ATLANTA – Cold weather risk featured prominently at NERC’s quarterly Board of Trustees
meeting, including Board action prioritizing proposed cold weather standards, a preview of
the upcoming Winter Reliability Assessment, discussion of winter preparations, and
emphasis of Standards Committee work. In other key actions, the Board adopted work plan
priorities focused on resilience for widespread, long-term extreme temperature events,
energy sufficiency, enhanced cyber standards and E-ISAC operations.
Board Chair Ken DeFontes said in opening remarks that the “FERC/NERC Cold Weather
Inquiry” will be released soon and that the risks identified must be addressed expeditiously,
including the recommendations for the development of standards.
DeFontes noted that the grid is rapidly changing along with weather patterns and we must
do whatever is necessary to ready the system for these events – which are no longer rare.
He expressed disappointment with recent action by the Standards Committee delaying the
cold weather standards authorization request, while stressing that industry takes extreme
weather risk seriously and is up to the task.
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