FERC proposes rules to enhance power system reliability against extreme weather

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) proposed two rulemakings that seek to improve the reliability of the bulk power system against extreme weather.

One of the proposed rules would require the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) to develop reliability standard modifications. These standards would include the development of benchmark planning cases based on information such as major prior extreme heat and cold weather events or future meteorological projections. It would also direct transmission providers to conduct studies of extreme heat and cold conditions and develop corrective action plans for instances where performance requirements for extreme heat and cold events are not met.

The second proposed rule would direct transmission providers to submit one-time reports describing their policies and processes for conducting extreme weather vulnerability assessments and identifying mitigation strategies.

“Given the importance of reliable power to our way of life and the potential impacts extreme weather can have on grid reliability, FERC is taking these additional proactive steps,” FERC Chairman Rich Glick said. “Increasingly frequent cold snaps, heat waves, drought, and major storms continue to challenge the ability of our nation’s electric infrastructure to deliver reliable, affordable energy to consumers. Today’s actions are necessary to ensure that we are prepared for the challenges ahead.”

These are the first proposed rulemakings stemming from FERC’s Climate Change and Extreme Weather initiative, introduced in June 2021. Comments on both proposals are due 60 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register.