WASHINGTON, D.C. – The North American electric power system is currently undergoing substantial transformation in technology, design, control, planning, and operation, and these changes are occurring more rapidly than ever. In particular, technological advances in inverter-based resources (IBR) are having a major impact on generation, transmission, and distribution systems. IBRs will contribute to a resilient and sustainable future energy landscape; however, about 14% of owners and operators of bulk power system (BPS)-connected IBRs are not currently required to register with NERC or adhere to its Reliability Standards under the Bulk Electric System (BES) definition, leading to reliability concerns.
In November 2022, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an order directing the identification and registration of owners and operators of BPS-connected IBRs who are not currently required to register with NERC. At the same time, they issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) proposing that NERC develop new or modified Reliability Standards that address four IBR-related reliability gaps: data sharing; model validation; planning and operational studies; and performance requirements. NERC is currently working on addressing the standards modifications directed by the NOPR.
In February 2023, as amended in March, NERC filed a work plan, outlining concepts and milestones to achieve the registration directive. FERC approved this work plan in May. Today, NERC posted for 45-day industry comment its proposed revisions to Appendices 2, 5A, and 5B of the NERC Rules of Procedure (ROP) to identify and address unregistered BPS-connected IBRs.
Full Announcement | Registration Page
Other Resources: Frequently Asked Questions: Proposed Revisions to NERC ROP to Address Registration of Owners and Operators of Unregistered IBRs | Quick Reference Guide: Candidate for Registration
