North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Defined

The NERC is a not-for-profit international regulatory authority whose mission is to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity in North America.

It develops and enforces Reliability Standards, which are mandatory requirements designed to improve the reliability and security of the electric grid. In addition, it monitors the electric grid to identify potential problems and works with utilities to develop solutions to address those problems.

NERC is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of representatives from electric utilities, public power entities, investor-owned utilities, transmission organizations, Generator Owners and Operators, and other stakeholders.

Its day-to-day operations are carried out by a professional staff headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C.

Ensuring the Reliability of the North American Electric Grid

NERC develops and enforces Reliability Standards, which are mandatory requirements designed to improve the reliability and security of the electric grid. Standards cover various topics, including generator and transmission operations, control room operators, and cybersecurity.

In addition to developing and enforcing Reliability Standards, NERC monitors the electric grid to identify potential problems and works with utilities to develop solutions to address those problems.

Program Areas & Departments

There are several programs and departments in NERC.

Standards

The Standards department is responsible for developing, maintaining, and interpreting NERC's Reliability Standards.

E-ISAC

The Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC) is a secure portal that allows electric companies and other stakeholders to share information about threats to the electricity sector.

Event Analysis, Reliability Assessment, and Performance Analysis

This department is responsible for analyzing events that impact the electric grid's reliability.

​Bulk Power System Awareness and Analysis

The Bulk Power System Awareness and Analysis (BPSA) department monitors conditions on the electric grid and provides situational awareness to stakeholders.

Compliance & Enforcement

The Compliance & Enforcement department ensures that utilities and other entities comply with NERC's Reliability Standards.

​System Operator Certification and Credential Maintenance Program

The System Operator Certification and Credential Maintenance Program (SOCCMP) is responsible for certifying individuals who operate the electric grid.

NERC Commitment

NERC is committed to improving the reliability of the electric grid.

1. Keeping ERO Enterprise in a clear and consistent direction.
2. Informing with expertise and resources shared throughout the ERO Enterprise.
3. Creating and disseminating consistent messaging throughout ERO Enterprise communications.
4. Functioning as a team and respecting each other's roles.
5. Actively supporting ERO Enterprise initiatives and reducing job duplication.
6. Collaborating in the development.
7. Supporting ERO Enterprise innovation and initiatives, and sharing best practice

NERC's Response to Recent Events

In response to recent events, such as Hurricane Sandy and the polar vortex in 2014-2015, NERC has made many initiatives to strengthen the electric grid's resilience.

For example, NERC has developed new standards for utilities to follow when responding to severe weather events. In addition, NERC has launched several initiatives to improve the coordination of utility response to extreme weather events and increase the sharing of information between utilities.

Interconnections and Regional Entities

The North American electric grid comprises interconnected systems that span the continent. There are four NERC interconnections and six regional entities.

Interconnections

1. Most of eastern North America is covered by the Eastern Interconnection, which stretches from the Great Plains to the Atlantic coast, excluding most of Texas. The Eastern Interconnection is connected to the Western Interconnection with high-voltage D.C. transmission lines and non-NERC infrastructure in northern Canada.
2. The Western Interconnection spans much of western North America, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast. It has six points of connection to the Eastern Interconnection and non-NERC networks in northern Canada and Northwestern Mexico.
3. Most of Texas is covered by the Texas Interconnection. It has two points of connection to the Eastern Interconnection and links to non-NERC networks in Mexico.
4. The Quebec Interconnection, which is linked to the Eastern Interconnection, serves the province of Quebec. This interconnection is responsible for over one-third of Canada's installed power (42 G.W. out of 130) and output (184 TWh out of 567).

Regional Entities

1. Texas Reliability Entity (Texas RE)
2. Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO)
3. Northeast Power Coordinating Council (NPCC)
4. Reliability First (R.F.)
5. SERC Reliability Corporation (SERC)
6. Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC)

Challenges NERC Face

NERC faces several challenges in ensuring the reliability of the electric grid.

First, the electric grid is an aging infrastructure, and many parts of the grid require repair or replacement. Second, the electric grid is becoming increasingly complex as more renewable energy sources are added. Third, cyber threats to the electric grid are increasing.

Final Thoughts

North American Electric Reliability Corporation is responsible for certifying individuals who operate the electric grid. It is committed to improving the reliability of the electric grid.

In response to recent events, such as Hurricane Sandy and the polar vortex in 2014-2015, NERC has made initiatives to improve the resilience of the electric grid.

The electric grid is an aging infrastructure, and many parts of the grid need repair or replacement. The electric grid is also becoming increasingly complex as more renewable energy sources are added. Cyber threats to the electric grid are increasing.

Individuals can help NERC maintain the electric grid's reliability by being aware of these challenges and taking measures to safeguard the electric system from these dangers.

FAQs

1. What is the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)?

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) certifies individuals who operate the electric grid. It is committed to improving the reliability of the electric grid.

2. What does NERC do to ensure the reliability of the North American electric grid?

These include increasing information sharing between utilities, working with regional entities to improve grid resilience, and investing in research and development to enhance grid operations.

3. How has NERC responded to recent events, such as Hurricane Sandy and the polar vortex in 2014-2015?

NERC has taken several steps to improve the resilience of the electric grid, which include increasing information sharing between utilities, working with regional entities to improve grid resilience, and investing in research and development to enhance grid operations.

4. What challenges does NERC face in ensuring the electric grid's reliability?

The electric grid is an aging infrastructure, and many parts of the grid need repair or replacement. The electric grid is also becoming increasingly complex as more renewable energy sources are added. Cyber threats to the electric grid are increasing.

5. How can individuals help NERC maintain the electric grid's reliability?

Individuals can help NERC by being aware of these challenges and taking steps to protect the electric grid from these threats.