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Q3 2021 NERC & FERC Regulatory News
GridSME Reliability & Compliance Team • June 30, 2021

Recent NERC News

  • Registration for GridSecCon is open. Co-hosted by NERC and Texas RE, GridSecCon will take place virtually between October 19-20. This online conference will include presentations and discussions on emerging cyber threats from leading industry subject matter experts. Register HERE.

  • On July 19th, ERO Enterprises announced the Release 2 launch of the Align tool and ERO Secure Evidence Locker (SEL) for MRO, NERC and Texas RE. The purpose of the Align project is to use a standardized platform for compliance monitoring and enforcement. Training materials are located HERE.

  • E-ISAC and Dragos Inc. announced an initiative to increase visibility of emerging cyber security threats affecting the North American electricity industry. Dragos Inc., in collaboration with the Department of Energy, is the creator of Neighborhood Keeper which allows participants to share and receive threat insights.

  • On July 1, TPL-007-4 – Transmission System Planned Performance for Geomagnetic Disturbance Events Requirements R12 and R13 became effective. The new requirements mandate that responsible entities have a process for collecting Geomagnetic Induced Current (GIC) and geomagnetic field data.

Recent FERC News

  • NERC, FERC and regional entities published a joint report to evaluate system conditions using real-time data to assess existing and potential operating conditions. Their report provides the assessment methodology and concludes with recommendations for system operators to identify performance metrics and data evaluation procedures for assessing loss of Real-time data. The report applies to Transmission Operators and Reliability Coordinators and is located HERE.


  • On July 15, FERC announced the approval of an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to accept public commentary on improving transmission planning as the U.S. transitions to renewable resources. The Notice seeks to address improvements to transmission infrastructure as well as the needs for customer protection, and coordination between transmission providers. The Notice is located HERE.

NERC Reliability Standard Effective/ Enforcement Date Functional Registration / System Applicability New/Revised Standard Potential Impacts
FAC-008-5 R8 10/1/21 TO, GO* Revised R7 will be retired. R8 is applicable to TO and GOs that meet R2 criteria must show communication of Facility Ratings and limiting equipment to RC, PC, TP, TO and TOP. Applicable facilities should have a process in place to ensure adherence to the standard.�
TPL-007-4 R6, R10 1/1/22 PC*, TP*, TO*, GO* Revised Applicable GOs and TOs must have a Thermal Impact Assessment completed.
PRC-012-2 R9 1/1/22 RC Revised Reliability Coordinators (RC) that don�t have a RAS databased must establish a database by the effective date.�
PRC-002-2 R2-R4, R6-R11 7/1/22 Entities owning only one BES bus, BES Element, or generating unit� Revised Entities that own only one (1) identified BES bus, BES Element, or generating unit shall be fully compliant with the requirements by the effective date.�
PRC-024-3 R1-R4 10/1/22 GOs that apply protection listed in Section 4.2.1., TOs that own a BES generator step-up transformer or collector transformer and apply protection listed in Section 4.2.1. Revised To set protection such that generating re- source(s) remain connected during defined frequency and voltage excursions in support of the Bulk Electric System (BES).
TPL-007-4 R3, R4, R8 1/1/23 1/1/2023 PC, TP, TO, GO, Facilities that include power transformers with a high side wye-grounded winding with terminal voltage greater than 200 kV Revised Includes requirement for GOs to perform ther- mal impact assessments with applicable BES power transformers (applicability subject to further evaluation and action by planning enti- ties). Planning Coordinators will inform GOs of their obligations, if any, per the Requirements.
TPL-007-4 R7, R8 1/1/24 PC, TP, TO, GO, Facilities that include power transformers with a high side wye-grounded winding with terminal voltage greater than 200 kV Revised Qualifying entities that determine their system does not meet the performance requirements for the steady state planning benchmark GMD event, shall develop a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) addressing how the performance requirements will be met.

Happy 14th Anniversary GridSME!

By Torri Pugh • April 1, 2025
Celebrating 14 Years of GridSME!

GridSME Welcomes Sofia Marcoccia to the team!

By Torri Pugh • March 31, 2025
Welcoming Sofia Marcoccia to GridSME! We’re excited to introduce Sofia Marcoccia as the newest member of GridSME’s Business Development team! Meet Sofia – Our New Proposal Coordinator Sofia joins us as a Proposal Coordinator, bringing valuable experience in administrative and business operations. She has a strong background in organization, scheduling, and process management, making her a key asset in ensuring seamless proposal development and execution. A Detail-Oriented and Collaborative Team Player Sofia is highly detail-oriented, a quick learner, and passionate about problem-solving and continuous improvement. Her ability to adapt to new challenges, stay organized, and collaborate across teams makes her an excellent addition to our growing Business Development group. Looking Ahead As we continue to expand our capabilities, we are thrilled to have Sofia on board to help streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and contribute to our mission of delivering outstanding solutions for our clients.  Please join us in welcoming Sofia Marcoccia to the GridSME family! We look forward to her impact and the great work she will bring to our team.
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