FERC Extends Comment Period on Power Grid Cyber Protection Rules
Published Date: 10/13/2026
Notice
Summary
FERC is updating its rules to improve how electric companies protect their critical infrastructure from cyber threats. This update changes the current standard CIP-015-1 to a better version called CIP-015-2, making security stronger and clearer. Electric companies and related stakeholders should review and comment by December 14, 2026, to help shape these important protections without any new fees involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Compliance Paperwork and Cost Increase for Some Entities
The Commission estimates about 360 U.S. entities will face increased paperwork burden under CIP-015-2. The estimate is 6 responses per respondent at 14 hours per response (84 hours per respondent), for a total annual burden of 30,240 hours, and an estimated total annual cost of $4,097,822.40 (about $11,382.84 per affected respondent).
CIP-015-2 Expands Internal Network Monitoring
If you operate an electric utility or other entity subject to CIP standards, the new Reliability Standard CIP-015-2 extends internal network security monitoring (INSM) to include electronic access control or monitoring systems (EACMS) and physical access control systems (PACS) located outside the electronic security perimeter. NERC filed CIP-015-2 on June 18, 2026 and the Commission issued Order RD26-6-000 on August 10, 2026; NERC also seeks retirement of CIP-015-1.
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
2026-20882, Great Lakes Hydro America, LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Penobscot Mills and Ripogenus Hydroelectric Projects, Schedule for Environmental Review, and Request for Comments
Great Lakes Hydro America wants to keep running two hydroelectric projects in Maine, and the government is checking how this might affect the environment. They’re writing a big report to figure out any impacts and want your thoughts by certain deadlines. This review will help decide if the projects can keep going and how they might change, with updates coming through 2027.
2026-20853, Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings about natural gas pipeline rates from companies like Iroquois and Algonquin. These filings propose new negotiated rates starting October and November 2026, affecting energy companies and possibly your gas bills. If you want to speak up or get involved, you have until October 19, 2026, to comment or protest.
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.
2026-20642, 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: 2026-20878, Railroad Revenue Adequacy-2025 Determination
The Surface Transportation Board announced that four big railroads—BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific—made enough money in 2025 to cover their costs and then some. This means these companies are financially healthy and meeting the government’s standards. The decision took effect on October 8, 2026, confirming the railroads’ strong performance for the year.
Next: 2026-20881, Dominion Energy South Carolina, Inc.; Notice of Application Ready for Environmental Analysis and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, Terms and Conditions, and Prescriptions
Dominion Energy South Carolina wants a new license to keep running its Stevens Creek Hydroelectric Project on federal land in South Carolina and Georgia. The government is now reviewing the environmental impact and asking the public to share their thoughts by December 6, 2026. This process could affect local communities and the environment, with decisions coming early next year.