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.
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
2026-20421, PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Institution of Section 206 Proceeding and Refund Effective Date
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is checking if PJM Interconnection’s new rules for buying backup power are fair and legal. This affects energy companies and customers in the PJM region, with possible changes to how costs are shared. If refunds are needed, they start from October 6, 2026, and anyone interested has 21 days to speak up.
2026-20453, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Evergy McNew Power Plant Delivery Project
Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline wants to build new gas facilities to deliver power to the Evergy McNew Power Plant in Kansas. The government is asking the public to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment before making a final decision. If you care about local air, water, or land, now’s the time to speak up by November 2, 2026!
2026-20450, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Leidy Access Expansion Project
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company wants to expand its gas pipeline in Luzerne, Pennsylvania, and the government is asking the public to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment. People have until November 2, 2026, to send in comments about possible impacts and better ways to do the project. This feedback will help decide if the project moves forward and how it’s done safely and responsibly.
2026-20420, Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several filings from natural gas pipeline companies about rate changes and refunds. These updates affect customers and companies using pipelines, with new rates starting as soon as October 1, 2026. If you want to comment, deadlines are mostly mid-October, so act fast to have your say on possible price changes.
2026-20418, BIF III Holtwood LLC; Notice of Application for Non-Project Use of Project Land and Waters Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
BIF III Holtwood LLC wants to build docks on land and water near the Wallenpaupack Hydroelectric Project in Pennsylvania. The government is reviewing this request and asking the public to share their thoughts by October 30, 2026. This could change how the land and water are used but won’t affect electricity prices or timing.
2026-20416, Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-603); Comment Request; Extension
FERC is renewing its info collection form called FERC-603, which helps protect important energy infrastructure details. No changes are planned, but folks who submit this info should know the deadline to comment is November 5, 2026. This keeps the process smooth without adding extra costs or paperwork.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04265, Data Collection Available for Public Comments
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is asking for your thoughts on a form disaster survivors use to speed up repairs when local permits take too long. This affects businesses and homeowners recovering from disasters and could make getting help faster and easier. You’ve got until May 4, 2026, to share your ideas—no money changes yet, just a chance to improve the process!
Next: 2026-04267, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Motions To Intervene and Protests, Ready for Environmental Analysis, and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, Terms and Conditions, and Prescriptions
Duke Energy wants to renew its license for the Bad Creek Pumped Storage Project near Lake Jocassee, South Carolina. This means the project can keep generating clean energy, but the public has until April 28, 2026, to share their thoughts or concerns. The government will review all feedback before making a final decision, so this is a big chance for locals and energy fans to speak up!