Key Compliance Deadlines, IBR Modeling Deficiencies & Grid Reliability Insights
Stay informed with critical regulatory developments from NERC. This month’s update covers compliance deadlines, modeling alerts for inverter-based resources (IBRs), and upcoming industry standards that impact Bulk Power System (BPS) reliability.
Key NERC Compliance Deadlines & Events – May 2025
The NERC compliance calendar is packed with essential reporting deadlines, ballot events, and reliability workshops. Don’t miss these critical milestones:
May 15: Cold Weather Preparedness Reporting Due
All Generator Owners (GOs) must submit the Extreme Cold Weather Temperature Report by May 15, 2025, per FERC/NERC mandates. This report is vital for ensuring grid reliability during cold weather events. Access support tools and training via NERC’s Cold Weather Data Portal.
Active NERC Ballots & Comment Periods
Be proactive in shaping industry standards. The following projects are open for stakeholder feedback:
- Project 2020-06: Verification of Models and Data for Generators
(Initial ballot closed May 12, 2025) - Project 2022-02: Uniform Modeling Framework for IBRs
(Ballot closes May 16, 2025) - Project 2021-01: System Model Validation with IBRs
(Ballot closes May 21, 2025)
These efforts drive critical enhancements in dynamic modeling, especially as IBRs expand across the grid.
Spotlight: IBR Modeling Deficiencies – April 2025 Alert
NERC’s Level 2 Alert (April 2025) exposes major weaknesses in the quality of Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) models, sparking industry concern.
Key Findings:
- 15,000+ MW of IBR loss during 10 major BPS events since 2016.
- Model inconsistencies across .dyr/.dyd files, field data, and planning studies.
- 66% of GOs apply protection settings that limit inverter ride-through—a major risk to grid stability.
NERC Recommendations:
- Validate all IBR models for real-world performance.
- Submit both standard and user-defined models to Transmission Planners (TPs) and Planning Coordinators (PCs).
- Enhance data access and collaboration with OEMs.
- Implement stronger benchmarking and verification practices.
This alert reinforces the urgency for model accuracy, proactive verification, and industry-wide adoption of modeling best practices.
Standards News: Ballot Results & Pending Standards
Recently Approved:
- Project 2024-01: Revised GO/GOP definitions passed with 86% approval, clarifying compliance roles moving forward.
Standards to Watch:
- TOP-003-6.1, IRO-010-5, and BAL-007-1
Set for phased enforcement: July 2025 – April 2027
These standards focus on:
- Data exchange protocols
- Operations planning
- Short-term system reliability
System Maintenance Updates
Align System Scheduled Downtime:
- When: May 16 (8 PM ET) – May 17 (4 PM ET)
- Update: Release 7.2.0 – Enhancing usability and data integrity.
Plan your compliance submissions accordingly.
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Upcoming NERC Events – May & June 2025
| Date | Event Name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| May 13 | Real-Time Operating Subcommittee Meeting | Virtual |
| May 14 | 2025 Summer Reliability Assessment Webinar | Online |
| May 15–29 | Multiple Standards Drafting Team Meetings | Virtual |
| June 3–5 | IBR Milestone 3 Industry Engagement Workshop | Arlington, VA / Virtual |
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Summary – Key Takeaways
- Cold weather reporting and IBR modeling are top compliance priorities.
- Inaccurate IBR models threaten system stability—address gaps proactively.
- Engage with evolving standards to shape future grid reliability policies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the deadline for the Cold Weather Generator Data Report?
All Generator Owners (GOs) must submit the Extreme Cold Weather Temperature (ECWT) report by May 15, 2025. This year, NERC is allowing a grace period until June 15, 2025 for BES units.
2. Who is required to submit the ECWT data report?
Only NERC-registered Generator Owners with BES facilities in the United States are required to submit. Submissions must be completed by the Primary Compliance Contact or Entity Administrator.
3. What resources are available to help GOs complete the ECWT worksheet?
- A revised worksheet with instructions
- Training videos and materials
- ECWT FAQ document
All are available on the NERC Cold Weather Data Request page.
4. What modeling standards ballots are currently open?
- Project 2022-02 – Uniform Modeling Framework for IBRs (closes May 16, 2025)
- Project 2021-01 – System Model Validation with IBRs (closes May 21, 2025).
5. What did the IBR Model Quality Alert reveal?
The April 2025 aggregated report revealed:
- 66% of protection settings do not use full inverter capability
- Systemic mismatches in model data formats (.dyr/.dyd, field data, and manual entries)
- Insufficient use of equipment-specific models for interconnection studies.
6. What are the key recommendations for improving IBR modeling?
- Submit both standard library and user-written PSPD/EMT models
- Maintain up-to-date and site-specific model parameters
- Align models with FERC LGIP/SGIP interconnection standards
- Enhance coordination with OEMs and TPs/PCs.
7. Why is reactive power capability reporting important?
20% of solar PV sites are operating under a “triangle” power factor limitation (0.95 PF), reducing the available reactive support to the grid. NERC urges accurate modeling to reflect true inverter capabilities.
8. What is the Align system outage schedule?
Planned maintenance for the Align system is scheduled from:
May 16, 8:00 p.m. ET to May 17, 4:00 p.m. ET
System updates will be outlined in Release Notes 7.2.0.
9. Which standards are scheduled for enforcement in 2025–2027?
- July 1, 2025: IRO-010-5, TOP-003-6.1
- Oct 1, 2025: TOP-002-5
- Apr 1, 2026: TPL-008-1, CIP-003-9
- Jul 1, 2026: CIP-012-2
- Apr 1, 2027: BAL-007-1.
10. Where can I find registration links for upcoming NERC events?
You can access all events and register through the official NERC Calendar, including:
IBR Milestone 3 Workshop (June 3–5)
Summer Reliability Webinar (May 14)
