GridSME is hoping to inform Generator Owners (GOs) of significant updates outlined in the draft release of the NERC Level 3 Alert: Essential Updates for Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Operations and Compliance. These new recommendations, aimed at Transmission Owners (TOs), Transmission Planners (TPs), and Generator Owners (GOs), will very likely impact your IBR operations. Maintaining compliance and operational integrity remains essential, and these developments are designed to help align your operations with evolving standards and bolster grid reliability. 

Key Areas of Focus for Other Groups Impacting Inverter-Based Generators: 

1. Enhanced Interconnection and Reliability Planning Requirements 
   TOs are advised to incorporate IBR-specific performance standards into interconnection and planning processes, including: 
2. Reactive Power Controls: Defined parameters for voltage control modes, deadbands, droop settings, and reactive power limits. 
3. Frequency Response Controls: Detailed requirements for frequency control settings, including deadbands and droop. 
4. Disturbance Ride-Through Capabilities: Specific criteria for response during grid disturbances. 
5. Post-Disturbance Recovery: Specifications for recovery speed and magnitude of power and voltage stabilization. 
6. Performance-Based Modeling Enhancements 
   Emphasis is being placed on high-fidelity modeling to ensure that simulations accurately reflect real-world conditions. This may require validation to confirm that installed IBRs align with updated models. 
7. Increased Accountability in Model Validation and Documentation 
   Generator Owners should verify that all IBR installations align with models used in compliance studies. Accurate documentation and verification of equipment and control representations will be essential for compliance audits and maintaining operational efficiency. 
8. Improved Change Management Protocols 
   All modifications to IBR settings or configurations must be promptly reflected in models and documentation. Establishing robust change management protocols will help prevent potential compliance issues. 
9. Proactive Reporting and Model Verification 
   GOs will need to conduct periodic performance tests, provide validation reports, and ensure that models align with real-world performance. Working closely with TPs, PCs, and manufacturers will support accurate modeling and regulatory compliance. 

Key Areas of Focus for Generator Owners as Outlined by NERC: 

1. Model Accuracy and High-Fidelity Representation 
2. Ensure that models submitted to TPs and PCs accurately reflect IBR performance. This includes:
3. Requesting validation and benchmarking reports from manufacturers, comparing EMT model performance against actual performance, and explaining any discrepancies.
4. Aligning models with PSPD and EMT standards for consistency. 
5. Design Compliance 
   Confirm that installed equipment matches studied models and meets performance requirements. Models should have parameters aligned with product configurations for reliability. 
6. Change Management and Updates 
   Implement processes to track changes made to IBR models or equipment, ensuring updates are accurately reflected and communicated to TPs and PCs as needed. 
7. Information Organization and Retention 
   Organize and retain critical IBR information for easy access and review. This includes: 

• Equipment make, model, firmware, and power capabilities. 
• Voltage and frequency ride-through settings and protection details. 
• Plant-level control modes and related parameters. 

Summing Things Up 

The upcoming NERC Level 3 Alert, expected to be released in Q2 2025, includes actions for Transmission Planners (TPs) and Planning Coordinators (PCs) that could impact certain Generator Owners (GOs). While many of these activities may already align with current practices and Standards, additional measures may be required by GOs to meet the updated requirements set by your TP and PC. This could involve conducting further MOD tests and obtaining more detailed information from your Power Plant Controller and inverter manufacturers. Ensuring your plants’ modeling data accurately reflects actual performance is essential, which may necessitate additional testing to verify model precision. Further action by GOs is likely to be required in late 2025 and beyond. 

These updates are intended to strengthen grid reliability, enhance system resilience, and support your operations in meeting regulatory expectations. We are here to help with any questions or preparations needed for implementation.