First Things RFirst: September 2024
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)
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
To explore our full calendar of upcoming events, click here.
First Things RFirst: September 2024