FERC Extends Solar Storm Prep Data Collection for Power Grids
Published Date: 3/4/2026
Notice
Summary
FERC is extending the approval for collecting info about how power companies prepare for solar storms that can mess with the electric grid. This affects owners and operators of big power systems who must keep checking their equipment’s safety against these space weather events. Comments on this info collection are due by May 4, 2026, and there are no new costs or changes—just a smooth continuation.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Solar‑Storm Preparedness Rule Extended
FERC is extending without change the information-collection tied to Reliability Standard TPL-007-4, which requires owners and operators of the Bulk‑Power System to perform initial and ongoing vulnerability assessments for geomagnetic disturbance (solar storm) events, develop corrective action plans, and seek Electric Reliability Organization approval for any extensions. Comments on this extension are due May 4, 2026.
Estimated Annual Burden: 82,200 hrs $5.22M
FERC estimates the annual collection affects 2,055 entities (1,354 generator operators; 60 planning coordinators; 300 distribution providers; 341 transmission owners) and requires 82,200 total hours per year, at an estimated total cost of $5,221,344. The agency estimates an average burden of 40 hours per response and uses an hourly rate of $63.52 to calculate costs.
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