All NERC-registered entities must comply with the applicable North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards.  With the recent increase in the complexity of the Bulk Electric System (BES) and addition of new technologies, NERC has been proactively enforcing existing requirements, introducing new requirements, and adjusting the frequency of compliance reporting. By federal law, NERC has the authority to monitor and assess a company’s compliance status and issue sanctions and/or fines for non-compliance.

The EPE compliance team brings decades of experience in closely monitoring NERC activities and assisting clients with ensuring their assets meet NERC compliance regulations. Our NERC compliance services range from completing complex technical assessments and power system studies to tracking filing deadlines and preparing the documentation required of regulatory agencies. EPE’s compliance services span from developing and managing comprehensive compliance programs, and providing audit support. Our goal is to allow our clients to focus on their customers and growth while we focus on the technicalities of ensuring NERC compliance.

NERC & Regulatory Compliance Resources

Managing your NERC Compliance Program is a challenging and ongoing process that includes many moving parts even for the most basic registered entity. Failing an audit or having to self-report non-compliance can be arduous, confusing, and even expensive in the way of fines or program modification or both. It does not have to be this way—whether you operate dozens of generation assets or hundreds of miles of transmission lines, navigating NERC CIP Compliance can be a straightforward and manageable process.

AT EPE, we have put together a few quick tips that you can review right now to get a better understanding of your NERC CIP Compliance program and where there could be some potential gaps or areas for improvement.

Some questions you should consider:

• • Do you have your critical assets documented?
  • Do you have internal controls and security protocols documented?
  • Would you consider your security infrastructure to be strong?
  • Do your site personnel know how to assess impact ratings of events?
  • Does your program provide frequent and applicable training on CIP requirements?

If you answered no to any of the questions above, Electric Power Engineers can help. Knowing you could have program gaps is a valuable tool on its own; you can’t fix something you’re not aware of. Our team of industry professionals are experts in identifying common-sense solutions that will provide you with comprehensive support.

If you answered yes to all the questions above, you likely have a solid foundation for your program. And as those familiar with cyber security know, feeling safe and secure can be the biggest challenge. EPE has the ability to provide comprehensive gap analysis, giving your program that critical third-party, unbiased program review.

No matter the size or complexity of your program, our team has the experience to support your organization in developing procedures and policies that both meet and prove compliance. Our team can help identify, organize, and draft necessary evidence and audit materials to strengthen your compliance health. Discuss your NERC CIP compliance today by speaking to your account manager or scheduling a consult.

Are you new to NERC? Or maybe you have been a NERC registered entity for some time? New or existing, you have come to the right place! Let the EPE compliance team help you meet your NERC compliance obligations. We offer services to help your organization with NERC O&P program development and management, gap analysis, audit support, and much more.  

NERC O&P Program Development

Audit Support

• Mock Audits to prepare for upcoming audits 
• Pre and post audit support  
• Self-Certification and Spot Check support