WASHINGTON, D.C. – At its monthly open meeting, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) “Transmission System Planning Performance Requirements for Extreme Weather,” aimed at improving the reliability of the bulk power system to counter the risks presented by extreme weather. The NOPR proposes to direct NERC to develop reliability standard modifications to TPL-001-5.1 to account for the risks of extreme heat and cold conditions. The NOPR also seeks comment on whether to require studies and corrective action plans for drought conditions. Comments are due 60 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register.
FERC also unanimously approved modifications to the Compliance Section in Reliability Standard CIP-014-3 to allow for compliance oversight of the standard through the use of the Electric Reliability Organization Secure Evidence Locker or similar remote means in lieu of the onsite review required under the current language.
The Commission also issued a NOPR aimed at addressing the backlog of new generation facilities, “Improvements to Generator Interconnection Procedures and Agreements,” which is aimed at expediting and improving the connection process. NOPR comments are due 100 days after publication in the Federal Register.
The ERO Enterprise appreciates FERC’s focus on reliability matters and will continue to work with FERC and stakeholders toward assuring the reliability of the North American bulk power system.
