WECC

Physical Security Meets Environmental Compliance: A Unique Challenge in CIP-003-8 Auditing. During a recent CIP-003-8 Low Impact Physical Security audit, a fascinating intersection of security and environmental compliance was encountered. The utility being audited had to meet EPA requirements for desert tortoises and Kit Foxes—Two species native to the area. The result was a two-fenced system. Outer Fence: A 3-foot-tall barrier, buried deep to prevent tortoises from burrowing into the facility. Inner Fence: A standard 6-foot chain-link fence with a barbed wire topper – but with a 12-inch gap at the bottom to allow Kit Foxes to pass freely. From a compliance and security standpoint, this setup raised an interesting challenge: The combination of a short climbable fence and a crawl space under the second fence created a potential vulnerability. A defense-in-depth strategy is crucial here—ensuring that security measures don’t just protect the facility perimeter but also critical cyber assets at the asset level. This experience was a great reminder that security is never one-size-fits-all. Regulations, environmental factors, and operational needs often intersect in unexpected ways, requiring a balanced and strategic approach to compliance and risk mitigation. Has anyone else encountered unique physical security challenges due to environmental or regulatory requirements? #WECC welcomes your thoughts! #Auditing #Compliance #WECC 🦊 🐢

Jim Robb, NERC President & CEO, and Melanie Frye, WECC President & CEO, represented the ERO Enterprise in a joint panel at the IEEE Energy and Policy Forum, discussing key trends shaping grid reliability. #IEEE #GridReliability #EROEnterprise

Generator Retirements The landscape of the electrical industry is dramatically transforming as we retire more coal and gas generation in favor of renewable sources such as solar, wind, and battery storage. This shift brings a significant challenge: maintaining resource adequacy around the clock, every day. Dive into WECC’s System Performance Data Portal to explore how these changes are unfolding and what it means for our future energy stability. https://lnkd.in/gUHj-tha #EnergyTransition #WECC #RenewableEnergy #ResourceAdequacy ☀️ 🍃 🔋

Recording Posted—Reliability in the West Discussion Series: Data and Modeling This discussion explored the crucial role of modeling in system planning and operations, highlighting how models provide valuable insights and support decision-makers. Our panelists discussed the significance of assumptions, the necessity for high-quality data, and the inherent limitations of modeling. #modeling #data #ReliabilityintheWest 🧮 https://lnkd.in/giEmS8KG Panelists Included: Chelsea Loomis, Enoch Davies, Glenn Blackmon, Ph.D.

Did you know that the amount of power consumed by data centers is expected to grow from 17 GW in 2022 to 35 GW by 2030? Learn about the impact of data centers and other large loads on the electric grid with WECC’s Large Loads Assessment. #WECC #LargeLoadsAssessment                                                               https://lnkd.in/gDV3ThDq

Q1 2025 Oversight Trends Update is Here We are pleased to announce that the Oversight Trends Report for Q1 2025 is now available. This insightful report dives into crucial Reliability and Security Oversight trends to provide interconnection-wide context for registered entity compliance programs. If you have any questions, reach out to oversight@wecc.org https://lnkd.in/gyZGBmMD

Utilities across the West are projecting staggering demand growth over the coming decade. Can the supply of electricity keep pace? WECC’s Western Assessment of Resource Adequacy examines the risks ahead.  Learn about them here: https://lnkd.in/gTCme8Ux #WECC #Reliability #LoadGrowth

Load Growth and Power System Planning                                            The next decade is gearing up for a dramatic shift as the load-forecast growth rate is expected to more than double, driven by electrification and the rise of large-loads such as data centers, manufacturing plants, and cryptocurrency operations. These developments are transforming how we'll manage energy distribution. For a deeper dive into these changes and WECC's strategies to address them, check out this section of the WARA. #WECC #WARA #Reliability https://lnkd.in/gTCme8Ux  

🚨 Registration Now Open! 🚨 The 2025 Reliability, Security, and CMEP Summit is just around the corner! 🗓️ Join us on May 20-21, 2025, at the Omni Hotel in Oklahoma City, OK, for two action-packed days of collaboration, insight, and networking with top industry leaders and experts in the energy sector. Key Focus Areas Include: 🔌 Uncertain Energy Availability 🔗 Supply Chain Risks ⚡ IBR & DER Performance 🔒 Security – Physical & Cyber The summit will feature: ✅ Collaborative sessions on the latest challenges impacting reliability and security ✅ Specialized breakout tracks for Compliance, Reliability, and Security ✅ Networking opportunities with industry peers and leaders ✅ Engaging keynote speakers and expert panelists, including: ✨ Jim Robb, CEO of North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) – Collaborative Efforts to Shape the Future of the Energy Sector Jim Robb will share his vision and insights on the future of the energy grid, focusing on collaboration between key stakeholders to address emerging challenges. ✨ Jenny R. Susser, Ph.D., PhD Clinical Health-Sports Psychology – Building Resilient Teams and Improving Performance Dr. Susser, a former All-American swimmer and Olympic coach, will explore the psychology of high-performance teams and how resilience and mental focus can drive success in the fast-paced world of energy management. ✨ Mark Tiemeier, P.E., MBA, MRO Director of Power System Risk Management – Lighting the Path Ahead: Navigating Risks to the Bulk Power System Mark will provide a deep dive into the risk management strategies critical for ensuring the reliability of the bulk power system. ✨ Antoine Lucas, EVP and COO at Southwest Power Pool – Transforming the Regional Power Grid: SPP’s Sustainable Success Antoine will discuss Southwest Power Pool's work in transforming the regional grid and the key factors driving sustainability and success. ✨ Nation State Threats Panel – Featuring Tim Brown (CISO, SolarWinds) and Tim Conway (SANS Institute) – Nation-State Threats: Securing the Grid from Global Risks This panel will dive into the growing threat of nation-state actors targeting the grid and how we can protect critical infrastructure from these evolving threats. Whether you're in compliance, reliability, or security, this summit offers the tools and insights you need to tackle the most pressing issues in the energy sector. 🌍 Don’t miss out – Register now and secure your spot today: https://cvent.me/KgLN5B #MROSummit2025 #Reliability #EnergySecurity #SupplyChain #IBR #DER #PowerGrid #CyberSecurity #Networking #EnergyIndustry

Did you know that the amount of power consumed by data centers is expected to grow from 17 GW in 2022 to 35 GW by 2030? Learn about the impact of data centers and other large loads on the electric grid with WECC’s Large Loads assessment. https://lnkd.in/gDV3ThDq Elevate Energy Consulting