FERC Updates Rules to Keep Solar and Wind from Grid Glitches
Published Date: 2/26/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved new rules from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation to better monitor and manage inverter-based power resources, like solar and wind. These changes affect power companies that own or operate these resources, helping keep the electric grid safe and reliable. The new standards replace old ones and will roll out soon, with no extra costs expected for the industry.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Required Disturbance Monitoring Equipment
Reliability Standard PRC-028-1 requires generator owners of applicable IBRs to install disturbance monitoring equipment to collect sequence of event recording, fault recording, and dynamic disturbance recording data. NERC's implementation plan requires generator owners to implement disturbance monitoring equipment by no later than 2030, with a risk-based, phased approach and possible deadline extensions for issues like supply chain delays.
Unexpected IBR Event Identification Rules
Reliability Standard PRC-030-1 requires generator owners to identify and document unexpected IBR changes of power output that meet thresholds of at least 20 MW and at least 10% of the plant's gross nameplate rating occurring within a four-second period. Generator owners must analyze events when required, develop corrective action plans or technical justifications, and report or update plans as specified. Bulk electric system IBRs must comply by the standard's effective date; applicable non-bulk IBRs must comply by the later of January 1, 2027 or the standard's effective date.
PRC-002-5 Replaces PRC-002-4; Adds Data Rules
Reliability Standard PRC-002-5 will replace PRC-002-4 and clarifies applicability to non-IBR bulk electric system elements while adding data collection, sharing, and data formatting requirements similar to PRC-028-1. NERC proposes retiring PRC-002-4 immediately prior to PRC-002-5's effective date.
Estimated Paperwork and Cost Burden Totals
The Commission published estimated annual paperwork and cost burdens for the new and revised standards: PRC-002-5—12,600 hours and $890,442.00; PRC-028-1—107,680 hours and $7,609,745.60; PRC-030-1—26,960 hours and $1,905,263.20 (each for Years 1-3). Hourly cost used in the estimates is $70.67 per hour.
New IBR Definition Added
The Commission approved a new definition of an inverter-based resource (IBR) for the NERC Glossary. The IBR definition will become effective on the first day of the first calendar quarter after the Commission's approval and is not expected to generate new paperwork burden by itself.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20744, Combined Notice of Filings #2
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got a new filing from Iroquois Gas Transmission about changing their natural gas rates starting November 1, 2026. This affects customers and companies using their pipeline, who might see new negotiated prices. If you want to speak up or get involved, you have until October 19, 2026, to file your comments or protests.
2026-20580, Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Ventura to Farmington A-Line Abandonment and Capacity Replacement Project and Northern Lights 2027 Expansion Project
Northern Natural Gas Company plans to retire old pipeline sections in Iowa and Minnesota and build new ones to keep gas flowing smoothly and add extra capacity. This project will affect local communities and the environment but aims to do so responsibly, with a decision expected after public comments by November 2, 2026. The upgrades will help deliver more natural gas reliably, supporting energy needs without major environmental harm.
2026-20658, Shoshone Irrigation District; Notice of Existing Licensee's Failure To File a Timely Notice of Intent To File a New License Application, and Soliciting Notices of Intent To File a License Application and Pre-Application Documents
The Shoshone Irrigation District missed the deadline to say if they want to renew their license for the Garland Canal hydro project in Wyoming, which ends in 2031. Because of this, they’re treated as if they don’t plan to relicense, opening the door for others to step in and apply. If you’re interested, now’s the time to file your intent and get your paperwork ready!
2026-20659, Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline
Eastern Shore Natural Gas is planning a big upgrade to its pipelines in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, including building new loops and replacing old pipes. This $75 million project will boost gas delivery for local utilities and customers, with new facilities and some old parts being removed. If you want to have a say, you need to act before the intervention deadline set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
2026-20582, Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings from several natural gas pipeline companies about rate changes and agreements that could affect how much customers pay starting this fall. If you want to speak up or get involved, you need to comment by mid-October or late October depending on the case. These updates impact pipeline rates and contracts, so keep an eye on deadlines to have your say!
2026-20642, Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got a new filing from Colorado Interstate Gas Company about changing a gas pipeline agreement that starts November 16, 2026. People who want to speak up or join the discussion must do so by October 14, 2026. This could affect gas rates and contracts, so keep an eye on the deadline if you’re involved!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-03125, Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 59; Authorization of Production Activity; Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A.; (Four-Wheeled Personal Transportation Vehicles); Lincoln, Nebraska
Kawasaki Motors in Lincoln, Nebraska, got the green light to make four-wheeled personal transportation vehicles in their Foreign-Trade Zone. This means they can produce these vehicles with special trade benefits, helping them save money and speed up operations. The approval was finalized in February 2025, so Kawasaki can start or continue production without delays.
Next: 2025-03127, Lake Upchurch Dam Preservation Association; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment
The Lake Upchurch Dam Preservation Association wants to stop using their hydroelectric project on Rockfish Creek in North Carolina since it hasn’t worked since 2016. They plan to disconnect the power equipment but won’t change the dam or pond. The government will check the environmental impact and share their findings by July 31, 2025, giving everyone a chance to weigh in before a final decision.