24247815D688C526CD44D0093A70D41E916EA45B5172B8FDD4B3EFA00F578CE634144CA46817471FA34146B93 | | | 2020-09-25T04:00:00.0000000Z |
| NERC, ERO Extend Expanded Self-Logging and On-site Activity Deferment Related to COVID-19 | | https://rfirst.org/nerc-ero-extend-expanded-self-logging-and-on-site-activity-deferment-related-to-covid-19 | NERC, ERO Extend Expanded Self-Logging and On-site Activity Deferment Related to COVID-19 | | <font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="color:black;">On August 13, 2020, the ERO </span><a href="https://www.nerc.com/news/Pages/ERO-Enterprise-Extends-Self-Logging-Program-Expansion-and-Deferment-of-On-Site-Activities.aspx"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="color:#0563c1;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">released guidance</span></span></a><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="color:black;"> that it is extending expanded
self-logging and on-site activity deferment through December 31, 2020. For
additional guidance on the expanded self-logging process, please click </span><a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=b281c2d9-f380-47b4-b94a-7080875569e4&TermSetId=75f9c71e-f54d-4241-91d4-831fbfe27f59&TermId=b6c32ada-2bb8-4393-a653-a8ac23231d25"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="color:#0563c1;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">here</span></span></a><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="color:black;">, and for on-site activity
deferment, click </span><a href="https://www.nerc.com/news/Pages/ERO-Enterprise-Opts-to-Extend-On-Site-Activity-Deferral.aspx"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="color:#0563c1;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">here</span></span></a><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="color:black;">. The expanded self-logging
process was created to lighten the administrative burden of entities for
noncompliances posing only a minimal or moderate risk and resulting from
impacts related to COVID-19. </span></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="color:black;"> </span></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 7.5pt;line-height:normal;"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="color:#333333;">Thank you for your dedication to ensuring the health and safety
of your employees and communities, as well as the continued reliability and
security of the ReliabilityFirst Region.<br>
<br>
If you have other questions or concerns regarding the coronavirus outbreak that
are not related to this regulatory discretion, please use the </span><a href="/Pages/Contact%20Us.aspx"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0563c1">Contact Us</font></span></span></a><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" style="color:#333333;"> page. Choose “COVID-19" as the Area and “Updates -
COVID-19" as the Topic.</span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font> | aspx | 0x010100C568DB52D9D0A14D9B2FDCC96666E9F2007948130EC3DB064584E219954237AF3900242457EFB8B24247815D688C526CD44D0093A70D41E916EA45B5172B8FDD4B3EFA00F578CE634144CA46817471FA34146B93 | | | 2020-08-17T04:00:00.0000000Z |
| ReliabilityFirst Granted Additional Discretion for Standards Impacted by COVID-19 | | https://rfirst.org/reliabilityfirst-granted-additional-discretion-for-standards-impacted-by-covid-19 | ReliabilityFirst Granted Additional Discretion for Standards Impacted by COVID-19 | | <p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">The ERO Enterprise (i.e., North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Regional Entities) announced an expansion of regulatory discretion related to coronavirus impacts. More specifically, the ERO Enterprise is implementing a temporary expansion of Self-Logging to allow </span><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-1">all </strong><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">registered entities to self-log instances of potential noncompliance related to coronavirus impacts. (</span><a href="https://www.nerc.com/news/Pages/ERO-Enterprise-Releases-New-Guidance-Temporarily-Expanding-Self-Logging-Program-Due-to-Coronavirus-Impacts.aspx"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;">See Full Announcement</span></a><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;">.</span><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">) This is limited to noncompliance posing only minimal and moderate risk and excludes noncompliance posing serious risk. </span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Under this temporary expansion of the Self-Logging Program, potential noncompliance related to coronavirus impacts and logged in accordance with the guidance is expected to be resolved without further action. All registered entities are encouraged to review NERC's </span><a href="https://www.nerc.com/pa/comp/CAOneStopShop/ERO%20Enterprise%20Guidance%20Potential%20Noncompliance%20Related%20to%20Coronavirus%20Impacts.pdf"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;">comprehensive guidance document</span></a><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1"> for the additional discretion. This expansion does not constitute an admission to the Self-Logging Program and expires on September 30, 2020. </span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">The announcement is an expansion of the regulatory discretion provided on March 18, 2020, relating to personnel certification and periodic requirements, which can be viewed </span><a href="/regulatory-discretion-for-covid-19-impacts"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;">here</span></a><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">. NERC is maintaining an </span><a href="https://www.nerc.com/pa/comp/CAOneStopShop/COVID19_ORC_CMEP%20FAQs_Posted.xlsx"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;">FAQ document</span></a><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1"> addressing industry questions on the guidance on the </span><a href="https://www.nerc.com/pa/comp/Pages/CAOneStopShop.aspx"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;">CMEP One-Stop Shop</span></a><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">. FERC also approved NERC's motion to </span><a href="https://www.nerc.com/news/Pages/NERC-Files-Motion-to-Defer-Implementation-of-Seven-Reliability-Standards-Due-to-COVID-19.aspx"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;">defer the implementation of seven Reliability Standards</span></a><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1"> with effective dates or phased-in implementation dates in the second half of 2020 to help assure grid reliability amid the impacts posed by the coronavirus outbreak. Finally, the ERO Enterprise postponed on-site audits and other on-site activities through September 7, 2020.</span></p><p><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Entity Instructions</strong></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">In a case of a noncompliance relating to entities' COVID-19 response, the entity should reach out to their enforcement case manager at ReliabilityFirst (RF) to discuss how to securely submit Self-Logged noncompliance(s). If an entity is not aware of who their case manager is, please contact RF using the </span><a href="/Pages/Contact%20Us.aspx"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;">Contact Us Page</span></a><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">, and your case manager will reach out to you.</span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">After you have connected with your case manager, please submit your entity's COVID-19 Self-Log by downloading a copy of the </span><a href="https://www.nerc.com/pa/comp/CAOneStopShop/COVID_Logging%20Spreadsheet%20-Template.xlsx"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1" style="text-decoration:underline;">spreadsheet log template</span></a><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1"> posted on the NERC website. This should be accomplished in accordance with the guidance below. </span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Include the following required information in the log template submission:</span></li><ul style="list-style-type:square;"><li><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Entity name, NCR, and entity contact information;</span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Applicable Region;</span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Affected functions;</span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Date the potential noncompliance was submitted to the Regional Entity;</span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Specific Standard and Requirement at issue; </span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Description of the potential noncompliance, including the circumstances relating to the impact of the Coronavirus response the entity employed, that will (has) prevent(ed) maintaining or achieving compliance; </span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Date the potential noncompliance was discovered;</span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Date the potential noncompliance began or will begin;</span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Anticipated date the potential noncompliance will be resolved and compliance will be achieved;</span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Description of the potential harm not being compliant could cause to the bulk power system;</span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Actions taken, or to be taken, to get back into compliance; and</span></li><li><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Actions taken to mitigate any risk associated with the potential noncompliance until compliance can be achieved and the anticipated completion dates for such actions. </span></li></ul></ul><p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Thank you for your dedication to ensuring the health and safety of your employees, your communities, and the continued reliability and security of the RF Region.<br> <br>If you have other questions or concerns regarding the coronavirus outbreak that are not related to this regulatory discretion, please use the Contact Us page. Choose “COVID-19" as the Area and “Updates - COVID-19" as the Topic.</span></p> | aspx | 0x010100C568DB52D9D0A14D9B2FDCC96666E9F2007948130EC3DB064584E219954237AF3900242457EFB8B24247815D688C526CD44D0093A70D41E916EA45B5172B8FDD4B3EFA00F578CE634144CA46817471FA34146B93 | | | 2020-05-31T04:00:00.0000000Z |
| Align Registered Entity Newsletter | | https://rfirst.org/align-registered-entity-newsletter-(2) | Align Registered Entity Newsletter | | <p></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1"><font color="#000000">ReliabilityFirst
is happy to share the latest <strong>Align Registered Entity Newsletter </strong>(click <a href="/about/Tools%20Portal%20Library/2020%20May%20Align%20Registered%20Entity%20Newsletter.pdf"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-6-0">here</span></a> to read). This issue
provides information on the ERO Enterprise Secure Evidence Locker (SEL),
Registered Entity testing of the Align Tool, an update on the development of
training materials, and an Align FAQs link. Please contact ReliabilityFirst
Align project change agent, </font><a href="mailto:ray.sefchik@rfirst.org"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1 ms-rteThemeForeColor-6-0">Ray Sefchik</font></a><font color="#000000">
with any questions.</font></span></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font> | aspx | 0x010100C568DB52D9D0A14D9B2FDCC96666E9F2007948130EC3DB064584E219954237AF3900242457EFB8B24247815D688C526CD44D0093A70D41E916EA45B5172B8FDD4B3EFA00F578CE634144CA46817471FA34146B93 | | | 2020-05-19T04:00:00.0000000Z |
| ReliabilityFirst Welcomes Niki Schaefer as VP & General Counsel | | https://rfirst.org/reliabilityfirst-welcomes-niki-schaefer-as-vp-general-counsel | ReliabilityFirst Welcomes Niki Schaefer as VP & General Counsel | | <span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">ReliabilityFirst (RF) is pleased to welcome Niki Schaefer
back to the organization. As vice president and general counsel for RF, Schaefer
is responsible for ensuring the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program
(CMEP) functions are effectively executed for electric utilities in the 13
states and Washington, D.C. that make up the RF footprint. In this role, she leads
the Legal, Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring teams. </font></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">“Niki’s extensive background in helping shape strategic
objectives and policies, as well as managing high-performing teams, make her uniquely
positioned to significantly contribute to RF’s mission of preserving and enhancing
the reliability and security of the bulk power system,” said Tim Gallagher, RF
president and CEO. “Those who had the pleasure of working with Niki during her
previous time at RF understand why we are so thrilled to welcome her back to
the team.”</font></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">As part of RF’s ongoing efforts to serve entities and
stakeholders more effectively, Rob Eckenrod will take on the new role of vice president,
entity engagement and corporate services. “Rob has been an outstanding addition
to the RF team, and this new role marries his comprehensive experience on ‘the
other side of the table’ with the knowledge he’s gained as a key leader at RF
this past year to deliver proactive solutions to our industry partners,” said
Gallagher. “We recognize that COVID-19 has created challenging times for
everyone but the organizational changes better position RF to meet the needs of
our constituents, and given our history with both Rob and Niki, we have every
confidence in their ability to help lead us through it.”</font></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">Schaefer returns to RF from Eaton Corporation where she served
as counsel to senior leadership teams across multiple business units within
Eaton’s electrical sector supporting more than $2 billion in revenue. Prior to
Eaton, she was the managing enforcement counsel at RF and directed the teams
responsible for carrying out enforcement of electric reliability regulations.
Before working in the electric industry, she was a trial lawyer for a large
Cleveland law firm litigating commercial and personal injury cases in State and
Federal Courts across the country. </font></p><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;"><font class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-1" color="#000000">Schaefer received her B.A. in American Studies from Cornell
University, and graduated cum laude from CWRU School of Law where she received
an academic scholarship. In addition to earning multiple professional awards –
most recently being named to the 2020 Super Lawyers list by Cleveland Jewish
News – Schaefer is very active in the Cleveland community through volunteer
work for University Hospitals Partnership for Families and the American Heart
Association. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of The Gathering
Place, a non-profit that provides free therapeutic services to people with
cancer and their loved ones.</font></p><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font> | aspx | 0x010100C568DB52D9D0A14D9B2FDCC96666E9F2007948130EC3DB064584E219954237AF3900242457EFB8B24247815D688C526CD44D0093A70D41E916EA45B5172B8FDD4B3EFA00F578CE634144CA46817471FA34146B93 | | | 2020-04-28T04:00:00.0000000Z |