WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over the past year, NERC has identified instances of cross-border operation or control of bulk power system elements. Technological advancements, which were previously not available, have enabled dispersed management systems used by distributed energy resource aggregators, Internet-of-Things devices and outage management systems and have increased automation/integration of operational technology networks, increasing the opportunity for cross-border operations.
NERC developed a Section 800 data request that would enable NERC to identify the extent to which non-U.S. entities have the ability to operate or control U.S. bulk power system assets. Those cross-border operations would include activities stemming from Canada and Mexico, as well as outside of North America.
This data request, which was discussed at the recent Reliability Steering Technical Committee meeting, will allow NERC to assess the extent of risk and begin to evaluate potential next steps. The Section 800 data request is expected to be issued this fall.
