IBR Registration is Moving Forward: Are You on Track for NERC's 2026 Compliance Deadline?

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Registration Initiative is gaining momentum – —and so are the expectations. While many entities have been waiting for additional clarity, NERC and the Regional Entities have now begun issuing guidance, conducting outreach, and encouraging early action ahead of the May 2026 registration deadline. 

If your operations include non-Bulk Electric System (non-BES) IBRs, this is your alert: preparation time is narrowing. 

What’s New Since the Initial Announcement? 

Since our last article outlining the upcoming registration requirements, several key developments have emerged: 

• NERC released its official Quick Reference Guide, summarizing updated definitions, thresholds, and the registration process. This guide includes clear diagrams and example scenarios to help entities assess their applicability. 
• Regional Entities, including ReliabilityFirst and Texas RE, have begun engaging with potentially impacted Generator Owners (GOs) and Generator Operators (GOPs). Some are hosting webinars, distributing outreach materials, and preparing for pre-registration assessments. 
• Industry attention has increased, especially as registration now directly affects previously unregistered resources such as community solar, stand-alone battery systems, and distributed generation portfolios that meet the 20 MVA / 60 kV threshold. 

Get Prepared Now 

If you're still evaluating whether the new criteria apply to your facilities, you're not alone – but the window for preparation is narrowing. 

As of today, impacted entities should be: 

• Reviewing assets to determine if they meet the ≥20 MVA aggregate capacity and ≥60 kV interconnection threshold. 
• Using the NERC guide and industry flowcharts to evaluate applicability. 
• Developing a compliance timeline, including registration filing, gap analysis, and implementation of required Reliability Standards. 
• Coordinating internally with engineering, legal, and operations teams to prepare for new responsibilities under NERC oversight. 

How EPE Can Support You Today  

At EPE, we’re already supporting IBR developers, asset managers, and renewable operators through every step of this evolving process. Whether you're early in your evaluation or preparing to file, our team offers deep regulatory expertise and hands-on guidance. 

Here’s how we can help: 

• Eligibility and Applicability Reviews: We assist you in determining whether the criteria apply and walk through your fleet using an updated IBR applicability flowchart tailored to your resource types. 
• Registration Planning: We build a customized timeline for registration activities beginning May 2025 – —aligned with your internal staffing and operational goals. 
• Gap Analyses & Compliance Program Setup: Once registered, we help you identify applicable standards and assess your existing controls and documentation against NERC expectations. 
• Support During Regional Engagement: We’ve participated in early outreach from the Regional Entities and are helping clients prepare responses, documentation, and early submissions. 

The Opportunity (and Risk) Ahead 

This registration effort is more than just a new compliance checkbox; it marks a fundamental shift in how inverter-based resources (IBRs) are integrated into the reliability ecosystem. With increased visibility comes increased responsibility – —and entities that act early will avoid costly missteps and position themselves to meet evolving reliability expectations with confidence. 

On the other hand, delaying preparation can lead to incomplete registration filings, gaps in compliance documentation, unexpected costs or staffing pressures in early 2026, and the risk of non-compliance once the May 2026 deadline arrives. 

Getting ahead of the curve now turns a looming regulatory burden into a structured, manageable transition. 

Don’t Wait! —Let’s Start the Conversation 

You don’t have to navigate this change alone. Whether you're unsure of your applicability or need full-scale program support, EPE is here to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence. 

Schedule a 30-minute discovery session or contact us below to review your asset applicability and outline a next-step plan tailored to your needs.