José Antonio Gutiérrez Díaz’s Post

The North American Energy Standards Board is spearheading the development of a standardized contract tailored to streamline the aggregation of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and the creation of virtual power plants. This initiative, driven by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), seeks to standardize contracting practices to surmount market obstacles, boost transactional efficiencies, and fortify data sharing and cybersecurity within DER aggregations. This crucial step mirrors FERC Order 2222's directive for grid operators to permit DER aggregations' participation in wholesale markets, paving the way for future advancements despite observed mixed impacts. 🚀 #utilitiesmanagement #utilitiesmanager #utilities #energycosts #energymarket #energy #departmentofenergy #NorthAmericanEnergyStandardsBoard

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s National Renewable Energy Laboratory has released a report on runZero's security platform, highlighting its ability to uncover hidden risks in utility systems using active scanning techniques. Unlike typical IT solutions, runZero's platform proves safe in operational technology environments, avoiding disruptions caused by bespoke assets or legacy protocols. Access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/d4RKy6QV. Learn more about how runZero is revolutionizing cybersecurity tools for utilities in this Utility Dive article: https://lnkd.in/gVHSaNBi.

The Northeast Power Coordinating Council, Inc. (NPCC) Board of Directors approved the 2024 NPCC Long-term Strategy at its October 2024 meeting. NPCC’s Long-term Strategy aligns with the draft ERO Enterprise Long-term Strategy, which was endorsed by all six Regional Entity boards and is slated for NERC board approval in December. NPCC’s strategy positions the organization for the future in anticipation of structural changes within the electricity industry, growing interdependencies, and evolving challenges. The 2024 NPCC Long-term Strategy reflects the organization’s commitment to maintain transparency, objectivity, and effectiveness in the BPS reliability assessment process. NPCC also uses a forward-looking approach to guide decision-makers toward reliable and sustainable energy solutions, promote reliability across the region, and enhance resilience against critical energy infrastructure threats. Key Priorities of the 2024 NPCC Long-term Strategy: Advise and Educate on Energy-related Matters: Educate and advise decision makers, foster collaboration, and provide guidance to support reliable implementation of decarbonization goals. Promote Reliability Across the Region: Enhance the reliability of critical energy infrastructure in Northeastern North America. Build and Develop a High Performing and Engaged Workforce: Develop a team that is well equipped to advise and educate on the impacts of BPS reliability and security risks. Enhance Resilience Against Critical Energy Infrastructure Threats: Actively address cyber and physical security threats. We invite you to explore the full strategy and join us on this journey towards a more reliable and sustainable energy future. Together, we can achieve great things!

CESER is thrilled to share the newly released Supply Chain Cybersecurity Principles, a framework to strengthen key technologies used to manage and operate electricity, oil, and natural gas systems around the world. Developed in partnership with Idaho National Laboratory, the principles can help secure equipment and technologies before they are exploited by cyber actors seeking to cause destruction or disruption to critical infrastructure.       G7 countries are committed to take action to strengthen the cybersecurity of the global energy supply chain. Several prominent suppliers and manufacturers serving the energy sector have expressed support for the principles, including:  GE Vernova,    Schneider Electric,    Hitachi Energy,    Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL),    Rockwell Automation,    Siemens,   Siemens Energy, and   Honeywell Read more: https://lnkd.in/evPCHmPN

Big Changes Ahead for Generation Facility Compliance Under NERC’s Proposed Rules Owners and operators of electrical generation facilities have long adhered to the registration threshold of 75 MVA aggregate nameplate capacity, delivering at voltages greater than 100 kV. These standards have provided a clear demarcation for determining which facilities are subject to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) registration and compliance requirements. However, the regulatory landscape may soon shift significantly, especially for Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs). Under NERC's proposed revisions, if approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the threshold for IBRs would be drastically lowered to 20 MVA and 60 kV. This change is poised to have far-reaching implications. Thousands of facilities previously considered low-impact and exempt from NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) regulations would suddenly fall under these stricter compliance requirements. For many operators, this means addressing gaps in cybersecurity protocols, system monitoring, and other regulatory obligations—often with little precedent for managing compliance at this scale. In an era where the energy landscape is shifting toward greater reliance on renewable and distributed resources. The expanded oversight reflects the critical role even smaller facilities now play in grid stability and resilience. This proposed rule change is more than just a regulatory adjustment—it’s a call to action for the industry to recognize the evolving threats to grid security and reliability. By lowering the registration threshold, NERC is signaling that the interconnected nature of the grid requires a more comprehensive approach to oversight, even for smaller players. For facilities that will soon fall under this expanded jurisdiction, the time to act is now. Planning ahead will not only help avoid penalties but also strengthen overall operational resilience and protect against emerging risks. For operators and owners, this is a wake-up call. Preparing for compliance under these new thresholds will require a proactive approach: conducting readiness assessments, implementing robust cybersecurity measures, and fostering organizational alignment with NERC CIP standards. While these measures may seem daunting, they are critical to ensuring the reliability and security of the grid as renewable and distributed generation sources continue to grow.   As we await FERC’s decision, it’s imperative for industry stakeholders to stay informed and begin planning for the potential impacts. PPR Services is well positioned to help navigate these new rules and work with your organization to prepare for and implement the necessary compliance program. We have extensive experience with both traditional and renewable generation providers. We are happy to have a call to discuss these changes and the anticipated impacts they will have on your business.

Sarah Toth and Aaron Schwartz make a compelling case for proactive advancements in resource adequacy planning across the U.S. power grid. Their insights highlight the critical need for evolving standards that not only meet today's reliability metrics but also adapt to future demands and complexities. It's particularly intriguing how they discuss the potential of multi-metric adequacy standards, which could revolutionize how we understand and manage grid reliability amid a changing resource mix. This approach would not only refine how outages are predicted and managed but could also lead to more robust and resilient energy infrastructure. The roles outlined for state regulators, NERC, and entities like ReliabilityFirst in driving these changes are crucial and well-articulated. Engaging in this kind of forward-thinking regulatory reform is essential to ensuring a reliable power supply while accommodating growth and technological innovation.

Transmission is a key component of a reliable electric grid.

🌟 Public webinar on the Swiss Mantelerlass upcoming 🌟   Are you curious about the future of Switzerland's power market? Do you want to know what the Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply from Renewable Energy Sources is about? Look no further!   Join Lars Jerrentrup and me, as we provide essential context and details on this major piece of legislation ahead of the popular vote scheduled for June 9th.   📅 SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 🕑 TIME: 14:00–14:30 CEST   In this webinar, we'll explore key questions: 💡 What are the current challenges facing the Swiss power system, and what lies ahead? 🛑 How does existing legislation fall short in addressing these challenges effectively? 📝 What measures does the Mantelerlass propose to tackle pressing issues?   🔗 Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/e8nMFr7k   Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay informed and engage in crucial discussions shaping Switzerland's future energy landscape.   #EnergySecurity #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #Switzerland #PublicWebinar Aurora Energy Research

⚡ DOE’s $3.46 Billion Investment: A Game-Changer for Grid Resilience This past week, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a $3.46 billion investment in grid resilience projects as part of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program. This initiative is a major win for the electric utility industry, aiming to fortify our infrastructure against extreme weather events, natural disasters, and cybersecurity threats. This funding will accelerate the modernization of our grid, ensuring that we not only meet today’s energy demands but also prepare for a future where renewable energy and electrification are front and center. Utilities across the country will now have the resources to deploy innovative solutions, improve grid flexibility, and safeguard reliability in the face of increasing challenges. This is the kind of forward-thinking investment that will drive significant transformation. What are your thoughts on how this funding will shape the future of grid resilience? Ask me how SELECT Power Systems (A Certified Woman Owned Small Business) can help you with your grid resiliency engineering and project management challenges! #GridResilience #EnergyInnovation #DOE #Electrification #Utilities #GridModernization

How is the increase in renewable generation impacting grid security, and what is the role of supporting technologies? Learn more https://lnkd.in/euFu8xn6