As more and more inverter-based resources (IBRs) are deployed, the industry is coming to terms with their potential impact on the grid. While an individual small facility may not significantly affect the grid on its own, the collective power produced by smaller IBRs has recently been proven to be a force that needs to be taken into account. For the past several years, NERC has been evaluating how to incorporate smaller IBRs into regulatory processes similar to those for larger conventional generating facilities. To address some of these impacts, NERC has introduced three new standards specifically targeting IBRs: PRC-028, PRC-029, and PRC-030. These standards establish benchmarks for protection system settings at the inverter level and outline the necessary review processes for IBR operations. This initiative is not new, nor is it going away. It is crucial to stay informed and track necessary changes to adapt proactively.
NERC’s IBR Registration Initiative is a multi-stage effort aimed at classifying and regulating IBRs more effectively. The initiative seeks to identify and register each IBR with NERC, ensuring compliance with appropriate reliability requirements. Industry-wide, the focus is on addressing issues such as fault ride-through capabilities, system protection coordination, and gaps in disturbance recording. To tackle these concerns, the first set of IBR-specific standards has been developed to directly target these key areas.
The first of the new IBR standards is PRC-028. This standard focuses on disturbance recording for IBR facilities. Applicable entities must install and maintain disturbance monitoring equipment capable of capturing detailed fault data. Specifically, IBRs must install dynamic disturbance recording equipment on the high side of the step-up transformer at their facility. This equipment can be relatively expensive and requires significant budget considerations for installation within the standard’s implementation timeline. For most IBRs, compliance is expected within three years of the standard’s effective date.
PRC-029 establishes protocols for coordinating inverter ride-through settings for voltage and current. Similar to PRC-024, PRC-029 requires facilities to ensure their inverter settings fall within the standard’s no-trip zone. Engineering analysis will be necessary, particularly for voltage ride-through settings. Although NERC has approved the standard, it has not yet received approval from FERC. Once FERC grants approval, the standard is expected to take effect at the start of the next calendar quarter.
PRC-030 introduces procedures and regulations regarding the sudden loss of power at IBR facilities. If a facility experiences a loss of 20 MW or 20% of its power output (whichever is greater), it must conduct an analysis of the event. Unlike traditional standards that rely solely on fixed settings, PRC-030 requires entities to incorporate dynamic performance characteristics in their analyses. However, PRC-030’s implementation is contingent upon the prior approval and effectiveness of PRC-029. While FERC has approved PRC-030, its enforcement is on hold until PRC-029 becomes effective.
Beyond PRC-028, PRC-029, and PRC-030, additional standards are set to take effect soon. Notably, IRO-010-5 and TOP-003-6.1 will become effective on July 1, 2025. These revisions streamline requirements for Reliability Coordinators (RCs) and Transmission Operators (TOPs). With an increasing focus on extreme weather events, RCs and TOPs will need to take a closer look at equipment specifications and system design to ensure reliability.
Entities preparing for Category-2 IBR registration must begin assessing their compliance obligations under PRC-028, PRC-029, and PRC-030. While the full list of applicable standards for newly registered IBRs is not yet finalized, these three standards are guaranteed to apply.
For owners and operators of IBR Facilities, these standards are just the start of the new set of IBR specific regulations coming into the industry. Tracking them early on allows us to be ready for their effective dates. Some standards will require significant budgetary considerations and need to be considered for years before their implementation.
For everyone else, NERC is about to get a lot bigger. As more Cat-2 IBRs are getting registered, the number of registered entities is about to increase. As that number grows, each ERO will need to develop the capacity to account for the regulatory load. It is also clear that NERC is driving for enhanced extreme weather reliability and transparency of information.
The introduction of PRC-028, PRC-029, and PRC-030 marks a significant step in NERC’s ongoing efforts to enhance grid reliability amid increasing IBR integration. These standards establish critical requirements for disturbance monitoring, protection system coordination, and performance-based protection. As the industry adapts to these new regulations, proactive engagement from registered entities will be essential in ensuring compliance and maintaining grid stability.
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