First Things RFirst: August 2024
Expert analysis for a more reliable, secure and resilient electric grid, plus news and updates for RF stakeholders.
Insights & Analysis
Continuous Improvement: The importance of psychological safety in the electric utility industry and beyond
Did you know that psychological safety is a key component of human performance at work? A healthy environment for all employees can lead to a more engaged workforce, where innovation and continuous improvement thrive. Here’s how psychological safety in the workplace can benefit your organization.
Regulatory Affairs: Grid reliability news we’re tracking
The latest regulatory headlines we’re tracking include:
- FERC releases new dashboard with updates on winterization efforts
- FERC to host Innovations and Efficiencies in Generator Interconnection Workshop
- FERC commissioners testify at House energy subcommittee
- DOE project provides $371 million for transmission siting and economic development
News & Updates
ERO Enterprise identifies four risk themes related to CIP Reliability Standards challenging some entities
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the six Regional Entities, including ReliabilityFirst, have identified four risk themes that have made it difficult for some entities to mitigate risks associated with the NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (“CIP”) Reliability Standards. To communicate these themes and possible resolutions to them, we developed the 2024 Critical Infrastructure Protection Themes and Lessons Learned report.
While industry excels at many aspects of cyber security, the intention of this report is to outline areas for improvement with the goal of driving continued progress toward our shared mission of ensuring a reliable power system.
Upcoming Events
Aug. 7, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | 10th Annual Protection System Workshop
This virtual workshop will cover a diverse range of topics and discussions relative to Protection Systems tailored to the needs of substation and transmission maintenance personnel; protection and controls experts; operations control room staff, including tools support personnel for EMS and SCADA; and asset design groups (substation and transmission). It will include speakers from RF, industry subject matter experts, and others.
Aug. 8, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | 7th Annual Human Performance Workshop
This virtual workshop will focus on practical application of human performance techniques and concepts for front-line activities that attendees can retain and use in transmission reliability related work areas such as operations, asset management, design, protection, maintenance, and others. The ideas, suggestions and stories shared during this highly interactive, free event are especially relevant for human resources professionals; asset management groups; internal control champions and specialists; company trainers; and leadership and others interested in these topics.
Aug. 19, 2-3:30 p.m. | Technical Talk with RF
August’s Tech Talk will be an “un-Tech Talk,” as we turn to the human performance side of electric grid reliability. Learn about the business case for prioritizing mental and physical well-being from RF Vice President and General Counsel Niki Schaefer. Then AEP Director of Physical Security Sam Queeno will discuss the value of workplace friendships and the passion project he started in 2018, Best Friend Friday.
Sept. 16-18 | Fall Reliability & Security Summit
Join RF in Indianapolis for the 2024 Fall Reliability & Security Summit. We’ll dive into the intersection of energy policy with reliability and security, as we navigate the challenges of a changing generation mix. Find additional agenda details and registration information on the event page on our website.
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.
To explore our full calendar of upcoming events, click here.
First Things RFirst: August 2024