NERC reliability standards

Managing risk through compliance strategies

NERC reliability standards

The U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) is transitioning previously voluntary reliability programs under the North American Reliability Corporation (NERC) to mandatory standards with substantial financial penalties for non-compliance. In accordance with EPAct, in 2006 the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) certified NERC as the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) with full oversight for enforcing reliability standards compliance.

 

Managing the risks associated with the audit involves undertaking a thorough pre-audit assessment, preparing action plans to address potential audit problems, implementing the action plans and compliance programs. Utilities also need to implement processes to ensure continuing compliance assurance.

 

Preparing for NERC audits and on-going compliance

KEMA helps utilities prepare for audits and develop the processes needed to support continued standards compliance. For over 80 years we have focused on serving the global utility industry—and we are experienced in all aspects of power system operations, operational excellence gap analysis, system and process audits and industry-accepted practices including the ANSI-accredited standards process.

 

We help registered entities prepare for NERC standards compliance. We offer compliance preparation, mitigation, and management services including:

  • pre-audit assessment

  • mitigation plan development and implementation

  • continuing compliance program development

  • training, processes, and procedures. 

KEMA also offers utilities a customized two-day interactive compliance program workshop for their key compliance staff.

 

Our services are designed to help clients identify the utility’s current state, its required future state, and the steps needed to bridge the gap. The goal—to identify and mitigate potential risks to achieving a positive NERC compliance audit outcome.