FERC Updates Utility Communication Rules—Nothing Fancy Here
Published Date: 2/27/2025
Rule
Summary
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is updating rules to include the latest business and communication standards for public utilities, helping them work smoothly and securely. Utilities must follow these new rules starting April 28, 2025, with full cybersecurity measures in place by February 2026. This update affects all public utilities and ensures safer, clearer, and more consistent energy service, with some deadlines for paperwork and implementation coming soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
FERC adopts NAESB WEQ Version 004
If you are a public utility, the Commission incorporated by reference the NAESB WEQ Version 004 Standards into 18 CFR Parts 2 and 38, effective April 28, 2025. The new suite includes a new cybersecurity standard set labeled WEQ-024 and updates to OASIS, PKI, coordinate interchange, modeling, and other WEQ standards.
Compliance filing deadline for utilities
Public utilities whose tariffs do not automatically incorporate new NAESB standards must submit compliance filings to meet this final rule no later than June 27, 2025. The preamble also directs such utilities to submit their compliance filings within 120 days after publication of the final rule in the Federal Register.
Implementation schedule for new standards
Public utilities must implement the WEQ Version 004 cybersecurity standards by February 27, 2026, and must implement the remainder of the WEQ Version 004 standards adopted in this final rule by August 27, 2026. The rule explains staggered implementation so cybersecurity is implemented earlier than the other standards.
What to include in your compliance filing
When you file compliance, you must submit a single compliance filing that includes two separate tariff records (one for cybersecurity and one for the remainder), list every NAESB standard incorporated by reference, say whether each standard is incorporated by reference by your tariff, show tariff provisions for standards not incorporated, and identify any waivers or requests for waivers. If you receive new waivers, you must file a second compliance filing with the waiver order citation within 60 days after the waiver is granted.
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