The power grid is changing—and so are the rules that govern it. As solar, wind, and battery storage continue to expand and supplement conventional synchronous generation, regulators and standard-setting bodies are working to ensure our planning tools and data practices keep pace. Two key developments driving this shift are FERC Order 901 and IEEE 2800-2022.
Here’s what they mean for your organization and how they’re reshaping the way we model Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs).
IEEE 2800-2022 establishes performance expectations for IBRs connecting at the transmission level. It specifically addresses how these resources should respond to:
FERC Order 901 complements IEEE 2800 by directing NERC to improve the accuracy and completeness of IBR modeling and data practices across the industry.
Together, these efforts reflect a critical reality: IBRs behave fundamentally differently than traditional generation. They rely on fast control systems and power electronics rather than mechanical inertia. This means planners can no longer depend on older modeling tools that were designed for synchronous generators.
This is where MOD-026 and MOD-032 come into play.
| Standard | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| MOD-026 | Verifying and validating generator models |
| MOD-032 | Defining what planning data Generator Owners must submit |
These standards were originally written with traditional generators in mind. IEEE 2800 and FERC Order 901 are now pushing them to evolve to accommodate the unique characteristics of IBRs.
Milestone 3 of FERC Order 901 marks a significant shift in expectations. At this stage, Transmission Planners and Planning Coordinators will be expected to require more detailed models—including electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations—to accurately represent IBR behavior during disturbances.
Meeting Milestone 3 requires updates across multiple areas:
While this requires more upfront effort, the payoff is significant: better system visibility and more reliable planning outcomes as the resource mix continues to evolve.
Here’s something that often catches organizations off guard: even IBRs that fall below NERC registration thresholds may still need to be represented in planning studies.
In areas with high IBR penetration, smaller plants can still affect:
If a resource owner doesn’t provide a model, the utility or entity that owns the point of interconnection may need to establish parameters based on the resource’s technology and size.
This approach mirrors how load is handled in planning studies—individual sources may not be modeled in detail, but they’re captured in aggregate to reflect their overall impact on the system.
The transition to a grid dominated by inverter-based resources isn’t coming—it’s already here. Organizations that proactively update their modeling practices, data submission processes, and coordination protocols will be better positioned to meet these evolving requirements while ensuring grid reliability.
Have questions about how FERC Order 901 and IEEE 2800-2022 impact your compliance obligations? The Utility Services’ team is here to help you navigate these changes and prepare for what’s ahead.
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