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What Are the Steps to Being NERC Compliant?

In the electric utility industry, compliance with cyber security standards is of increasing importance, as internal and external threats to bulk electric systems give power utility companies cause for concern. Regulations proposed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), with approval and oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), require all entities within the bulk power system to adhere to these Security and Reliability Standards. For any organization in this industry, knowing what are the steps to being NERC compliant can help them to avoid the dangers and penalties resulting from failing to meet these standards.

In addition to the Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards, several regulations are mandatory for all owners, operators, and users of the bulk electric system. These standards pertain to Resource and Demand Balancing (BAL), Communications (COM), Emergency Preparedness and Operations (EOP), Transmission Operations (TOP), and many more facets of the power utility industry.

 

One of the first steps to knowing, what are the Steps to Being NERC Compliant is investing in a commitment to compliance with CIP standards. Electric utility companies can avoid millions of dollars in fines per day.

 

Prepare for NERC Audits: Learn What are the Steps to Being NERC Compliant

 

  • Be sure that you are properly registered with and certified by NERC

    • Learn about registration in the NERC Rules of Procedure.

    • Begin the certification process within nine months of submitting the application.

    • Commence operations within twelve months of certification.

 

  • Evaluate your Internal Compliance Program (ICP)

    • Do you have a well established program for internal compliance?

    • Has the ICP been communicated effectively within your organization?

    • Do the personnel who oversee and maintain your compliance program report directly to the CEO and/or the board of directors?

    • Are there sufficient budgetary allocations to maintain an efficient ICP?

 

  • Plan ahead for NERC Audits by constant monitoring of internal operations and industry standards

    • Become familiar with NERC’s Compliance Tools and Auditor Resources: how does your organization measure up to these standards and expectations?

    • Contact your Regional Entity and establish clear lines of communication to ensure your compliance and ability to avoid fines with clean audit reports.

    • Stay up-to-date on NERC standards and steps to being NERC compliant, and make sure your internal compliance program runs accordingly.

 

As you work with your regional entity and learn what are the steps to being NERC compliant, you undoubtedly will be reminded of the intricacies in FERC’s regulation of bulk electric systems. Attention to detail is more important than ever, both for systems security and for your protection against NERC penalties.

 

Versify’s Portal Compliance software integrates regulatory standards with your everyday internal operations, providing your compliance personnel with the tools they need to monitor and collect relevant data. By simplifying and automating compliance procedures, Portal Compliance can save you millions of dollrs in costs and fines. Arrange a full capabilities demonstration today to see what this breakthrough NERC compliance software can do for your company.