Reliable Grid Operations – NERC (http://www.nerc.com)

Technology

Electricity is unique in that it can’t be conventionally stored for later use. It’s produced and consumed in real time.

Electricity must be produced and delivered at the same time consumers need it.

While most people take reliable electric service for granted, it is something the electrical industry makes a daily priority. Disruptions to electric service are more than an inconvenience, they are matters of health and safety. In addition, power disruptions can be costly to consumers and businesses.

The sustained dependability of electric service is a crucial component of modern life and a key to the economic vitality of the world.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is a not-for-profit international regulatory authority whose mission is to assure the reliability of the bulk power system in North America. NERC develops and enforces Reliability Standards; annually assesses seasonal and long‐term reliability; monitors the bulk power system through system awareness; and educates, trains, and certifies industry personnel. NERC’s area of responsibility spans the continental United States, Canada, and the northern portion of Baja California, Mexico. NERC is the electric reliability organization for North America, subject to oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and governmental authorities in Canada. NERC’s jurisdiction includes users, owners, and operators of the bulk power system, which serves more than 334 million people.

Cyber Security is enforced via the CIP – Critical Infrastructure Protection Reliability Standards.

Reliability Standard Violations in New England Result in $3 Million Penalty, March 30 – After completing its fact-finding, FERC’s Office of Enforcement concluded that Berkshire Power Company LLC (Berkshire) and Power Plant Management Services LLC (PPMS) violated the FPA, jurisdictional tariffs, various FERC regulations, and NERC Reliability Standards.

My Two Cents:
NERC can issue large fines if you get into their crosshairs. I understand why NERC exists today with regard to Cyber Security. My question would be will NERC help you after an event like what happened in the Ukraine last December, or would they issue you a $3 Million Penalty? Will they share information to others or fine them too? Will this type of enforcement help or make it worse?

We are at a point, where Cyber Security is going to change big time. The way it is being handled today is not the way it will be handled after a successful Cyber 911 attack takes the power grid down… Electricity must be produced and delivered at the same time consumers need it, cyber security will be a HUGE part of making sure it happens…