Navigating NERC Compliance: What Non-BES IBR Owners Need to Know About Upcoming Registration Requirements

As the energy landscape evolves, so do the regulatory requirements that ensure the reliability and security of the grid. Starting in May 2025, new NERC registration criteria will go into effect, creating important compliance obligations for owners and operators of Non-Bulk Electric System (Non-BES) Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs). If this applies to your operations, now is the time to prepare. 

What’s Changing?

Under NERC’s updated criteria, entities with aggregate nameplate capacities of 20 MVA or more, delivering to a common point at 60 kV or higher, will be required to register and align their operations with applicable Reliability Standards. This registration marks the first step in a process that must be completed by May 2026, when full compliance will become mandatory.

For many, these changes will bring unfamiliar challenges, from understanding the scope of new obligations to implementing compliance processes that meet NERC standards. However, with proactive planning, owners and operators can avoid last-minute complications and ensure their IBRs are ready.

Why Does This Matter for Non-BES IBR Owners?

Non-BES IBRs play an increasingly vital role in the energy transition, particularly as renewable resources grow. However, their operational complexities, coupled with NERC’s updated focus, mean that these entities must now navigate the same regulatory scrutiny historically reserved for Bulk Electric System (BES) resources. This shift underscores the need for proactive compliance measures to avoid potential penalties or operational disruptions.

How To Prepare for the Registration Process

To meet the registration deadline and the compliance mandate by May 2026, owners and operators should consider the following steps:

• Understand the Criteria: Review NERC’s updated registration criteria to determine if your IBRs meet aggregate capacity and delivery voltage thresholds. Confirm whether your operations fall under the new requirements.

• Use our Flow Chart to Confirm Your Requirement: Developed by our own NERC team, we have a flow chart to help you understand whether your operations fall under the new requirements and if you need to act.

Download the flow chart here.

• Develop a Compliance Roadmap: Build a detailed timeline for registration and compliance activities. Break this down into achievable milestones, such as completing your registration by mid-2025 and implementing Reliability Standards by early 2026.

• Conduct a Gap Analysis: Assess your current operations against applicable NERC standards. Identify gaps and prioritize areas for improvement to align with compliance requirements.

• Engage Compliance Expertise: Navigating NERC compliance is no small task. Consider partnering with experts who understand the regulatory landscape and can help you manage registration, develop your compliance program, and maintain adherence to standards over time.

How EPE Can Help

At EPE, we specialize in helping IBR owners and operators navigate the complexities of NERC compliance. Our team of experienced professionals provides tailored support for every step of the process, from registration to the ongoing management of compliance programs. With our guidance, you can streamline your path to compliance while staying focused on your operational goals.

Don’t Wait to Act

The upcoming registration and compliance deadlines may seem far off, but preparing early is the key to a seamless transition. By taking action now, you can work towards ensuring your Non-BES IBRs are fully compliant by May 2026 while avoiding unnecessary stress or disruption.

Reach out to EPE today to learn more about how we can help you meet NERC’s evolving requirements with confidence. Let’s ensure your operations are ready for the future of energy compliance.

Contact us today to get started on your NERC compliance journey.