First Things RFirst: April 2025
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 6, Asset identification
This is the sixth 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 examines the Cyber Security standard on BES Cyber System Categorization, CIP-002-5.1a, and offers ideas for how to implement compliance with this Standard.
Big Bay Point Lighthouse in Big Bay, Michigan (Photo: Lew Folkerth, RF)
Regulatory Affairs: Grid reliability news we’re tracking
The latest regulatory headlines we’re tracking include:
- U.S. House Energy Subcommittee holds hearing on meeting energy demand growth
- FERC Chairman Mark Christie discusses AI and demand growth
- FERC releases 2024 State of the Markets Report
- CISA, NSA, FBI issue cybersecurity advisory on ‘fast flux’ cyber evasion technique
News & Updates
NERC plans to issue Level 3 industry alert related to inverter-based resources
In a report issued earlier this month (Aggregated Report on NERC Level 2 Recommendation to Industry), NERC indicated that it will have to issue its highest level of alert (Level 3) to address shortcomings revealed in a recent information request about inverter use. This month’s Level 2 alert was inspired by concerns over inverter-based resources and related modeling practices after a series of grid disturbances in recent years involving such generators. In the report, NERC “indicated that GOs do not keep the requested data and information readily available and up-to-date and are reliant on [original equipment manufacturer] and consultant support” to provide the information when requested.
A Level 3 alert, which NERC will be issuing, indicates specific steps deemed essential for certain stakeholders to ensure reliable grid operation. NERC has only issued a Level 3 alert once before in its history, and issuing a Level 3 alert requires approval from NERC’s Board of Trustees.
NERC Publishes IBR Registration Initiative Supplemental Guide Focused on Reliability Standards Compliance Dates
NERC has released the Reliability Standards Compliance Dates for Generator Owners and Generator Operators in support of the IBR Registration Initiative. The document provides information and awareness to non-Bulk Electric System IBR owners and operators that meet the new registration criteria. It will be updated along with NERC’s quarterly work plan update filings to FERC and is in the IBR Registration Initiative Quick Reference Guide.
Upcoming Events
April 21, 2-3:30 p.m. ET | Tech Talk with RF
Join us for our next Tech Talk on Monday, April 21, at 2 p.m. ET. Our agenda features:
GridEx VIII Preview
Jesse Sythe, GridEx Program Manager, E-ISAC
Nuclear energy’s place in supporting grid reliability
Timothy McJunkin, Distinguished Researcher and Group Lead for Grid Integration and Control in the Power and Energy System, Idaho National Laboratory
Current state of the CIP Standards
Lew Folkerth, Principal Reliability Consultant, External Affairs, RF
May 27, 9-10 a.m. ET | Tech Talk with RF
Save the date for our May edition of Tech Talk with RF! Please note the scheduling change for this month’s webinar, which will be on Tuesday, May 27, from 9-10 a.m. ET. Bill Smith will be discussing the impact of renewable generation on Power Systems Operation through a simulated OPS-X exercise, an interactive training tool developed by his company, Powersmiths International.
Sept. 8-10, 2025 | RF Fall Reliability & Security Summit
Save the date for RF’s 2025 Fall Reliability & Security Summit! This year’s event is planned for Sept. 8-10 in the Washington, D.C., area. Stay tuned for more details.
To explore our full calendar of upcoming events, click here.
First Things RFirst: April 2025