In response to potential risks presented by the growing number of inverter-based resources (IBRs) connected to the electric grid, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) initiated a directives series in 2022. These measures are intended to safeguard the reliability of the bulk-power system. Morgan Lewis – Power & Pipes previously reported that FERC delivered three crucial orders in December of 2022, consequently enhancing the regulations pertaining to IBRs.
These orders were enacted with the cooperation of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), an independent organization dedicated to framing and strictly enforcing electric reliability standards. Being a non-governmental international regulatory authority, NERC is entrusted with ensuring the enduring reliability and security of the bulk power system in North America.
NERC’s responsibility in this context extends to the development of standards for the purpose of facilitating these inverter-based resources. These standards not only dictate the configuration and operation of such resources but also instigate measures against possible risks and area-wide blackouts which form a critical risk against the backdrop of the increasing prevalence of IBRs on the electric grid.
The directives issued by FERC and the subsequent regulatory actions by NERC illustrate an increased focus on the challenges posed by the growing use of renewable energy sources. With the continuing integration of these unconventional resources into the bulk-power system, establishing a framework that effectively regulates these resources becomes increasingly essential. This initiative by FERC and NERC is a significant stride towards achieving this goal while maintaining the security and reliability of the power supply system.