First Things RFirst: October 2025
Expert analysis for a more reliable, secure and resilient electric grid, plus news and updates for RF stakeholders.
Insights & Analysis
RF shares analysis of August 2025 Baltimore load shed event
ReliabilityFirst (RF) on Tuesday published the August 2025 Baltimore Load Shed Event ReliabilityFirst After Action Analysis. The report details and analyzes the Aug. 11, 2025 bulk power system disturbance that impacted approximately 4,000 customers in the Baltimore area for a duration of 28 minutes.
ReliabilityFirst 2024 Misoperation Performance and Improvement Opportunities
ReliabilityFirst is committed to increasing stakeholder awareness of Protection System Misoperation performance, as they pose a reliability risk to the Bulk Electric System by increasing the potential severity of an event when they occur. Here’s a high-level look at the current Misoperations risk posture within the ReliabilityFirst footprint and the ongoing efforts to monitor and improve performance as risk levels evolve.
Regulatory Affairs: Grid reliability news we’re tracking
The latest regulatory headlines we’re tracking include:
- FERC issues NOPRs proposing to approve revisions to 11 NERC CIP Standards
- U.S. House of Representatives passes GRID Power Act
- U.S. House of Representatives introduces State Energy Accountability Act
News & Updates
What to know about new EOP-012-3 cold weather preparedness standard
In late September, FERC approved the latest version of NERC’s cold weather preparedness standard (EOP-012-3) with an effective date of Oct. 1, 2025. Periodic Data Submittals associated with EOP-012-3 should be submitted through Align. The 2026 Periodic Data Submittal Schedule is available here.
NERC submitted EOP-012-3 to FERC on April 10, 2025, in response to FERC’s directive that it develop targeted modifications to EOP-012-2. Specifically, FERC directed NERC to clarify the term “generator cold weather constraint” (situations in which a generator owner may declare that a specific freeze protection measure would result in a net loss of reliability on the grid) and ensure that the ERO confirms the validity of each constraint, along with clarifying requirements around corrective action plans.
In EOP-012-3, NERC proposed a new, clearer definition for generator cold weather constraints that removed ambiguous references to “cost,” “reasonable cost,” “unreasonable cost,” and “good business practices.” EOP-012-3 also introduces the concept of a compliance abeyance period for the requirement that Generator Owners calculate the extreme low temperature for their generating units. The FERC order approving EOP-012-3 is available here.
NERC Modernization of Standards Processes and Procedures Task Force to post draft recommendations for comment Oct. 21
The NERC Modernization of Standards Processes and Procedures Task Force (MSPPTF) will post draft recommendations for transforming the standards development process for comment from Oct. 21 to Nov. 10. The draft recommendations will be informed by significant stakeholder input received on the Potential Options for Transforming the Reliability Standards Development Framework white paper. A stakeholder webinar will take place on Oct. 20 to discuss and provide context for the draft recommendations.
While the written public comment period will close on Nov. 10, the task force will also host two in-person forums to provide additional insight into the rationale behind the draft recommendations and will offer stakeholders the opportunity to provide more perspective. These forums will also offer a virtual option. Those attending virtually will be able to submit questions through the webinar chat/Q&A feature.
The task force will continue its extensive program of external engagements that include a mix of in-person and virtual meetings. Task force members will also present to NERC standing committees, engage directly with trade organizations, and host other informal discussions to gather input from stakeholders. Upcoming engagements are posted and will be regularly updated on the MSPPTF web page.
The input process concludes at the end of November to allow the MSPPTF to develop the final recommendations for transforming the Reliability Standards framework, which will be presented at the Feb. 12, 2026, NERC Board of Trustees meeting.
NERC issues Level 2 Alert on large load interconnection, study, commissioning, and operations
In September, NERC issued a Level 2 Alert on large load interconnection, study, commissioning, and operations to address reliability risks from rapidly changing, high-demand loads like data centers.
The Level 2 Alert was issued in response to a series of disturbances where unexpected large load output reduction occurred between 2024-2025, and was sent to Distribution Providers (DP), Resource Planners (RP), Transmission Owners (TO), Transmission Operators (TOP), Transmission Planners (TP), Balancing Authorities (BA), Planning Coordinators (PC), and Reliability Coordinators (RC).
Responses to the questions included in the NERC Alert are required to be submitted via the NERC Alert System by Jan. 28, 2026, 12 a.m. ET.
Upcoming Events
Oct. 20, 2-3:30 p.m. ET | Tech Talk with RF
Coming up on the October edition of Tech Talk with RF, we’re focusing on cyber security for National Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Here’s what’s on the agenda:
- How to address the risk of insufficient trained OT cyber security personnel
Mike Holcomb, Fellow, Director – ICS/OT Cybersecurity, Fluor - ICS security without the guesswork: a risk-first approach
Stacy Bresler, Managing Partner, Archer Energy Solutions - CIP standards update
Lew Folkerth, Principal Reliability Consultant, External Affairs, RF
Nov. 18-19, 2025 | GridEx VIII
GridEx is the largest grid security exercise in North America, hosted every two years by the NERC Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC). It offers E-ISAC member and partner organizations a forum in which to practice how they would respond to and recover from coordinated cyber and physical security threats and incidents.
The last event in 2023 saw more than 15,000 participants come together from approximately 250 North American organizations, including the electric industry, cross-sector partners from gas and telecommunications, and U.S. and Canadian government partners.
Feb. 23-25, 2026 | RF Internal Controls Workshop
Join ReliabilityFirst on Feb. 23-25 in Cleveland for a dynamic and engaging Internal Controls Workshop that kicks off a power packed week focused on Compliance Monitoring (CIP and O&P) and Enforcement.
This interactive experience features small group discussions, opportunities to share industry insights, and a flexible format that lets you choose your own learning tracks. Whether you prefer to explore a variety of topics or dive deep into specific areas, this workshop is designed to foster meaningful conversations and practical takeaways.
Feb. 25-26, 2026 | ERO Women’s Leadership Conference
Back-to-back with our Internal Controls Workshop, be sure to stick around for the 2026 ERO Women’s Leadership Conference!
There will be an evening reception on Feb. 25 followed by the conference on Feb. 26.
RF is proud to serve as the host Regional Entity for this year’s event, which will be held in-person for the first time! Expect:
- Panels focused on professional development, mentorship, empowerment, and insights tailored to the energy sector
- Networking opportunities
- Professional development resources
To explore our full calendar of upcoming events, click here.
First Things RFirst: October 2025