ReliabilityFirst

2026 Internal Controls Workshop
2026-02-23 - 2026-02-25 | The Aviator, 20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH, 44135, United States
About this event
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.
Registration
Registration for this event has closed.
Event location
The Aviator, 20920 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH 44135
Accommodations
Hilton Garden Inn – Cleveland Airport
4900 Emerald Ct SW
Cleveland, OH 44135
Phone: 216-898-1898
To make a hotel reservation, please use the online link: click here
Room Block Details:
Group Name: ReliabilityFirst
Room Rate: $149.00 plus taxes

Stay for the 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 at the same location as the Internal Controls Workshop. Details and registration for the Women’s Leadership Conference can be found here.
Event format
Attendees will have the flexibility to customize their schedule and join the sessions that interest them most. You are welcome to repeat the same topic if you would like to dive in on a given subject/standard or you can move around. Each session will feature small-group discussions led by RF’s subject matter experts, beginning with a 15-minute presentation followed by 30 minutes of group discussion (45 min per session). This open format encourages participants to share insights, exchange best practices, and learn from one another’s experiences. The purpose of the Internal Controls Workshop is to bring industry professionals together to collaborate, share knowledge, and strengthen strategies that ensure grid resiliency.
Agenda
Welcome Reception, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Evening Reception

Day 1 of Workshop, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

Time
Session Topics

8:00 am – 9:00 am
Breakfast

9:00 am – 9:45 am
Opening and Keynote Speaker

Morning Session:
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
CIP-015 (Internal Network Security Monitoring)
Explore Internal Controls and practical approaches to CIP-015 as you prepare to develop your Internal Network Security Monitoring Program. Gain insight into strategies your peers are considering that strengthen compliance and operational security.

CIP-012 (Communications between Control Centers)
Discuss actionable approaches to enhance secure communication between Control Centers with your industry peers. Discover which controls can add value to your program and improve reliability across your network.

BCSI in the Cloud
Join the conversation on key controls to consider for the use of cloud environments for BES Cyber System Information (BCSI). Hear real-world experiences from others who have successfully adopted cloud-based BCSI programs.

EOP-012 (Extreme Cold Weather Preparedness and Operations)
Discuss building a strong winterization plan by sharing best practices and lessons learned, identifying common mistakes to avoid, and clarifying expectations for onsite activities.

PRC-004 (Protection System Misoperation Identification and Correction)
Discuss common misoperation causes and how RF’s results stack up compared to other regions. Explore common causes of misoperations and the RF region’s performance. The discussion will highlight frequent pitfalls identified through evidence verification and foster an exchange of best practices. Together, we’ll identify strategies to strengthen internal controls and enhance overall reliability.

Emerging standards for inverter-based resources (PRC-028, PRC-029, PRC 030)
Look at emerging standards for inverter-based resources and discuss strategies to embed controls that help maintain proper settings, provide reliable monitoring and recording, and drive effective corrective actions in response to system events or misoperations.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch

Afternoon Session:
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Transient Cyber Assets (TCAs) (High, Medium and Low Impact)
Dive into the management of TCAs across High, Medium, and Low impact programs. Explore preventive, detective, and corrective controls that strengthen compliance posture.

CIP-003-9 (Security Management Controls)
Understand the latest changes to CIP-003-9, including Internal Controls and vendor management requirements. Discuss implementation strategies and what your organization can do now to prepare for the April 1, 2026, effective date.

Virtualization Standards
Examine the impacts of Project 2016-02 on the CIP Standards. Engage with others on challenges, changes, and recommended controls to support a smooth virtualization transition.

FAC-003 (Transmission Vegetation Management)
Discuss vegetation maintenance controls, validation of third-party contractor work, common issues in Transmission Vegetation Maintenance Plans, annual work execution, and key control points for SME handoffs.

FAC-008 (Facility Ratings)
Discuss asset management practices, ensure field equipment aligns with one-lines and matches Facility Ratings databases and model values. Review common issues, best practices, and explore strategies to strengthen your Facility Ratings program through key internal controls.

PRC-005 (Protection System, Automatic Reclosing, and Sudden Pressure Relaying Maintenance)
Engage in discussions on one of RF’s most frequently violated O&P Standards, focusing on implementing best practices, sharing lessons learned, and exploring strategies to strengthen asset management and effective maintenance.

Day 2 of Workshop, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

8:00 am – 9:00 am
Breakfast

Morning Session
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Internal Controls tracking, testing, automation
After establishing initial internal controls, the next phase focuses on advancing the program’s maturity. This track will discuss strategies for enhancing and automating detective, preventive, and corrective controls. Through group discussion, participants will share best practices, lessons learned, and collaborate on defining and sustaining key controls.

Overview of RF’s Audit Process; PCC education
This session will equip Primary Compliance Contacts and other Compliance Personnel with a thorough understanding of RF’s Audit Process, covering everything from annual scheduling processes to the audit lifecycle. Topics include scoping, audit notifications, key milestone dates, evidence review, internal controls, and much more.

Internal Controls for Mitigation
Join us for a discussion on internal controls considerations during enforcement actions. Hear directly from RF Enforcement on key internal controls considerations when mitigating violations of NERC Reliability Standards, including best practices, identifying, developing, and improving preventative, detective, and corrective controls, and other effective mitigation strategies.

IRAs and COPs
Understand how the IRA/COP process shapes compliance strategy. This session will unpack how the Entity Risk Profile Questionnaire, Risk Factors, and Performance Considerations come together to build the Compliance Oversight Plan, ultimately driving scoping decisions.

Repeat high demand from day 1

Repeat high demand from day 1

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Lunch / Networking

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Women’s Leadership Reception and Networking

2026 ERO Women's Leadership Conference
2026-02-25 - 2026-02-26 | The Aviator, 20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH, 44135, United States
About this event

RF is proud to serve as the host Regional Entity in 2026 for the ERO Women’s Leadership Conference!
This event will be held in-person for the first time and feature a tour de force of dynamic speakers discussing topics including how to ascend the corporate ladder and navigate career challenges, how to nurture your mental and physical well-being, and more.
It will immediately follow our 2026 Internal Controls Workshop, making for a power-packed week in Cleveland. Both events will be held at the Aviator, a beautiful event space overlooking the scenic Rocky River and located just minutes from the Cleveland Airport. You won’t want to miss this year’s event!
Expect:

Panels focused on professional development with insights tailored to the energy sector
Networking
Professional head shot photo opportunity
Additional resources

Registration
Registration for this event has closed.

Event location
The Aviator, 20920 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH 44135
Accommodations
Hilton Garden Inn – Cleveland Airport
4900 Emerald Ct SW
Cleveland, OH 44135
Phone: 216-898-1898
To make a hotel reservation, please use the online link: click here
Room Block Details:
Group Name: ReliabilityFirst
Room Rate: $149.00 plus taxes

Agenda
Wednesday, Feb. 25

Time
Agenda item

5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Women’s Leadership Reception and Networking

Thursday, Feb. 26

Time
Agenda item
Speaker(s)

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast

9:00 – 9:15 a.m.
Welcome
Joanna Burkey, Founder, Flat Rock Advisory, and Independent Director, RF Board of Directors

9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
“Human performance” – Mental and physical wellbeing
• Tod Podl, Physician, University Hospitals
• Niki Schaefer, Vice President & General Counsel, RF

10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
“Resource modeling” – Networking break and complimentary professional head shot opportunity

10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
“Security and resilience” – How women in the energy sector are ascending the corporate ladder and navigating challenges
• Lisa Barton, President & CEO, Alliant Energy
• Christine Martin, President, PPL Electric Utilities
• Diane Holder, Vice President of Engineering & Strategic Engagement, RF
• Chris Guiney, Partner, Practice Leader – Energy, Telecommunications and Infrastructure, CarterBaldwin Executive Search

11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Lunch

12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
“Resource diversity/resource mix” – How the unique attributes of women can be leveraged to optimize success
• Sarah Eppink, Leadership Coach and Talent Development Consultant, and Principal and Founder, Aisling Group
• Lesley Evancho, Chief Human Resources Officer, EQT Corporation, and Independent Director, RF Board of Directors
• Julia Kious Zabell, Executive Director of Weatherhead Executive Education, Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University

1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
“Power transfer and relying on neighbors” – The value of networking and mentorships
• Sara Patrick, President & CEO, MRO
• Holly Hawkins, Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, SERC
• Mèlika Carroll, Vice President of Global Government Affairs and Public Policy, Cohere, and Independent Director, RF Board of Directors
• Bluma Sussman, Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement, NERC E-ISAC

2:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Close
Joanna Burkey, Founder, Flat Rock Advisory, and Independent Director, RF Board of Directors

2:30 – 3:00 p.m.
“Resource modeling” -Networking and complimentary professional head shot opportunity

Webex details
The event is focused on in‑person networking, but we are offering a virtual option by livestreaming the panel sessions, with interruptions for breaks and networking activities.
Webinar link: https://reliabilityfirst.webex.com/reliabilityfirst/j.php?MTID=m0902ab3973da83633a6b3e60b3636537
Webinar number: 2317 307 8331
Webinar password: [REDACTED]
Join from a video system or application by dialing 23173078331@reliabilityfirst.webex.com. You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number. Webinar password for video system:
0123456
Join by phone:
1-650-479-3207 Toll
1-855-244-8681 Toll Free
Access code: [REDACTED]
Global call-in numbers: https://reliabilityfirst.webex.com/reliabilityfirst/globalcallin.php?MTID=m64f9a193f38b92df89081056f630ff3f
Toll-free calling restrictions: https://cisco.com/go/tollfree-restrictions
Webinar password for audio: 0123456

Reference materials
ERO Women’s Leadership Conference speaker biographies

Compliance User Group (CUG) Winter Workshop
2026-02-27 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Agenda

Audit Experience

ITC
PPL

Internal Controls

MISO

To receive an event link, please contact Patricia Ireland at Patricia.Ireland@DTEEnergy.com.
For more information on the CUG, click here.

Technical Talk with RF
2026-03-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual (Webex)
ReliabilityFirst (RF) offers a regularly scheduled monthly call to provide entities and stakeholders with a forum for addressing topics and questions relevant to reliability, resilience and security.
While RF Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will provide presentations and updates, they will not address entity-specific questions and issues. These types of questions can be handled offline by using the RF Assist Visit program. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mike Hughes, Entity Engagement Manager, 216-503-0617.
Event details
Join link: https://reliabilityfirst.webex.com/reliabilityfirst/j.php?MTID=mcd2d5f16b3e3c1093bcdab7fea0a5215
Meeting number: 2307 554 4654
Meeting password: [REDACTED] (0123456 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join by phone: 1-650-479-3207 Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
Access code: 230 755 44654
Please join us on Slido.com using #TechTalkRF as the event code.
Agenda
Resource adequacy concerns loom in RF region amid surging load growth
Tim Fryfogle, Principal Engineer – Resources, Engineering & System Performance, RF
Tim will discuss RF’s 2026 Resource Adequacy Report, published in February. The report evaluates projected future grid reliability, load growth, changes in the generation mix, and key risks including generation retirements, policy volatility, permitting delays, and supply chain constraints.
Implications of artificial intelligence-related data center energy use and emissions
Benjamin C. Lee, Professor of Electrical and Systems Engineering and Computer and Information Science, University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Benjamin Lee from the University of Pennsylvania will provide a systems‑level view of how more efficient computing can enable sustainable data centers for artificial intelligence. He examines the growing energy and grid impacts of AI, evaluates emerging data center technologies, and discusses how infrastructure design, workload management, and energy integration must evolve to support long‑term, sustainable AI growth.
Reference materials
Tech Talk with RF – March 2026

Technical Talk with RF
2026-04-20 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual (Webex)
ReliabilityFirst (RF) offers a regularly scheduled monthly call to provide entities and stakeholders with a forum for addressing topics and questions relevant to reliability, resilience and security.
While RF Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will provide presentations and updates, they will not address entity-specific questions and issues. These types of questions can be handled offline by using the RF Assist Visit program. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mike Hughes, Entity Engagement Manager, 216-503-0617.
Event Information
April 2026 Technical Talk with RF
Monday, April 20, 2026, 2-3:30 p.m. ET
Join link: https://reliabilityfirst.webex.com/reliabilityfirst/j.php?MTID=m479ffce153d2a9a04064e0b279e78314
Meeting number: 2312 142 6103
Meeting password: [REDACTED] (0123456 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join by phone: 1-650-479-3207 Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
Access code: 231 214 26103
Please join us on Slido.com using #TechTalkRF as the event code.

Agenda
New NERC Reliability Standards applicable to Inverter-Based Resources: What to know
Greg Sorenson, Principal Technical Auditor, Operations & Planning Compliance Monitoring, RF
PRC-028, PRC-029, and PRC-030 are three new NERC Reliability Standards applicable to inverter-based resources (IBRs) aimed to help address risks to the Bulk Electric System around event analysis and ride-through capabilities. Greg will provide an overview of these standards and discuss their implementation.

NERC Modernization of Standards Processes and Procedures update
Soo Jin Kim, VP, Standards and Registration, NERC, and Alison Oswald, Manager of Standards Development, NERC
Soo Jin Kim and Alison Oswald will provide an update on the current phase of the Modernization of Standards Processes and Procedures (MSPP) Initiative. This phase will advance the implementation of recommendations released by the MSPP Task Force in late January 2026 and accepted by the NERC Board of Trustees in February 2026.
The MSPP Initiative was initially launched in 2025 to transform the current Reliability Standard development processes to more effectively and efficiently develop Reliability Standards to meet the speed at which risks to the bulk power system emerge.

Reference materials
Tech Talk with RF – April 2026

2026 Q1/Q2 Talent and Compensation Committee Meeting
2026-04-29 09:30 - 12:00 | ReliabilityFirst, 3 Summit Park Dr #600, Independence, OH, 44131, United States
2026-04-29 Talent and Compensation Committee Agenda
2026 April Q1-Q2 Schedule of Events

2026 Q1/Q2 Risk and Compliance Committee Meeting
2026-04-29 13:00 - 15:00 | ReliabilityFirst, 3 Summit Park Dr #600, Independence, OH, 44131, United States
2026-04-29 Risk and Compliance Committee Agenda
2026 April Q1-Q2 Schedule of Events

2026 Q1/Q2 Finance and Audit Committee Meeting
2026-04-29 15:10 - 17:10 | ReliabilityFirst, 3 Summit Park Dr #600, Independence, OH, 44131, United States
2026-04-29 Finance and Audit Committee Agenda
2026 April Q1-Q2 Schedule of Events

2026 Q1/Q2 Nominating and Governance Committee Meeting
2026-04-29 15:10 - 17:10 | ReliabilityFirst, 3 Summit Park Dr #600, Independence, OH, 44131, United States
2026-04-29 Nominating and Governance Committee Agenda
2026 April Q1-Q2 Schedule of Events

2026 Q1/Q2 Board of Directors Meeting
2026-04-30 08:00 - 13:00 | ReliabilityFirst, 3 Summit Park Dr #600, Independence, OH, 44131, United States
2026 April Q1-Q2 Schedule of Events
2026-04-30 Board of Directors Agenda

CIP Workshop
2026-05-04 13:00 - 2026-05-07 12:00 | ReliabilityFirst, 3 Summit Park Dr #600, Independence, OH, 44131, United States
ReliabilityFirst is hosting a CIP Workshop at our office in Cleveland May 4-7. This in-person only event will give attendees the opportunity to improve their understanding of security and compliance for CIP assets, including CIP-015 Internal Network Security Monitoring (INSM), Low Impact CIP, and Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) security.

Click here to register

Intended audience

Registered entity staff responsible for CIP security or compliance (including Low Impact and Category 2 non-BES assets)
ERO personnel interested in furthering their understanding of CIP
Consultants and contractors with CIP responsibilities

Event overview
Day 1, Monday, May 4, 1 to 5 p.m. ET (Optional)

This session provides an introductory overview of both cyber security/CIP and O&P/Operations. We will start with the basics and provide information to get started in cyber security and compliance in the electric utility industry. An introduction to electricity fundamentals and operating concepts will also be provided.

Day 2, Tuesday, May 5, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

Select from multiple training tracks:

Morning, choose either: 1) Internal Network Security Monitoring (INSM) or 2) Physical Security
Afternoon, choose either: 1) IBR Security, CIP-003-9 (Security Management Controls), and CIP Evidence Submittals or 2) BES & Operations Basics
Full day option: CIP Low Impact from the Ground Up

Lunch will be provided
A reception will follow from 5-6:30 p.m.

Day 3, Wednesday, May 6, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

A single session with presentations and panels on various CIP topics, including:

Keynote from the Department of Energy
Compliance command center
Analytic cameras
INSM
Remote access risk
IBR cyber risk
Emerging cyber risks
RF enforcement
Cloud drafting team update

Lunch will be provided

Day 4, Thursday, May 7, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET (Optional)

RF CIPC Meeting

Limited to regular employees of entities registered in the RF footprint
Other attendees only allowed by approval of RF liaison or CIPC officer

Accommodations
Please see our Office Visitor Guide, page 3, for information on recommended local hotel options.

Questions
For questions regarding the workshop, please email: entityengagement@rfirst.org

Technical Talk with RF
2026-05-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual (Webex)
ReliabilityFirst (RF) offers a regularly scheduled monthly call to provide entities and stakeholders with a forum for addressing topics and questions relevant to reliability, resilience and security.
While RF Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will provide presentations and updates, they will not address entity-specific questions and issues. These types of questions can be handled offline by using the RF Assist Visit program. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mike Hughes, Entity Engagement Manager, 216-503-0617.
Event Information
Join from the webinar link: https://reliabilityfirst.webex.com/reliabilityfirst/j.php?MTID=md2703617866dc603b73f1c7dc4cde9fe
Webinar number (access code): 2316 942 3022
Webinar password: [REDACTED] (0123456 when dialing from a phone or video system)

Agenda
E-ISAC overview
Noel Lloyd, Senior Engagement and Outreach Coordinator, and Carly Cipolla, Senior Partnerships and Engagement Coordinator, E-ISAC
The E-ISAC, which is operated by NERC, keeps asset owners and operators informed about cyber and physical threats to the North American bulk power system through around-the-clock situational awareness and expert analysis. Noel Lloyd and Carly Cipolla will discuss the value entities can get out of membership to the organization, which is isolated from NERC’s enforcement processes through the E-ISAC Code of Conduct.

Oscillations in the power grid
Courtney Fasca, Senior Reliability Consultant, External Affairs, Lew Folkerth, Principal Reliability Consultant, External Affairs, Kellen Phillips, Principal Analyst, Operational Analysis & Awareness, and Parimal Saraf, Principal Engineer, Engineering & System Performance, RF
RF staff will discuss oscillations in the power grid from multiple angles based on each of their expertise, offering a beginner-friendly look at this rising reliability risk with the proliferation of inverter-based resources (IBRs). Learn more about small signal analysis, review real-world case studies, and current actions industry and the ERO Enterprise are taking to mitigate this risk.

Lessons learned from international case studies
Catherine Lewis, Energy Policy Analyst, External Affairs, RF
Join us for another deep dive into several international case studies — from European blackouts to ongoing fuel crises, Catherine Lewis will recap what led to these events and discuss lessons learned: how to prevent these issues, mitigation strategies being employed, and what we can learn from these cases in the U.S.

Reference Materials
Tech Talk with RF – May 2026

Technical Talk with RF
2026-06-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual (Webex)
ReliabilityFirst (RF) offers a regularly scheduled monthly call to provide entities and stakeholders with a forum for addressing topics and questions relevant to reliability, resilience and security.
While RF Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will provide presentations and updates, they will not address entity-specific questions and issues. These types of questions can be handled offline by using the RF Assist Visit program. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mike Hughes, Entity Engagement Manager, 216-503-0617.
Event Information
Join link: https://reliabilityfirst.webex.com/reliabilityfirst/j.php?MTID=m4fd92bea4de593565946beca5b707fef
Meeting number: 2317 561 8953
Meeting password: [REDACTED] (0123456 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join by phone: 1-650-479-3207 Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
Access code: 231 756 18953
Agenda
Risk Mitigation for Emerging Large Loads
Evan Mickelson, Power System Engineer, NERC, and Parimal Saraf, Principal Engineer, Engineering & System Performance, RF
NERC’s Evan Mickelson and RF’s Parimal Saraf will share highlights from the Large Loads Working Group (LLWG) Reliability Guideline: Risk Mitigation for Emerging Large Loads. Learn more about these emerging grid challenges as our speakers share some of the actionable, entity-specific recommendations from the guideline to mitigate risks discussed in the prior LLWG white papers.
Voluntary Physical Security Protection Best Practices at Entity Facilities
Tony Freeman, Principal Analyst, Risk Analysis & Mitigation, RF, and Ron Ross, Principal Reliability Consultant, Entity Engagement, RF
RF’s Tony Freeman and Ron Ross will discuss the Security Guideline: Voluntary Physical Security Protection Best Practices at Entity Facilities, providing suggestions to help balance threat, vulnerability, and consequences associated with physical security risks at facilities by enhancing the ability to deter, detect, delay, and respond to physical security threats.

Technical Talk with RF
2026-07-13 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-08-17 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-10-26 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-11-16 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual (Webex)
ReliabilityFirst (RF) offers a regularly scheduled monthly call to provide entities and stakeholders with a forum for addressing topics and questions relevant to reliability, resilience and security.
While RF Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will provide presentations and updates, they will not address entity-specific questions and issues. These types of questions can be handled offline by using the RF Assist Visit program. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mike Hughes, Entity Engagement Manager, 216-503-0617.

Protection Workshop
2026-08-05 | Virtual
ReliabilityFirst is hosting a virtual Protection Workshop on Aug. 5, 2026, focused on the practical challenges and emerging trends shaping protection and control of the Bulk Electric System.
This interactive session brings together industry experts to share real-world insights, lessons learned, and applied approaches that participants can leverage in their day-to-day work. Topics include transformer protection challenges, advanced line differential schemes, impacts of inverter-based resources, recent international blackout events, and high-speed system monitoring techniques.
Designed for both early-career and experienced professionals, the workshop provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen core protection fundamentals, explore evolving system conditions, and connect with peers across the industry.
Click here to register!
Intended Audience
The ideas, suggestions and stories shared during this highly interactive, free event are especially relevant for:

Protection Systems and Communications engineers
Relay & Control, and Design engineers
Commissioning engineers
Substation maintenance personnel

Planning Workshop
2026-08-06 09:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
ReliabilityFirst is hosting a Planning Workshop on August 6, 2026, designed specifically for transmission planning engineers. This engaging session will cover a range of topics relevant to today’s planning environment, supporting the continued development of both foundational and advanced skillsets.
The workshop will feature a mix of content tailored to both early-career and experienced professionals, offering practical insights into planning methodologies, analytical approaches, and effective use of industry tools. Attendees will gain valuable tips, techniques, and real-world perspectives to enhance their ability to perform a variety of transmission planning analyses.
Whether you are looking to strengthen core capabilities or refine advanced techniques, this workshop provides a valuable opportunity to expand your expertise and connect with peers across the profession.
Click here to register!
Intended Audience
The ideas, suggestions and stories shared during this highly interactive, free event are especially relevant for:

Engineers that perform steady-state or dynamic analysis
Transmission Planning Engineers
Transmission Operational Planning Engineers
Operations Control Rooms, including tools support personnel for EMS, SCADA, etc.

Electric Grid Bootcamp: Policymaker primer on reliability and emerging system risks
2026-08-18 08:00 - 16:00 | ReliabilityFirst, 3 Summit Park Dr #600, Independence, OH, 44131, United States
What to expect
This policymakers’ forum at ReliabilityFirst is designed to provide a practical, technical foundation in electric grid reliability and oversight. Participants will gain an overview of the respective roles of NERC, ReliabilityFirst, utilities, and regional transmission organizations, and how reliability standards are developed, monitored, and enforced. Discussion topics will include engineering assessments, system monitoring, major disturbance events, and emerging reliability risks such as: large load growth, system complexity, and resource transitions. The agenda equips policymakers and staff with a clearer understanding of how decisions made at the state and federal level intersect with real-world grid operations. The day concludes with an interactive exercise that highlights the tradeoffs inherent in energy policy choices and their implications for reliability and security.

Who should attend
This event is intended for state policymakers and leaders engaged in energy oversight and decision-making, including public utility commissioners, state legislators, trade organizations, state energy office leadership, governors’ offices, and their staff. The event provides a practical forum to strengthen understanding of reliability, resilience, and emerging grid challenges affecting state policy and regulatory priorities.

Registration
Click here to register.
For any questions, please email communications@rfirst.org.

Virtual option
This event will be hybrid, with an in-person option at the ReliabilityFirst office in the Cleveland area and a virtual option via Webex (details below).
Join link:
https://reliabilityfirst.webex.com/reliabilityfirst/j.php?MTID=m15b9aa3dee316c9636a8068c136a5e00
Webinar number:
2304 936 3081
Webinar password:
[REDACTED] (0123456 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join by phone
1-650-479-3207 Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
1-855-244-8681 Call-in toll-free number (US/Canada)
Access code: 230 493 63081

Agenda
Monday, Aug. 17

Time
Agenda item
Location

2:30 – 4:00 PM
Optional: Tour FirstEnergy Center for Advanced Energy Technology
871 Mull Ave, Akron, OH 44313

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Time
Agenda item
Speaker

8:00 – 9:00 AM
Breakfast and Networking

9:00 – 9:15 AM
Welcome
Diane Holder, VP, Engineering and Strategic Engagement, RF

9:15 – 9:35 AM
NERC & RF 101
Michelle Cross, Manager, Regulatory and Legislative Affairs, RF

9:35 – 10:00 AM
Compliance and Enforcement of NERC Standards
Kristen Senk, Deputy General Counsel and Director, Legal and Enforcement, RF

10:00 – 10:15 AM
Break

10:15 – 11:30 AM
Monitoring the System and Events
OPS-X Demonstration
Brian Thiry, Director, Strategic Engagement, RF

11:30 – 12:15 PM
Lunch

12:15 – 1:00 PM
Engineering Assessments, Modeling, Data Analysis and Energy Assessments
Johnny Gest, Manager, Engineering and System Performance, RF

1:00 – 2:15 PM
RTO Overview
Joan Soller, Vice President, Pareto Advisors

2:15 – 2:30 PM
Break

2:30 – 3:40 PM
EPA Generate: The Game of Energy Choices
Courtney Fasca, Senior Reliability Consultant, External Affairs, RF

3:40 – 3:45 PM
Closing

2026 Q3 Board of Directors Meeting
2026-08-26 08:00 - 17:00 | ReliabilityFirst, 3 Summit Park Dr #600, Independence, OH, 44131, United States

2026 Q3 Talent and Compensation Committee Meeting
2026-08-26 09:00 - 12:00 | ReliabilityFirst, 3 Summit Park Dr #600, Independence, OH, 44131, United States

2026 Q3 Risk and Compliance Committee Meeting
2026-08-26 13:00 - 15:00 | ReliabilityFirst, 3 Summit Park Dr #600, Independence, OH, 44131, United States

2026 Q3 Finance and Audit Committee Meeting
2026-08-26 15:10 - 17:10 | ReliabilityFirst, 3 Summit Park Dr #600, Independence, OH, 44131, United States

2026 Q3 Nominating and Governance Committee Meeting
2026-08-26 15:10 - 17:10 | ReliabilityFirst, 3 Summit Park Dr #600, Independence, OH, 44131, United States

2026 Fall Reliability & Security Summit
2026-09-14 - 2026-09-16 | Columbus, Ohio, Columbus, OH, United States
Save the date for our 2026 Fall Reliability & Security Summit! This year’s event will be hosted in Columbus, Ohio. Stay tuned for more details.

2026 Q4 Talent and Compensation Committee Meeting
2026-12-02 09:30 - 12:00 | NERC-Washington, DC Office, 1401 H Street NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC, 20005

2026 Q4 Risk and Compliance Committee Meeting
2026-12-02 13:00 - 15:00 | NERC-Washington, DC Office, 1401 H Street NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC, 20005

2026 Q4 Finance and Audit Committee Meeting
2026-12-02 15:10 - 17:10 | NERC-Washington, DC Office, 1401 H Street NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC, 20005

2026 Q4 Nominating and Governance Committee Meeting
2026-12-02 15:10 - 17:10 | NERC-Washington, DC Office, 1401 H Street NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC, 20005
