Expert analysis for a more reliable, secure and resilient electric grid, plus news and updates for RF stakeholders.

Insights & Analysis

The Lighthouse: CIP low impact from the ground up – Part 3, Overview of compliance steps

This is the third in a series of articles in which RF’s Lew Folkerth will explore the NERC CIP Standards applicable to low impact Bulk Electric System Cyber Systems. In this article, Lew outlines the steps needed to begin your CIP compliance program at the low impact level.

Aurora over Old Mackinac Point Light, Mackinaw City, Michigan (Photo: Lew Folkerth)

Click here to read more

Internal Controls 101 training series

This five-video training series created by ReliabilityFirst focuses on internal controls basics for entity compliance personnel as well as industry subject matter experts (SMEs).

At the completion of this course, the audience will be familiar with common internal controls terminology, have a rudimentary understanding of the GAO Green Book internal controls framework and its application to the industry, understand how internal controls apply to the Compliance Oversight Plan (COP), and be introduced to creating strong risk assessment programs.

Click here to read more

Regulatory Affairs: Grid reliability news we’re tracking

The latest regulatory headlines we’re tracking include:

• U.S. Senate Energy Committee holds hearing on fusion energy
• FERC hosts annual Reliability Technical Conference

Click here to read more

News & Updates

NERC publishes Parts 2 and 3 of Interregional Transfer Capability Study

On Nov. 4, NERC published Prudent Additions Recommendations (Part 2) and Meet and Maintain Recommendations (Part 3), the third in a series of three draft documents that will be merged into the final Interregional Transfer Capability Study (ITCS), which is being produced in response to the congressional directive in the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.

The document provides an energy margin analysis and resulting recommendations for increases to the transfer capability between Transmission Planning Regions to improve energy adequacy during extreme weather events. It also recommends how to meet and maintain transfer capability as enhanced by these technically prudent additions.

The complete ITCS will be filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by Dec. 2, 2024, and will be followed by a FERC public comment period. A fourth document, a study of transfer capabilities and recommendations for prudent additions from the United States to Canada and between Canadian provinces, will be published in the first quarter of 2025.

For more information, see NERC’s ITCS Project page.

Upcoming Events

Nov. 13, 3 – 5 p.m. EST | Inverter-Based Resource Registration Initiative ERO Enterprise Webinar

On Nov. 13, the ERO Enterprise will host an informational webinar on the Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Registration Initiative, which addresses the identification and registration of owners and operators of IBRs that are connected to the bulk power system, but are not currently required to register with NERC or adhere to its Reliability Standards.

To mitigate this reliability concern, NERC seeks to register Generator Owners (GO) and Generator Operators (GOP) of non-Bulk Electric System IBRs with aggregate nameplate capacity ≥20 MVA connected at a voltage ≥60 kV.

This informational webinar is designed for Category 2 GO and GOPs, and will feature presentations from NERC, the Electricity Information Sharing Analysis Center (E‑ISAC), and Regional Entity staff focused on various topics and activities underway.

Event details

Nov. 18, 2-3:30 p.m. | Technical Talk with RF

Join us on Monday, Nov. 18 for our second-to-last Tech Talk of 2024! Here’s what’s on the agenda:

Physical security program best practices and lessons learned 

Mike Melvin, Director, Corporate Physical Security, Exelon

• Mike will discuss the physical security complexities and challenges Exelon faced at its Kennett Square facility before the organization ultimately found success with its program there.

Certifications update 

Sam Ciccone, Principal Reliability Consultant, Entity Engagement, RF

• Sam will review the process for certifications and provide an update on FERC Order 881 as it relates to certification reviews.

Event details

March 4, 2025 | ERO Enterprise Women’s Leadership Conference

Save the date for the 2025 ERO Enterprise Women’s Leadership Conference, hosted by Midwest Reliability Organization. Please join us as we celebrate women across the ERO Enterprise and from the energy and other critical infrastructure sectors.

The event will be moderated by MRO Board Chair Dr. Dana Born – a retired USAF Brigadier General and lecturer in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Keynote remarks will be provided by: Dr. Jennifer Hesterman, retired USAF Colonel and award-winning author; Dr. Rosie Ward, Ph.D., workplace wellness expert and award-winning author; and MRO’s president and CEO Sara Patrick. Registration will open in November.

Event details

To explore our full calendar of upcoming events, click here.

The post First Things RFirst: November 2024 appeared first on ReliabilityFirst.

Recent regulatory headlines we’re tracking include:

U.S. Senate Energy Committee holds hearing on fusion energy

The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on fusion energy technology development and commercialization efforts on Sept. 19. Sen. Joe Manchin, an Independent from West Virginia, opened the hearing and said that the U.S. is in a “global race” to develop fusion energy, and that it would be a “game changer” because it would be dispatchable power that is carbon free. However, he noted that fusion energy is not yet available at commercial scale, and China is working to develop this power (and the accompanying supply chain) as well.

The witnesses at the hearing included:

• Jean Paul Allain, associate director of the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences at the Department of Energy (DOE). Allain discussed the DOE’s progress and goals related to fusion energy development, and strategic partnerships with the private sector and with the United Kingdom and Japan.
• Jackie Siebens, director of public affairs at Helion Energy and non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center, discussed how fusion power plants will need quick interconnection to the grid and that the interconnection permitting process should be streamlined. She also discussed the importance of building a resilient supply chain and stated that “fusion is ideally suited for collocated generation, where its firm, reliable power can be directly supplied to large energy consumers.”
• Patrick White, research director at the Nuclear Innovation Alliance, discussed the latest experimental fusion developments and the stages involved from scientific demonstration to commercial deployment. He noted that private companies are now playing a large role in fusion energy research and development.

The archived webcast of the hearing is available here.

FERC hosts annual Reliability Technical Conference

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) held its annual 2024 Reliability Technical Conference on Oct. 16. The FERC Commissioners provided opening remarks, and FERC Chair Willie Phillips stressed that reliability is “job one” and noted key reliability challenges including extreme weather, the changing resource mix, and increased electricity demand. Commissioner Mark Christie stated that the U.S. is heading toward a “reliability crisis” due to “an unsustainable loss of dispatchable resources, an inability to build and bring online equivalent resources, and a huge increase in demand.”

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) President & CEO Jim Robb then provided remarks, noting that the trend lines for supply and demand are “moving in the wrong direction to sustain reliability.” He discussed risks associated with extreme weather, inverter-based resources, and the reliance on natural gas. In addition to discussing emerging risks, Robb highlighted that there is strong overall grid reliability, with a decline in equipment failures and the severity and duration of outages.

Robb then discussed the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) Enterprise’s efforts to streamline the standards development process, modernize reliability assessments, and conduct outreach with policymakers on key reliability risks. He also advocated for a more risk-based oversight approach for low-risk Reliability Standard violations, and a more flexible approach to compliance monitoring and enforcement during the early stages of enforcement for “complex and novel” Reliability Standards.

Panel one of the conference, “Managing Reliability Risks and Challenges,” focused on the current state of reliability. During the panel, there was discussion on how markets can provide adequate cost recovery for reliability measures and how to keep conventional generation resources cost-effective so they can keep running. During Panel two, “Resource Adequacy and Expected Load Growth,” the speakers discussed rapid data center growth and the importance of collaboration between FERC, the ERO, and state policymakers on resource adequacy issues. An archived webcast of the conference is available here.

The post Regulatory Affairs news highlights: November 2024 appeared first on ReliabilityFirst.

Honoring Patrick “Pat” Alan Cass

April 5, 1951 – Oct. 31, 2024

It is with deep respect and gratitude that we honor the memory of Patrick “Pat” Alan Cass, a dedicated and long-serving board member of ReliabilityFirst. Pat’s commitment to our organization and his invaluable contributions as the chair of the Finance and Audit Committee since 2014 have left an indelible mark on our community.

Pat’s professional journey was marked by excellence and leadership. After earning his BSBA in accounting from Bowling Green State University, he embarked on a distinguished career at Arthur Andersen LLP, where he became a partner and served in various offices across the country. His expertise and leadership continued at Ernst & Young LLP, where he managed the Louisville office and served as a regional energy industry leader until his retirement in 2009.

Beyond his professional achievements, Pat was deeply involved in civic and professional organizations, contributing his time and expertise to numerous boards, including Louisville United Way, Greater Louisville Inc., Leadership Louisville, and Louisville Fund for the Arts.

Pat’s passion for life extended to his many hobbies, including genealogy, piloting, sailing, and wine appreciation. His love for family and friends was evident in all he did, and he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and dedication.

Pat’s presence will be greatly missed, but his contributions and spirit will continue to inspire us.

The post ReliabilityFirst mourns the loss of Board Member Patrick Cass appeared first on ReliabilityFirst.

ERO Enterprise to host Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Registration Initiative webinar on Nov. 13

On Nov. 13 from 3-5 p.m. Eastern Time, the ERO Enterprise will host an informational webinar on the Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Registration Initiative, which addresses the identification and registration of owners and operators of IBRs that are connected to the bulk power system, but are not currently required to register with NERC or adhere to its Reliability Standards.

To mitigate this reliability concern, NERC seeks to register Generator Owners (GO) and Generator Operators (GOP) of non-Bulk Electric System IBRs with aggregate nameplate capacity ≥20 MVA connected at a voltage ≥60 kV.

This informational webinar is is designed for Category 2 GO and GOPs and will feature presentations from NERC, the Electricity Information Sharing Analysis Center (E‑ISAC), and Regional Entity staff focused on various topics and activities underway, including:

• Milestones and Work Plan
• Registration Criteria Revisions: New Category 2 GO and GOP
• NERC Standards and Compliance Expectations
• ERO Identification/Registration Process for Category 2 GO and GOPs
• Communications Resources

The webinar will include panelist presentations followed by a question-and-answer session.

Click here to register

The post ERO Enterprise to host Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Registration Initiative webinar on Nov. 13 appeared first on ReliabilityFirst.

Recent regulatory headlines we’re tracking include:

FERC holds workshop to discuss generation interconnection

On Sept. 10 and 11, FERC held a workshop to discuss innovations and efficiencies in generator interconnection processes. FERC Chair Willie Phillips opened the workshop with comments on the importance of generator interconnection reform, noting that there is 2,000 GW of generation waiting in the queue with an average wait time of five years. Chair Phillips noted that the issuance of Order 2023 was “just the first stop,” and that there is much more to be done. Day one of the workshop focused on innovations, and panelists discussed the importance of an expanded and proactive transmission planning process, especially given the increasing energy demand resulting from data centers, electrification, and electric vehicles. There was also discussion of an “expedited reliability queue” for projects that are ready to proceed (“shovel-ready”), which could run alongside the existing queue.

Day two of the workshop discussed efficiencies, and a major theme from the discussions was the importance of transparency and additional data sharing from all parties, to more quickly and accurately advance projects that are ready in the queue. There was also discussion of automating certain aspects of system impact studies through software, which could speed up the study process. Throughout the workshop, RTOs (including SPP, MISO, New York ISO, California ISO, and PJM) shared their approaches to and latest developments in the generation interconnection process. A recorded webcast from day one of the workshop is available here, and the recording from day two is available here. FERC is also inviting the filing of public comments (by Oct. 15) on the topics and questions presented during the workshop in FERC Docket No. AD24-9-000.

FERC issues NOPR for new internal network security monitoring reliability standard

On Sept. 19, FERC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) proposing to approve a new CIP standard submitted by NERC, CIP-015-1, which establishes requirements for internal network security monitoring (INSM) for network traffic inside an electronic security perimeter. These requirements would apply to all high-impact Bulk Electric System (BES) Cyber Systems and all medium-impact BES Cyber Systems with external routable connectivity. FERC explains in the NOPR that INSM provides visibility into communications between networked devices within a trust zone and can detect malicious activity that has circumvented perimeter control. The use of INSM increases the likelihood of earlier detection, mitigation, and recovery from a cyber attack.

The NOPR also proposes to direct NERC to develop modifications to CIP-015-1 within one year, to extend INSM to include electronic access control or monitoring systems (EACMS) and physical access control systems (PACS) outside of the electronic security perimeter. FERC states that this modification is needed because attacks could compromise the EACMS or PACS and then infiltrate the perimeter as a trusted communication. The NOPR provides for a 60-day public comment period from interested parties.

FERC issues NOPR on supply chain risk management standards

FERC also issued a NOPR this month that proposed to direct NERC to create new or modified Reliability Standards within one year to address gaps in the existing CIP Standards related to supply chain risk management (SCRM). FERC states that while the existing SCRM standards provide a baseline for supply chain threats, these threats are increasing and there are gaps related to 1) the sufficiency of responsible entities’ SCRM plans related to the identification of, assessment of, and response to supply chain risks and 2) applicability of SCRM standards to protected cyber assets (PCA). Specifically, the NOPR proposes to direct NERC to:

• Establish a maximum time frame between when an entity performs its initial risk assessment during the procurement process and when it installs the equipment.
• Establish periodic requirements for an entity to reassess the risk associated with vendors, products, and services procured under contracts for any supply chain risks that may have developed since the contract began.
• Require an entity to establish steps in its SCRM plan to validate the completeness/accuracy of information received from vendors during the procurement process (to better inform the identification and assessment of supply chain risks).
• Require that entities establish a process to document, track, and respond to all identified supply chain risks.

Regarding the applicability of the SCRM standards to PCAs (ancillary equipment that resides behind a responsible entity’s electronic access point within BES Cyber Systems), the NOPR proposes to direct NERC to modify the SCRM standards to include PCAs as applicable assets. The NOPR also proposes to direct NERC to protect PCAs from supply chain risk at the same level as other assets inside an electronic security perimeter. The NOPR provides for a 60-day public comment period from interested parties.

The post Regulatory Affairs news highlights: October 2024 appeared first on ReliabilityFirst.

Expert analysis for a more reliable, secure and resilient electric grid, plus news and updates for RF stakeholders.

Insights & Analysis

The Lighthouse: CIP low impact from the ground up – Part 2, Initial compliance steps

This is the second in a series of articles in which RF’s Lew Folkerth will explore the NERC CIP Standards applicable to low impact Bulk Electric System Cyber Systems. In this article, Lew provides an introduction to the CIP Standards applicable to low impact and an overview of the steps needed to begin your CIP compliance program at the low impact level.

Little Traverse Lighthouse, Harbor Point, Michigan | Photo: Lew Folkerth

Click here to read more

Enforcement Explained: Self-reporting credit and disposition efficiency

In this edition of Enforcement Explained, we will look behind the curtain at why self-reporting is valued, what we look for when assessing the quality and timeliness of a self-report, and how quality self-reports are a tool for entities to more quickly achieve regulatory clarity.

Click here to read more

Regulatory Affairs: Grid reliability news we’re tracking

The latest regulatory headlines we’re tracking include:

• FERC holds workshop to discuss generation interconnection
• FERC issues NOPR for new internal network security monitoring reliability standard
• FERC issues NOPR on supply chain risk management standards

Click here to read more

News & Updates

ERO Enterprise to host Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Registration Initiative webinar on Nov. 13

On Nov. 13 from 3-5 p.m. Eastern Time, the ERO Enterprise will host an informational webinar on the Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Registration Initiative, which addresses the identification and registration of owners and operators of IBRs that are connected to the bulk power system, but are not currently required to register with NERC or adhere to its Reliability Standards.

To mitigate this reliability concern, NERC seeks to register Generator Owners (GO) and Generator Operators (GOP) of non-Bulk Electric System IBRs with aggregate nameplate capacity ≥20 MVA connected at a voltage ≥60 kV.

This informational webinar is is designed for Category 2 GO and GOPs and will feature presentations from NERC, the Electricity Information Sharing Analysis Center (E‑ISAC), and Regional Entity staff focused on various topics and activities underway, including:

• Milestones and Work Plan
• Registration Criteria Revisions: New Category 2 GO and GOP
• NERC Standards and Compliance Expectations
• ERO Identification/Registration Process for Category 2 GO and GOPs
• Communications Resources

The webinar will include panelist presentations followed by a question-and-answer session.

Click here to register

RF hosts Fall Reliability & Security Summit

RF hosted our Fall Reliability & Security Summit Sept. 16-18 in Indianapolis, bringing together entities from our footprint, as well as state legislators, and other thought-leaders from industry and academia. We dove into the intersection of energy policy with reliability and security, as we navigate the challenges of a changing generation mix. Stay tuned for more details on next year’s event, planned for Sept. 8-10, 2025.

Attendees participate in the New Jersey Security Tabletop Exercise, hosted by ReliabilityFirst in Florham Park, New Jersey, on Oct. 9, 2024. (Photo: Gabe Cavallaro)

RF hosts New Jersey Security Tabletop Exercise

RF hosted a security tabletop exercise in Florham Park, New Jersey, on Oct. 9. We brought together major players from the electric industry, law enforcement and first responders, government officials, and communications and water utilities to work through what their response would be in the event of an attack on the electric grid. This simulated scenario provided a fantastic opportunity for attendees to make new connections that could prove to be vital in the future as well as practice how they would react to an attack scenario.

RF President & CEO Tim Gallagher speaks at the 2024 Fall Reliability & Security Summit in Indianapolis. (Photo: Lew Folkerth)

NERC recaps progress on IBR Registration Initiative, Interregional Transfer Capability Study in Q3 updates

NERC’s IBR Registration Initiative Q3 Update showcases progress made, highlights key activities in legal, registration, standards, stakeholder outreach, and E-ISAC engagements and provides available resources. Third quarter activities focused on outreach to registration candidates as well as the development of resources to support their entry into the ERO Enterprise.

See NERC’s IBR Registration Initiative Quick Reference Guide for more information or email compliance@rfirst.org if you have additional questions.

NERC also recapped its progress so far on the Interregional Transfer Capability Study (ITCS) in a Q3 Update published Oct. 1. Completed ITCS activities include:

• Publishing the Transfer Capability Analysis (Part 1) that provides current total transfer capability analysis between pairs of neighboring Transmission Planning Regions.
• Completing the energy margin analysis, which evaluates extreme weather conditions over 12 years.
• Creating a preliminary list of prudent additions to transfer capability to enhance reliability.
• Partnering with Regional Entities to gather feedback and input from stakeholders.

For more information, see NERC’s ITCS Project page.

Upcoming Events

Oct. 28, 2-3:30 p.m. | Technical Talk with RF

Join us on Oct. 28 for the next edition of Tech Talk with RF. In observance of Cyber Security Awareness Month, our presenters will discuss leading-edge topics related to cyber security.

Presenters:

• Megan Culler, Power Engineer / Researcher, Idaho National Laboratory
• Brent Castagnetto, Managing Partner, Archer Security Group, and Co-Founder, NovaSync

Stay tuned for agenda information to be posted on the event page on our website and LinkedIn page.

Event details

To explore our full calendar of upcoming events, click here.

The post First Things RFirst: October 2024 appeared first on ReliabilityFirst.

Expert analysis for a more reliable, secure and resilient electric grid, plus news and updates for RF stakeholders.

Insights & Analysis

The Lighthouse: CIP low impact from the ground up – Part 1, Introduction to NERC and the Reliability Standards

This is the first in a series of articles in which RF’s Lew Folkerth will explore the NERC CIP Standards applicable to low impact Bulk Electric System Cyber Systems.

Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in Gulliver, Michigan. (Photo: Lew Folkerth)

Click here to read more

Winter is coming and so is the Extreme Cold Weather Preparedness and Operations Standard (EOP-012-2)

Starting Oct. 1, 2024, numerous requirements and definitions within the newly approved Cold Weather and Preparedness (EOP-012-2) NERC Reliability Standard become effective with the phased-in implementation plan. In May, in preparation for the anticipated approval of EOP-012-2, the ERO Enterprise hosted Cold Weather Preparedness Small Group Advisory Sessions, and on Sept. 3, NERC posted a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.

Click here to read more

Regulatory Affairs: Grid reliability news we’re tracking

The latest regulatory headlines we’re tracking include:

• FERC announces annual reliability technical conference
• FERC to hold technical conference focused on colocation of large electric loads at generating facilities
• DOE releases electricity demand growth resource hub
• New energy bill advances in U.S. Senate

Click here to read more

News & Updates

When updates to ambient adjusted ratings (to comply with FERC Order 881) require a certification review

Nearly four years ago, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order 881, requiring all transmission providers to use ambient adjusted ratings (AARs) as the basis for evaluating near-term transmission service to increase the accuracy of near-term line ratings. As the July 12, 2025, deadline for this shift approaches, here’s what to know about when updates to AARs may require a certification review.

Click here to read more

NERC releases Inverter-Based Resource Initiative update

Phase 2 of the IBR Registration Initiative workplan is now underway and is scheduled to run through May 2025. Phase 2 focuses on the identification of Category 2 Generator Owner (GO)/Generator Operator (GOP) candidates, as well as continued outreach and education to industry.

NERC sent a request for information (RFI) to Transmission Owners (TOs) and Balancing Authorities (BAs) on July 9, 2024, as part of this effort. The information gathered through the RFI will be used to identify and connect with IBR registration candidates to inform them of the registration obligation, provide education on the reliability standards and requirements, and introduce NERC, the applicable Regional Entity, and the E-ISAC. Responses to the RFI are due to the Regional Entities by Sept. 20, 2024, and efforts to register new and existing Category 2 IBRs will take place through May 2026.

See NERC’s IBR Registration Initiative Quick Reference Guide for more information or email compliance@rfirst.org if you have additional questions.

NERC publishes Interregional Transfer Capability Study – Part 1 Transfer Capability Analysis

On Aug. 27, NERC published Transfer Capability Analysis (Part 1) of the Interregional Transfer Capability Study (ITCS). The report outlines current total transfer capability analysis between pairs of neighboring Transmission Planning Regions in North America. It focuses on conditions in Summer 2024 and the upcoming 2024-25 Winter and will provide critical input to Part 2 of the ITCS, which will recommend technically prudent additions to transfer capability between neighboring areas. For more information, see NERC’s ITCS Project page.

Upcoming Events

Sept. 16-18 | Fall Reliability & Security Summit

We hope to see you in Indianapolis next week for the 2024 Fall Reliability & Security Summit, where we’ll dive into the intersection of energy policy with reliability and security, as we navigate the challenges of a changing generation mix.

While in-person registration for this event has now closed, we have opened a Webex for those who get sick or otherwise cannot attend in-person this year. Information on how to tune-in virtually is now available on the event page on our website. Full agenda details can be found there as well.

Event details

Sept. 25, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | E-ISAC Physical Security Regional Workshop

E-ISAC is partnering with ReliabilityFirst, EPRI, ComEd, Edison Electric Institute, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the American Public Power Association to host this regional physical security workshop. In response to the evolving physical threat environment impacting the electric industry, we invite you to join a free discussion about the current threat landscape, mitigation strategies, and lessons learned.

Event details

Oct. 28, 2-3:30 p.m. | Technical Talk with RF

Join us on Oct. 28 for the next edition of Tech Talk with RF. Stay tuned for agenda information to be posted on the event page on our website and LinkedIn page.

Event details

To explore our full calendar of upcoming events, click here.

The post First Things RFirst: September 2024 appeared first on ReliabilityFirst.

Recent regulatory headlines we’re tracking include:

FERC announces annual reliability technical conference

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has announced it will be holding its annual reliability technical conference on Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. EST. The conference will take place at FERC’s Washington, D.C., headquarters but will also be available to stream online. The purpose of the technical conference is to discuss policy issues related to the reliability and security of the bulk power system, and a more detailed agenda will be released in the future.

FERC to hold technical conference focused on colocation of large electric loads at generating facilities

FERC also recently announced that it will be holding a technical conference to discuss issues related to the colocation of large electric loads (such as data centers or large manufacturing plants) at generating facilities. The conference will take place on Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. EST at FERC’s Washington, D.C., headquarters, and there will be a live webcast. Since the rise in data centers and their high demand on the grid, many (including U.S. lawmakers) have expressed concerns that the colocation of data centers with generating facilities will take reliable and needed sources of generation off the market. FERC stated that the issues to be explored at the technical conference include whether co-located loads require the provision of wholesale transmission or ancillary services, related cost allocation issues, and potential resource adequacy, reliability, affordability, market, and customer impacts.

DOE releases electricity demand growth resource hub

The Department of Energy (DOE) released a new resource hub on how to meet rising energy demand from data centers, electric vehicles, and manufacturing, while ensuring reliability, affordability, and security. The resource hub contains a variety of DOE reports and resources on topics such as resource adequacy, how AI can help clean energy meet growing demand, and how to support data center electricity needs. It also includes information on upcoming DOE webinars and workshops related to demand growth.

New energy bill advances in U.S. Senate

U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso’s (R-WY) new Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 (S.4753) recently advanced from the Senate floor. The bipartisan bill’s goal is to speed up the permitting process for critical U.S. energy and mineral projects. It includes provisions regarding onshore and offshore oil and gas leasing and permits, natural gas exports applications, and hydropower licenses. Notably, the bill also includes provisions on electric transmission permitting and planning, and a section (Section 501 of the bill) where FERC may issue orders for the ERO to assess and report on the potential reliability impacts of regulations proposed by other federal agencies. As part of this assessment and reporting process, the ERO would also need to consider available ways to mitigate potential reliability impacts, and allow for technical input from affected RTOs/ISOs.

Manchin has made numerous comments during committee hearings about the need for permitting reform legislation, and both he and Barrasso have stated that there was a long period of behind-the-scenes work and negotiation on the draft bill before it was publicly released in late July. A one-page summary of the bill from the committee can be found here.

The post Regulatory Affairs news highlights: September 2024 appeared first on ReliabilityFirst.

Nearly four years ago, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order 881, requiring all transmission providers to use ambient adjusted ratings (AARs) as the basis for evaluating near-term transmission service to increase the accuracy of near-term line ratings. As the July 12, 2025, deadline for this shift approaches, here’s what to know about when updates to AARs may require a certification review.

In all cases, ReliabilityFirst (RF) recommends that entities keep documentation relating to their implementation of AARs and continue to regularly meet with their Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and Independent System Operators (ISOs) to understand expectations and timelines. For more information on certifications in general, click here.

When no certification activity is required for AAR implementation

Entities do not need to submit a certification application/questionnaire to RF for tweaks or adjustments to their Energy Management Systems (EMS) that are specific to the implementation of AARs per FERC Order 881.

The purpose of certifications is to allow Regional Entities (like RF) to work with entities to ensure they are ready and able to perform requirements as a newly registered Transmission Operator (TOP), Reliability Coordinator (RC), and/or Balancing Authority (BA), and in some cases when entities make changes to their footprint, control centers, or EMS. However, they are generally not designed to prepare entities to comply with NERC Standards, or in this case, a FERC Order.

When certification activity may be needed during AAR implementation

When your organization’s integration of AARs involves additional updates that go beyond just minor updates required for AAR implementation, such as instances that include a complete replacement of your EMS or SCADA system or a major system upgrade (e.g. going from EMS Version 1.1 to version 2.3 with all new functionality and significantly different operator screens/situational awareness, virtualization changes/implementation, installation of new hardware, etc.), a certification review (or lesser certification activity) may be necessary. In these instances, please complete the RF Certification Notification and Preliminary Questionnaire.

If you have questions, please contact RF’s Entity Engagement department via the drop down on our Contact Us page. And as always, if you need assistance, you can fill out an Assist Visit request form.

Further reading:

PJM Facilitating Dynamic Line Rating Implementation – by PJM

MISO FERC Order 881 Update RSC-2018-54A/B – by MISO

Understanding the Requirements of FERC Order 881 – by MRO

Managing Transmission Line Ratings FERC Order 881 – by New York ISO

FERC Order No. 881 Compliance – by ISO New England

The post When updates to ambient adjusted ratings (to comply with FERC Order 881) require a certification review appeared first on ReliabilityFirst.

The ReliabilityFirst (RF) Board of Directors elected three new directors and re-elected two current directors on July 30.

Beginning immediately

New Independent Director Mèlika Carroll and new At-Large Director Robert Taylor begin their terms immediately.

Public policy, load growth due to artificial intelligence (AI), data centers and other technology, and the changing resource mix are three of the key risks to today’s electric grid, so the addition of experts in these areas to RF’s board helps position the organization to better address them.

Mèlika Carroll

Carroll is head of global government affairs and public policy for Cohere, an artificial intelligence platform designed for businesses. Prior to joining Cohere, she built and led Sonder’s corporate affairs functions as a member of the senior leadership team that took the company public on Nasdaq. Earlier in her career, Carroll led the public policy strategy for several Fortune 500 technology companies including Intel, Micron, HP and Salesforce, facilitating dialogue with key policymakers in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

In addition to her experience in the private sector, Carroll has worked for elected officials in Canada and the U.S.; has guest lectured at Harvard Law School, Georgetown University and The Washington Campus; and co-founded the Global Women’s Innovation Network, www.globalwin.org. Carroll holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration from the University of Ottawa in Canada and a master’s degree in European affairs from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium.

Robert Taylor

Taylor is vice president of transmission new markets for Invenergy, a leading privately held developer, owner, and operator of sustainable energy solutions. Taylor leads Invenergy’s transmission market development, business model innovation, early-stage project development efforts and partnerships with utilities, regions, state and local governments and vendors to develop and advance innovative projects that benefit communities and customers.

Prior to joining Invenergy, Taylor led transmission strategy at Exelon Utilities, led energy policy and programs with the Pennsylvania Governor’s Energy Office and was a health physicist in the nuclear power industry. Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering technology from Thomas Edison State College and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Missouri.

Starting 2025

Additionally, as the RTO Sector seat on the board rotates from PJM to MISO, Renuka Chatterjee was elected to replace Ken Seiler, with her term set to begin in 2025.

Renuka Chatterjee

Chatterjee is vice president operations at Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), overseeing functions that ensure efficient and reliable grid operations. She leads all aspects of system operations, operational planning and market operations, including market settlements. Chatterjee is recognized as an international leader for her contributions to grid operations through CIGRE, a global organization committed to the creation and sharing of power systems expertise.

Chatterjee joined MISO in 2000 and has served in leadership positions within operations and markets and transmission planning. She was instrumental in the establishment and implementation of MISO’s reliability and market services. At MISO, Chatterjee has led multiple strategic initiatives including wind integration, the development of seams agreements between MISO and its neighbors, resource adequacy reforms and, most recently, MISO’s reliability through significant weather events including Winter Storm Uri and Hurricanes Laura and Ida. Her knowledge and experience in the field of information technology enabled her to lead MISO’s application services division, where she improved operational excellence through business services integration.

Chatterjee holds a doctorate in electrical engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, India.

Re-elections

Nelson Peeler

Nelson Peeler and Scott Hipkins were also re-elected as Transmission Sector representatives on the board. Their new terms will each run from 2025-2027.

Peeler, who is currently the vice chair of RF’s Board of Directors, serves as Duke Energy’s senior vice president of grid strategy, planning and integration. He leads the organization responsible for long-term grid planning including energy storage; transmission and renewables planning and integration; transmission planning and operations strategy; grid solutions development; and strategic projects.

Scott Hipkins

Hipkins is the vice president, cyber security, and chief information security officer (CISO) at FirstEnergy. His responsibilities include cyber security policy, governance, training, protections, controls, incident response and monitoring.

The post ReliabilityFirst Board of Directors elects three new members, including a new independent director, and re-elects two directors appeared first on ReliabilityFirst.