Preparing for Expanded IBR Regulations: Compliance Deadlines & Key Steps
As the first deadline for the expanded Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) regulations approaches, organizations impacted by these changes are receiving compliance notifications. In recent weeks, the Regional Entities have issued RFIs to potential category 2 Generation Owners and Generator Operators to determine whether their facilities fall within the new scope.
Final identification of in-scope facilities is set for May 1, 2025 with registration and mandatory compliance required by May 1, 2026. With these deadlines quickly approaching, organizations must take proactive steps to ensure they are prepared.
As a reminder, the new proposed registration criteria include owners and operators of IBRs that have an aggregate nameplate capacity of greater than or equal to 20 MVA, delivering this capacity to a common point of connection at a voltage greater than or equal to 60 kV.
Reliability Standards in scope include, but are not limited to:
- CIP (cyber security)
- FAC (facility design, connections and maintenance)
- IRO and TOP (data specification)
- MOD (modeling, data and analysis)
- PRC (protection and control)
In addition, PRC 028 and PRC 030 have been approved by FERC and will impact IBR facilities.
Fortunately, the steps required to ensure compliance for IBR facilities are largely the same as those for traditional coal plants. Although the energy source is different – solar, wind, etc. for IBR vs. coal and gas – the process, internal controls, and compliance programs used for traditional plants can be adapted for use in IBR facilities.
The final deadline for compliance is more than a year away, but now is the time for impacted organizations to assess their compliance readiness for the expanded IBR regulations. Early preparation will help ensure a smooth transition.
Organizations should review the applicable Reliability Standards, identify any gaps in compliance and adapt existing programs to meet the new requirements. Since IBR and traditional generation follow similar compliance measures, using established processes can simplify the transition. Staying proactive ensures compliance and strengthens grid reliability as regulations evolve.
Reach out to HSI with any questions.