FERC Approves Updated Rules to Shield Power Grid from Physical Threats
Published Date: 9/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) just got the green light to update its physical security rules for electric transmission stations and substations. This new standard, CIP-014-4, replaces the old one to better protect our power grid from threats. Utilities must follow these updated rules soon, helping keep the lights on safely without extra costs for consumers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Federal approval of CIP-014-4
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved NERC's new Physical Security Reliability Standard CIP-014-4 to strengthen protection of key transmission stations, substations, and primary control centers. The Commission approved the standard and its implementation plan, which becomes effective October 1, 2028.
36-month risk-assessment cycle
Transmission owners must review and, if needed, update their list of applicable transmission stations and substations at least once every 36 calendar months, and initial risk assessments required under Requirement R5 must be completed on or before the effective date. The single 36-calendar-month cycle replaces prior staggered cycles (30 or 60 months).
Stricter risk-assessment technical rules
CIP-014-4 requires transmission owners to maintain a documented risk-assessment methodology that includes: technically justified thresholds for unacceptable generation and load loss; both steady-state and dynamic simulations using at least one system peak load case and one system off-peak load case; and detailed simulation specifications (including assumptions like prior loss of communications).
1500-foot proximate-facility rule
Each transmission owner with an applicable station or substation must identify existing proximate Bulk Electric System transmission stations and substations within 1,500 feet (457 meters), measured fence line to fence line. That list of proximate facilities must be included in the required risk assessments.
Coordination for jointly owned facilities
Transmission owners that jointly own applicable transmission stations or substations must coordinate with other owners to determine and document individual and joint responsibilities under the risk-assessment and implementation requirements (Requirements R3 and R5).
Estimated paperwork burden and costs
FERC estimates the change in annual reporting and recordkeeping burden for U.S. transmission owners at 3,440 total hours across 344 respondents, with an estimated total cost of $286,862 and an average cost per respondent of $833.90. The estimates relate to the FERC-725U information collection for CIP-014.
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.
2026-20658, 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.
2026-20642, 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!
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.
2026-20582, 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!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-18867, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Request for Comment; Criminal Penalty Safe Harbor Provision
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking for approval to continue collecting info related to its Criminal Penalty Safe Harbor Provision for another three years. This affects companies and individuals involved in vehicle safety compliance, with no new costs or changes in how they report. Public comments are open until October 15, 2026, but so far, no one has spoken up.
Next: 2026-18869, Dominion Energy South Carolina, Inc.; Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment
Dominion Energy South Carolina wants to extend the turbine venting season at the Parr Hydroelectric Project from August 31 to October 31 to boost oxygen levels in the Broad River. This change affects local communities and the environment in Newberry and Fairfield counties and involves federal lands in Sumter National Forest. The government reviewed the plan and found no big environmental problems, and public comments are open until October 13, 2026.