First Things RFirst: February 2025
Expert analysis for a more reliable, secure and resilient electric grid, plus news and updates for RF stakeholders.
Insights & Analysis
Preparing for geomagnetic storms: Entity compliance with NERC Reliability Standards is vital to mitigate reliability risks
Extreme weather continues to be identified by the ERO Enterprise as a potential risk to grid reliability. Geomagnetic disturbance events (GMDs) are one example of this risk that continues to be a rising concern facing the electric grid, as exemplified by the storm experienced across much of the RF footprint in May 2024. NERC enforces compliance with two Reliability Standards to mitigate this risk.
Photo: Danielle Daugherty, RF OAA Analyst
Regulatory Affairs: Grid reliability news we’re tracking
The latest regulatory headlines we’re tracking include:
- Mark Christie named FERC Chairman
- President Trump issues National Energy Emergency executive order
- Department of Energy provides funding for reliability and resilience program
- CISA issues guidance on resiliency best practices for critical facilities
News & Updates
NERC recaps progress on IBR Registration Initiative in Q4 update
NERC and the Regional Entities focused on continuing their outreach efforts to registration candidates and creating resources to aid their entry into the ERO Enterprise in the fourth quarter of 2024. Read the full 2024 Q4 IBR Update here and check out the RF website for more IBR Registration Initiative resources.
NERC publishes ERO Enterprise CMEP Practice Guides for IBRs
NERC has posted the ERO Enterprise CMEP Practice Guide – Application of the Registration Criteria for Category 2 Generator Owner and Generator Operator Inverter-Based Resources to its website. This Practice Guide is intended to provide guidance to ERO Enterprise registration staff to support the consistent application of the revised Registration Criteria thresholds for Category 2 Generator Owners and Generator Operators.
The ERO Enterprise CMEP Practice Guide – Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) was posted on the NERC website on Jan. 21, 2025. This practice guide allows ERO Enterprise CMEP staff to understand the heightened importance of IBRs in supporting grid reliability along with providing substantial guidance to industry.
CMEP Practice Guides are developed solely by the ERO Enterprise to reflect the independent and objective judgment of ERO Enterprise staff. Following development, they are posted for awareness on the NERC website.
Annual Certification Reminder
Reminder to certified Transmission Operators (TOP), Balancing Authorities (BA), and Reliability Coordinators (RC) (including entities taking on certain standard obligation per an agreement with a certified entity) of the need to contact your Regional Entity of operational changes.
Upcoming Events
Feb. 10, 2-3:30 p.m. EST | Tech Talk with RF
Join us for a State Energy Policy edition of Tech Talk with RF on Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. EST. Here’s what’s on the agenda:
PJM trends and challenges
Jason Stanek, Executive Director for Governmental Services, PJM Interconnection
Jason Stanek brings experience as chairman of the Maryland Public Service Commission, working as a senior counsel to the Energy Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy and Commerce, and 16 years working in senior positions at FERC. He will discuss the latest trends and challenges PJM is seeing in its footprint.
MISO’s resource adequacy evolution and reliability imperative
Bob Kuzman, Executive Director, External Affairs – Central Region, MISO
Bob Kuzman leads MISO’s operations, customer management and government relations for the organization’s Central Region and brings extensive experience managing relations with stakeholders and regulators. He’s also worked as both a lobbyist and as a state legislator in Indiana. He will discuss MISO’s resource adequacy evolution and reliability imperative.
March 3, 2-3:30 p.m. EST | NERC Webinar: IBR Practice Guide and the application of the Category 2 Registration Criteria
NERC will host an informational webinar to review the new ERO Enterprise CMEP Practice Guide for IBRs on March 3 at 2 p.m. EST. NERC will address the application of the Category 2 Registration Criteria to identify 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 under the Bulk Electric System (BES) definition.
To mitigate this reliability concern, NERC seeks to register Generator Owners and Generator Operators of non-BES IBRs with aggregate nameplate capacity ≥20 MVA connected at a voltage ≥60 kV.
March 4, 2025 | ERO Enterprise Women’s Leadership Conference
Register now for the 2025 ERO Enterprise Women’s Leadership Conference, hosted by Midwest Reliability Organization via Webex. The virtual event will celebrate women across the ERO Enterprise and from the energy and other critical infrastructure sectors.
Agenda Topics
- A panel discussion on the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and career evolution for women in the industry led by MRO President and CEO Sara Patrick.
- Keynote address on Women in Security from retired Air Force Colonel and award-winning author Dr. Jennifer Hesterman.
- Workplace wellness and embracing the discomfort and messiness of life from recovering perfectionist and author, Dr. Rosie Ward.
- An interactive panel discussion on The Juggling Act and maintaining work-life balance.
March 17, 2-3:30 p.m. EST | Tech Talk with RF
Save the date for our March edition of Tech Talk with RF! It’s coming up on March 17, from 2-3:30 p.m. EST. Stay tuned for agenda details to be posted to our website and LinkedIn feed.
Sept. 8-10, 2025 | Fall Reliability & Security Summit
Save the date for our 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: February 2025