FERC Bolsters Cyber Defenses for Low-Impact Power Grids
Published Date: 3/24/2026
Rule
Summary
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission just approved a new cyber security rule called CIP-003-11 to better protect smaller electric facilities from cyberattacks. This update affects companies running low-impact electric systems and kicks in on May 26, 2026. It helps keep the power grid safer without adding big costs, by tightening security controls where it counts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Stronger power-grid cyber defenses
The Commission approved Reliability Standard CIP-003-11 to strengthen cybersecurity protections for low-impact bulk electric system (BES) cyber systems, improving the reliability of the bulk electric system. The rule is effective May 26, 2026 and the Commission found the Standard "improves the reliability of the bulk electric system."
Paperwork and compliance burden for 1,673 entities
All 1,673 U.S. entities on the NERC Compliance Registry subject to CIP Standards must conform to CIP-003-11 and maintain documentation for audits. The Commission estimates a total annualized burden of 257,642 hours and a total cost of $24,991,274 (total for FERC-725B(5) under CIP-003-11), with an annual cost burden of $8,330,425 per year for Years 1-3.
Estimated per-small-entity implementation cost
The Commission estimates 406 of the affected entities are small entities; each of those 406 small entities will incur an estimated one-time implementation cost of approximately $19,000 plus an ongoing paperwork burden of $14,938 over Years 1-3, for a total estimated cost of $33,938 per small entity. The Commission certified the rule will not have a "significant economic impact" on small entities.
New low-impact cybersecurity controls required
CIP-003-11 requires registered entities responsible for low-impact BES Cyber Systems to implement controls that authenticate remote users, protect authentication information in transit, and detect malicious communications to or between assets with external routable connectivity. These operational requirements take effect May 26, 2026.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13156 — El Paso Natural Gas Company, LLC; Notice of Request for Extension of Time
El Paso Natural Gas Company needs more time to finish building their Maricopa Lateral Expansion in Arizona because they faced delays getting land agreements. They’re asking to extend the deadline to October 1, 2026, giving them a few extra months to complete the project. This affects local communities and anyone following the project’s progress, with a chance to share opinions before the new deadline.
2026-13152 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got a new rate filing from Equitrans, L.P. about natural gas pipeline prices starting July 1, 2026. If you want to speak up or get involved, you have until July 7, 2026, to file your comments. This could affect how much people pay for natural gas and who controls the rates.
2026-13088 — Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC; Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.: Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Constitution Pipeline and Wright Interconnect Projects
The Constitution Pipeline and Wright Interconnect Projects are back on track! The government is preparing a fresh environmental check and plans to share it by August 21, 2026. This affects communities in Pennsylvania and New York, with decisions expected by November 19, 2026, potentially speeding up pipeline construction and related activities.
2026-13087 — Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Central Mainline Corridor Expansion Project
Northern Natural Gas Company wants to build new pipeline facilities in Iowa and Nebraska to deliver more natural gas for homes, businesses, and power plants. The government will review the project's environmental impact and share a report by December 7, 2026, with a final decision expected by March 7, 2027. This means more energy and careful checks to keep things safe and smooth for everyone involved.
2026-13084 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings from natural gas pipeline companies about rates and refunds. These filings could change how much customers pay starting July 1, 2026, and folks have until July 6 to share their thoughts or protests. If you’re involved or interested, now’s the time to speak up before decisions are made!
2026-12917 — Commission Information Collection Activities (Ferc-725b). Comment Request; Errata Notice
FERC is asking for public feedback on extending and updating a key info collection called FERC-725B, which helps keep our energy grid safe and reliable. These updates tweak some rules about protecting critical infrastructure, with no new costs expected. If you’re involved in energy reliability, you’ve got until July 27, 2026, to share your thoughts!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05709 — Order No. 917; Filing Process and Data Collection for the Electric Quarterly Report
Starting May 26, 2026, energy companies must file their Electric Quarterly Reports using a new, easier-to-use digital format called XBRL-CSV. This update affects Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System Operators, helping them share clearer market data while cutting down on paperwork and costs over time. The changes boost transparency and make future updates smoother for everyone involved.
Next: 2026-05712 — Approval and Promulgation of Delegation of Authority for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; Washington; Southwest Clean Air Agency
The EPA is giving the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) the power to enforce pollution rules for certain waste-burning facilities in parts of Washington, like Clark and Cowlitz counties. This change means SWCAA will handle pollution limits for hospitals, industries, and sewage plants starting March 24, 2026. It won’t cost businesses extra but helps keep the air cleaner and enforcement local and efficient.