Standards

NERC Reliability Standards are developed using an industry-driven, ANSI-accredited process that ensures the process is open to all persons who are directly and materially affected by the reliability of the North American bulk power system; transparent to the public; demonstrates the consensus for each standard; fairly balances the interests of all stakeholders; provides for reasonable notice and opportunity for comment; and enables the development of standards in a timely manner. NERC’s ANSI-accredited standards development process is defined in the Standard Processes Manual and guided by reliability and market interface principles.

NERC Reliability Standards define the reliability requirements for planning and operating the North American bulk power system and are developed using a results-based approach that focuses on performance, risk management, and entity capabilities. The Reliability Functional Model defines the functions that need to be performed to ensure the Bulk Electric System operates reliably and is the foundation upon which the Reliability Standards are based.

The Standards Committee (SC) oversees and prioritizes NERC’s standards development activities. The Standards Committee also coordinates NERC’s development of Reliability Standards with the North American Energy Standards Board’s (NAESB) wholesale electric business practices. Standards drafting teams, which are made up of industry volunteers and supported by NERC staff, work collaboratively to develop requirements using results-based principles that focus on three areas: measurable performance, risk mitigation strategies, and entity capabilities.

**COMING SOON – With the implementation of the Align Project in 2020, there will be changes to the Reliability Standards webpage and associated reports, including the One-Stop-Shop, US Effective Date Status/Functional Applicability spreadsheet, and VRF and VSL matrices. Details will be provided at a later time.**

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