Speakers at this week's GridSecCon conference discussed the sometimes overlooked connections between weather and grid security.

Speakers at NERC's annual grid security conference noted that new technology provides opportunities both for threats to the grid as well as for its defenders.

NERC’s 2025 budget is set to rise 8.2% over the previous year to $123 million.

Representatives from NERC and the regional entities urged state regulators to learn about the reliability challenges and opportunities of inverter-based resources.

Facility ratings accounted for two reliability standard violations carrying a total penalty of $272,000.

FERC approved a $75,000 penalty against American Transmission Company for violating NERC's reliability standards.

Responses to NERC's Level 2 alert indicate widespread issues with performance of inverter-based resources.

FERC OK'd the 2024 business plans and budgets for the ERO, though Commissioner James Danly called for “a significant improvement in … speed and agility.”  

EROs are increasing their budgets for 2024, with the increases largely funding personnel and meetings. Draft budgets are available for stakeholder comment.

While none of the incidents affected reliability, evidence of attackers’ efforts to sabotage the grid “highlights the continued need for vigilance,” NERC said.