CMEP Support Services
NERC uses various methods to assess Registered Entities’ compliance with the NERC Reliability Standards through the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program (“CMEP”). These CMEP activities can occur in several different formats (see below for more details on these), and Utility Services is here to help you with all of them. All CMEP engagements have different scopes depending on various factors and your registration type, and Utility Services will provide a quote based on the scope of the CMEP engagement. Below are the typical CMEP engagements for which Utility Services can offer support:
Audit
Full audits occur periodically with advance notice and typically have the greatest scope as all applicable Standards and Requirements have the potential to be audited. For most TO, GO, GOP, DP entities, this occurs on a six-year cycle. Audits can be administered onsite or offsite.
Self-Certifications
This monitoring method requires the entity to self-assess its compliance with applicable Standards and Requirements, typically with evidence submittal. This method is offsite and is typically limited in scope.
Spot Check
Initiated by an entity’s Compliance Oversight Plan or in response to an event or operating problem. This method is a limited-scope audit that may occur onsite or offsite depending on the risk.
Inherent Risk Assessments (IRA)
NERC IRAs utilize a questionnaire to gather information about your system to determine your residual risk level and refine the standards and requirements that will be assessed in future CMEP engagements. Note that Utility Services now includes this service if you subscribe to our monthly Routine Services package.
Self-Reports
Self-Reporting is a method through which you, the Registered Entity, will identify a potential non-compliance and report it to NERC. Regional audit staff will be assigned to work with you to obtain additional information and make a final determination on the issue.
