NERC backs FERC’s decision to defer certain reliability standards
The North American Electric Reliability Corp (NERC) voiced its support for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) decision to defer the implementation of several Reliability Standards.
These standards all have effective dates that are scheduled to take place in the second half of 2020. Deferring them will help assure grid reliability amid the impacts posed by the coronavirus outbreak. Specifically, NERC requested that FERC postpone the implementation of the noted Reliability Standards.
Three of the standards are in the realm of cybersecurity. The Electronic Security Perimeter(s), Configuration Change Management and Vulnerability Assessments, and the Supply Chain Risk Management standards will all be deferred by three months. The Specific Training for Personnel,
Disturbance Monitoring and Reporting Requirements, Generator Relay Loadability, and Coordination of Protection Systems for Performance During Faults are all deferred by six months.
NERC recognizes that there are significant uncertainties related to the pandemic and will continue to evaluate the circumstances to determine whether additional implementation delays may be warranted. If so, they will submit any appropriate filings with FERC at that time.
There was also support in the industry for the move.
“These are unprecedented times and we fully support FERC’s approval of NERC’s request to delay the implementation of several security policies until October 1,” Alex Santos, CEO of Fortress Information Security, said. “Our nation’s power grid remains strong and secure, but this summer will require utilities of all types and sizes across the country to come together and collaborate to identify critical risks and protect the supply chain from emerging threats.”
