Attention: Regional Entities Actively Pursuing Category 2 Registrations

Efforts for Category 2 registration is accelerating. RFIs are being sent from the regional entities for potential Category 2 facilities, with registrations expected in May 2025.

The renewable energy sector has made an exciting step forward in grid integration: NERC regional entities have sent Requests for Information (RFIs) to facilities with the potential to fall under the updated Category 2 Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) guidelines set by NERC.

Phase 3 of NERC’s larger IBR plan is set to take place between May 2025 and 2026, but RFI requests are pushing for responses to begin May 2025. This rapidly approaching deadline means facilities should begin taking action now to avoid the risk of non-compliance.

How We Got Here

IBRs like solar, wind, and battery storage are foundational to the evolving energy landscape. Until recently, smaller-scale facilities were not subject to the same registration requirements as larger plants, but that has changed. NERC has expanded the Category 2 IBR definition as facilities connected at 60 kV (or greater) with a nameplate capacity of 20 MVA or more.

This shift aligns with directives from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and also acknowledges the growing impact of smaller renewable energy assets on the Bulk Power System (BPS). FERC issued an order on June 27, 2024, approving these revisions to the NERC rules of procedures to address owners and operators, enabling the continued effort to pursue and register facilities under the new guidelines.

Registration Deadlines & Risks

In the whirlwind of change, there has been some confusion around deadlines. While NERC’s registration process extends into 2026, regional entities have pushed for potential Category 2 facilities to submit documentation by the earlier May 2025 date.

Especially those new to the NERC registration process may be tempted to fall into the trap of thinking it only requires a few weeks of work to complete. Preparing and submitting strong NERC registration documentation, however, typically takes several months. Rushing to complete documentation often increases errors, leading to slower acceptance, and, of course, penalties for delayed registration. In order to avoid these unnecessary risks, it benefits facilities to get started now.

What To Do Today

Don’t wait until the last minute to start this process. Remember:

  • RFI Responses for Regional Entities due in May 2025.
  • NERC registration for Category 2 IBRs is set to begin May 2025.

NERC provides additional information about its registration requirements on their website. Additionally, you can visit our dedicated NERC Category 2 compliance page to learn more.

The energy sector is evolving rapidly, and compliance is more important than ever. You don’t have to navigate the updated requirements alone. Our team specializes in guiding renewable facilities through NERC compliance, providing tailored solutions to ensure you meet the new standards efficiently.

Start your registration process today. Together, we can ensure renewable assets support a stable, reliable grid.

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