FERC
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulates and oversees energy industries in the economic, environmental, and safety interests of the American public. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, is an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil. FERC also reviews proposals to build liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and interstate natural gas pipelines as well as licensing hydropower projects. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 gave FERC additional responsibilities as outlined in FERC's Top Priorities and updated Strategic Plan. As part of that responsibility, FERC:
- Regulates the transmission and sale of natural gas for resale in interstate commerce;
- Regulates the transmission of oil by pipeline in interstate commerce;
- Regulates the transmission and wholesale sales of electricity in interstate commerce;
- Licenses and inspects private, municipal, and state hydroelectric projects;
- Approves the sitting and abandonment of interstate natural gas pipelines and storage facilities, and ensures the safe operation and reliability of proposed and operating LNG terminals;
- Ensures the reliability of high voltage interstate transmission system;
- Monitors and investigates energy markets;
- Uses civil penalties and other means against energy organizations and individuals who violate FERC rules in the energy markets;
- Oversees environmental matters related to natural gas and hydroelectricity projects and major electricity policy initiatives; and
- Administers accounting and financial reporting regulations and conduct of regulated companies.
NERC
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s mission is to ensure the reliability of the bulk power system in North America. To achieve that, NERC develops and enforces reliability standards; assesses adequacy annually via 10-year and seasonal forecasts; monitors the bulk power system; evaluates users, owners, and operators users for preparedness; and educates, trains, and certifies industry personnel. NERC is a self-regulatory organization, subject to oversight by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and governmental authorities in Canada.
Along with the Regional Entities, NERC has the legal authority to enforce compliance with NERC Reliability Standards, which it achieves through a rigorous program of monitoring, audits and investigations, and the imposition of financial penalties and other enforcement actions for non-compliance.
For more information about our services pertaining to NERC, please contact us at information@abidanceconsulting.com
NERC/FERC Documents
FERC Policy Statement On Enforcement
Latest Version Of The Reliability Standards
Latest Version Of The CIP Standards
_________________________________________________________________________________________
CFATS
On April 9, 2007, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). Congress authorized this interim final rule (IFR) under Section 550 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007, directing the Department to identify, assess, and ensure effective security at high-risk chemical facilities. Facilities that the Department designates as high risk must develop a SSP for the Department to review and approve. A SSP will describe security measures (both physical and procedural) already in place, as well as those that the facility plans to implement, in order to comply with this rule. The Department will conduct an inspection to verify that the facility is successfully implementing the approved SSP. The Department will provide facilities with a minimum of 24 hours advance notice for compliance inspections unless specific security concerns or exigent circumstances demand immediate attention.
For more information about our services pertaining to CFATS, please contact us at information@abidanceconsulting.com
CFATS Documents
CSAT Top Screen Users Manual
CFATS Appendix A - Final Rule
CFATS Chemicals Of Interest List
CVI Cover Sheet
CVI Non-Disclosure Agreement
Protected Critical Infrastructure Information - Final Rule 2006
Sensitive Security Information