Why You Should Stay Informed About NERC 693 Updates
Every registered entity working in or with the bulk power system in the United States, Canada and northern parts of Mexico should stay informed about NERC and specific NERC updates such as NERC 693 updates. NERC or North American Energy Reliability Corporation and FERC or Federal Energy Regulatory Commission have tons of guidelines and protocols that every entity has to abide by and these standards are well laid out and publicised.
However, every now and then there some significant changes made to the provisions. Some of the changes are brought into effect by the corporation or the commission and some are legislated. Some changes are made owing to some parties challenging or disputing some existing protocols which are then revised for the best interests of all parties involved, including the end user or consumer of the bulk power system.
NERC updates or those made under FERC are circulated do not always attract the same level of attention or scrutiny. It is necessary that every company or entity associated with the industry is in sync with all latest changes and developments to existing protocols. Changes are often made with due notice and the speculations are rife for a while.
However, there are some changes that may come as a surprise to most entities. For instance, the NERC 693 order didn’t provide much notice for entities to brace up for some serious upgrades. In a situation where an update like the NERC 693 order comes into effect and an entity or entities are not in compliance with the new protocols, there can be some serious fallout. Not adhering to the NERC 693 order or any orders prior to that or after that can lead to levying of fines or even sanctions on an entity or entities.
There are numerous NERC updates and orders from time to time which entities should be aware of and should also get accustomed with. Only then can the adequate changes be made on the ground or to the cyber security measures, response programs or in any other department, as the case may be. With regular audits being conducted across the continent, the risks of being at fault would always loom large. It is necessary for all entities to be in compliance with any new standards or protocols.