# PCS --- ## Pages - [Mel McNair-Davis](https://www.provencompliance.com/mel-mcnair-davis/): Meet Mel McNair-Davis, content manager at Proven Compliance Solutions. Click to learn about their experience, education and training, and responsibilities. - [Steve McElhaney](https://www.provencompliance.com/steve-mcelhaney/): Meet Steve McElhaney, former Chief Compliance Officer, now leading NERC audit and gap analysis services at PCS. Learn about his role. - [Alice Ireland](https://www.provencompliance.com/alice-ireland/): Learn more about Alice Ireland, Proven Compliance Solutions' Senior Reliability Compliance Manager with over 23 years of energy industry experience. - [Shannon Fair](https://www.provencompliance.com/shannon-fair/): Explore Shannon Fair’s background as a compliance program manager with 16+ years of utility experience. Learn about her role at PCS. - [Client Locations](https://www.provencompliance.com/client-locations/): Have a NERC CIP audit lined up? At PCS, we help you prepare for the NERC audit and offer consulting services. Visit our website now to get NERC registered. - [Laurie Bergantino](https://www.provencompliance.com/bergantino-2/): Over 21 years of experience as an administrative and business development professional in the legal industry for both government and private sectors. - [Thomas Bergantino](https://www.provencompliance.com/bergantino/): Learn about Tom Bergantino’s 36+ years in compliance consulting. Explore his background and contributions to PCS and the utility industry. - [Cloud Compliance Program Development for Utilities](https://www.provencompliance.com/cloud-program-development/): Build a cloud compliance program with PCS experts. We help utilities simplify cloud provider oversight and align with evolving NERC CIP standards. - [SiteMap](https://www.provencompliance.com/sitemap/): Access web pages directly from our website through our sitemap page. View posts by category or browse to any topic with a single click. Visit now. - [SCIP - Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal](https://www.provencompliance.com/scip-standards-compliance-intelligence-portal/): Track evolving NERC standards with the SCIP Portal—Proven Compliance’s tool for monitoring regulatory updates, managing evidence, and staying audit-ready. - [Ryan Carlson CISSP-PSP](https://www.provencompliance.com/carlson/): Learn about Ryan Carlson’s leadership in NERC CIP audits and compliance programs. Discover his experience and key contributions at PCS. - [Dale Zahn](https://www.provencompliance.com/zahn/): Meet the Director of PCS, Dale Zahn- a former NERC-Certified System Operator responsible for a wide range of jobs. Read more about him here. - [Sandra Pea](https://www.provencompliance.com/pea/): Meet Sandi Pea, Senior Compliance Manager at PCS. Learn about her responsibilities in documentation, self-certifications, and more. - [Thomas Peterson MBA, CISM, CISA, CISSP, CCSP, CEH](https://www.provencompliance.com/peterson/): Cloud Security Architect & CIP SME, Thomas Peterson at PCS is responsible for NERC CIP mock audit & assessments, RSAW development, and more. Read here. - [Brian Van Gheem P.E.](https://www.provencompliance.com/vangheem/): Meet our senior NERC consultant Brain Van Gheem. He is responsible for Mock Audits, GAP Analysis, and assessments. Find more details about him here! - [Carl Bench CISA, PSP, CBRM, CBRA](https://www.provencompliance.com/carl/): Meet Carl Bench, PCS Director of Cyber Security. Explore his qualifications, certifications, and expertise in CIP compliance programs. - [Anita Swanson, Paralegal](https://www.provencompliance.com/swanson/): Meet Anita Swanson, PCS paralegal with legal expertise in compliance. Discover her experience handling complex regulatory matters. - [Francis Esselman](https://www.provencompliance.com/esselman/): Meet Francis Esselman, expert in BES system operations and CIP audits. Learn about his decades of experience in plant and compliance roles. - [Crystal Musselman METM, MBA, MOL, DGC](https://www.provencompliance.com/musselman/): Meet Musselman, a key team member at Proven Compliance Solutions. Discover his expertise in NERC compliance and dedication to regulatory excellence. - [Customized NERC Compliance Training Solutions for Your Team](https://www.provencompliance.com/customized-training-solutions/): Build confidence with customized NERC compliance training. Proven Compliance Solutions delivers tailored CIP programs to educate staff, reduce risk, and improve audit readiness. - [RSAWs & NERC Evidence Request Tool](https://www.provencompliance.com/rsaw-review-preparation/): Prepare for NERC audits with expert RSAW reviews. Proven Compliance Solutions helps utilities assess compliance gaps, reduce risk, and stay audit-ready year-round. - [Monthly NERC compliance program support services](https://www.provencompliance.com/compliance-program-management/): Get expert NERC compliance program management with PCS. Simplify audits, reduce costs, and ensure reliable, tailored compliance solutions. - [Active Monitoring of FERC, NERC & Regional Development](https://www.provencompliance.com/active-monitoring-of-ferc-nerc-regional-development/): Stay ahead of regulatory changes with PCS’s FERC, NERC, and regional monitoring services. Track developments and reduce compliance risks effectively. - [Compliance Document Management Best Practices](https://www.provencompliance.com/document-management-guidance/): Improve NERC compliance with expert document management strategies. PCS helps you stay audit-ready with organized, reliable systems. - [Internal Controls Review and Development Services](https://www.provencompliance.com/internal-controls-review-development/): Strengthen your NERC compliance with expert internal controls review, gap assessment, and tailored recommendations to reduce risk and improve operations. - [ERO Portal and Application Support](https://www.provencompliance.com/oati-webcdms-portal-reporting-requirement-oversight/): Simplify NERC ERO and regional portal tasks with PCS. We help with CFRs, attestations, self-certifications, and filings to ensure your compliance success. - [Compliance Program Development](https://www.provencompliance.com/compliance-program-development/): Build a strong NERC compliance program with PCS. Get expert-led development, monthly support, and regulatory guidance tailored to your utility needs. - [NERC Mock Audits & CIP Gap Analysis Services](https://www.provencompliance.com/gap-analysis-mock-audits/): Get audit-ready with PCS’s NERC mock audits and CIP gap analysis services. Identify vulnerabilities, improve compliance, and prepare for real-world audits. - [Home](https://www.provencompliance.com/): Proven Compliance offers NERC CIP & O&P Compliance Services to help businesses manage risk & meet regulatory standards. Contact us for expert solutions! - [Careers](https://www.provencompliance.com/careers/): Are you a subject matter expert ready to help organizations reduce compliance costs? We have the job for you. Explore career opportunities here at PCS! - [Connect](https://www.provencompliance.com/connect/): Connect with PCS for expert NERC compliance services. We provide tailored solutions to help you meet regulatory requirements with confidence. - [News](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/): Stay informed with the latest news and updates from PCS. Get insights into NERC standards, compliance strategies, and utility best practices. - [Services](https://www.provencompliance.com/services/): Explore PCS services for NERC compliance, including SCIP, program development, mock audits, and more. Get reliable compliance support today. - [Team](https://www.provencompliance.com/team/): Meet the team at the Proven Compliance Solutions who have revolutionized the overall functioning of the utility industry. Visit our website to learn more. --- ## Posts - [Radian Generation Acquires Proven Compliance Solutions Inc.](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/radian-generation-acquisition-of-proven-compliance-solutions-inc/): Radian Generation's acquisition of Proven Compliance Solutions enhances its NERC compliance expertise and expands support for regulated entities nationwide. - [When Will Inverter-Based Resources Be Required to Register with NERC?](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/when-will-inverter-based-resources-be-required-to-register-with-nerc/): Did you know any inverter-based resource that can impact the BPS must be NERC registered? Click here to learn more about this development. - [NERC CIP Evidence Request Tool (ERT) Lessons Learned](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/nerc-cip-ert-lessons-learned/): Are you struggling with the first CIP audit using the ERT? PCS has put together tips to help you navigate through the ERT tool. Please read about it. - [Extreme Cold Weather Preparedness and NERC Operations](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/extreme-cold-weather-preparedness-and-operations/): Discover how utilities can strengthen extreme cold weather preparedness and maintain NERC compliance. PCS outlines strategies to reduce risk and ensure reliable winter operations. - [FERC Order on Reliability Standards for Emergency Operations and Extreme Cold Weather](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/key-points-of-fercs-recent-order-for-reliability-standards-addressing-emergency-operations-and-extreme-cold-weather/): Explore FERC’s recent order on emergency operations and extreme cold weather reliability standards. Proven Compliance Solutions breaks down key points and impacts. - [NERC PRC-005-6 Reliability Standard: Overview & Compliance Summary](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/nerc-reliability-standard-prc-005-6-overview-of-current-standard/): Understand NERC PRC-005-6 compliance—key requirements for protective system maintenance, testing intervals, and documentation. Stay audit-ready with this guide. - [Steps to Determining the Impact Rating of Your Generation Control Facility](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/determine-impact-rating/): Learn how to determine the impact rating for your generation control facility. Explore key steps and tips from the compliance team at PCS. - [NERC Compliance Timing for New BES Generating Facilities](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/compliance-timing/): Understand NERC compliance timing for new BES facilities. Learn key deadlines for first sync and Commercial Operation Date (COD) to stay audit-ready. - [FERC Order 902: Retirement of Six MOD Reliability Standards](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/ferc-issues-order-no-902-approving-the-retirement-of-six-mod-reliability-standards/): FERC Order No. 902 retires six MOD standards—learn what this means for NERC-registered entities and future compliance requirements. - [Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. Celebrates Thirteen Years of NERC Compliance Consulting Services](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-celebrates-thirteen-years-of-nerc-compliance-consulting-services/): PCS celebrates 13 years of helping utilities meet NERC compliance requirements through expert consulting and industry-leading support. - [Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. Welcomes Steve McElhaney, Ph.D., P.E. to its NERC Compliance Staff](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-welcomes-steve-mcelhaney-ph-d-p-e-to-its-nerc-compliance-staff/): PCS welcomes Steve McElhaney to the team. Learn about his NERC expertise and how he enhances our compliance service offerings. - [FERC Directs NERC To Strengthen Compliance Monitoring Of Inverter-Based Resources](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/ferc-directs-nerc-to-strengthen-compliance-monitoring-of-inverter-based-resources/): Learn more about the new regulations from FERC and how they can help ensure the safe and reliable operation of the grid. Get the latest updates at PCS - [Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. Adds Alice Ireland to its NERC Compliance Staff](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-adds-alice-ireland-to-its-nerc-compliance-staff-2/): Welcome Alice Ireland, Project Manager at PCS. Learn about her background, experience, and how she supports compliance projects. - [NERC CIP Standards Updates Effective October 1, 2022](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/nerc-cip-standards-revisions-effective-october-1-2022/): Learn about the NERC CIP standards revisions effective October 1, 2022. PCS breaks down key updates to help you stay compliant and informed. - [Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. Celebrates Twelve Years of NERC O&P & CIP Consulting Services](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-celebrates-twelve-years-of-nerc-op-cip-consulting-services/): It's been 12 years now! Proven Compliance Solutions is celebrating its 12th anniversary as a leading firm for CIP and O&P Reliability Standards. - [Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. Adds Shannon Fair to its NERC Compliance Staff](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-adds-shannon-fair-to-its-nerc-compliance-staff/): Welcome Shannon Fair to PCS. Learn about her experience, compliance background, and role in supporting utility clients. - [Key Factors When Preparing For Your 2022 NERC/Regional Audit](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/key-factors-when-preparing-for-your-2022-nerc-regional-audit/): Here is our breakdown of the key factors to consider when preparing for your 2022 NERC/ regional audit. Please click here to read the details of the same. - [2022 NERC Compliance Audits Focus on CIP ERT and Internal Controls](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/2022-nerc-compliance-audits/): The 2022 NERC compliance audits focus on cip art and internal controls. Please find more details on our website or reach out to our team. - [Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. Adds Thomas Bergantino to its NERC Compliance Staff](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/pcs-welcomes-tom-bergantino/): Tom joins PCS after four years at Trans Bay Cable LLC (TBC) where he was a CIP Compliance Analyst, CIP Program Lead, and Senior Technical Writer. - [The Rapid Growth of Battery Storage & the U.S. Electricity Grid](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/battery-storage/): The rapid growth of battery energy storage systems (BESS) will likely change the rules for operating the grid. Please read the details about it here. - [NERC Standard Requirements for Cold Weather Preparedness](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/cold-weather-new-nerc-standards/): Learn about new NERC standards for cold weather compliance. Stay proactive and avoid operational risks with PCS insights and support. - [Introducing Cloud Program Development](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/introducing-cloud-program-development/): Want to learn more about cloud program development and its benefits? Visit our website for the details or contact us for more information. - [Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. Adds Kenn Lamb to its NERC Compliance Staff](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-adds-kenn-lamb-to-its-nerc-compliance-staff/): Kenn Lamb joins PCS as NERC Consultant. Learn about his engineering credentials and role in supporting NERC compliance programs. - [Assistance for Entities Required to Bring Their Control Centers Up to CIP Medium Impact](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/assistance-for-entities-required-to-bring-their-control-centers-up-to-cip-medium-impact/): Need help with NERC CIP-002-6 exemptions? PCS offers expert support to ensure compliance with medium impact control center requirements. - [Reliability Standard PRC-027-1 Will Be Effective 04/01/2021 – Are You Ready?](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/reliability-standard-prc-027-1-will-be-effective-04-01-2021-are-you-ready/): PRC-027-1 helps detect and isolate faults in BES systems. Learn about its requirements and how PCS can support your implementation. - [NERC Reliability Standard CIP-008-6 - Mandatory & Enforceable January 1, 2021](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/cip-008-6/): Check out the elements of the NERC Reliability Standard CIP-008-6 mandatory & enforceable from January 2021. Read all the four elements in detail here. - [NERC Posts 2021 CMEP Implementation Plan & Data Submittal Schedule](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/2021-cemp/): Get the 2021 CMEP implementation plan and data submission schedule. Stay ahead with PCS guidance and NERC compliance planning tools. - [Managing and Responding to CIP Low Impact Self-Certifications](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/cip-low-self-certifications/): PCS supports CIP Low Impact Self-Certifications. Ensure your program aligns with standards and documentation requirements. - [Reliability Standard PRC-012-2 Will Be Effective 01/01/2021 – Are You Ready?](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/reliability-standard-prc-012-2-will-be-effective-01012021-are-you-ready/): Get ready for PRC-012-2 effective January 2021. PCS provides expert support for implementation and audit readiness. - [FERC & NERC Publish Report on Cyber Planning for Response and Recovery Study](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/cypres/): Meet Laurie Bergantino! She has over 20 years of expertise in administrative and legal and currently manages our office and accounting. Learn more! - [FERC Open Meeting Highlights for Reliability Compliance Staff](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/fercmeetinghighlights/): Catch up on the latest FERC virtual meeting decisions and how they impact your NERC compliance program. Read key highlights here. - [Meet SCIP – Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/meet-scip/): Managing industry updates from NERC can be exhausting; PCS's Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal (SCIP) can ease the process. Read more about it here. - [Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. adds Andrew Gallo to its Compliance Staff](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-adds-andrew-gallo-to-its-compliance-staff/): Welcome Andrew Gallo to PCS as Director of Compliance Consulting. Learn about his legal and regulatory experience in utility compliance. - [Is the Grid on Autopilot?](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/is-the-grid-on-autopilot/): Is the electric grid ready for automation? Read expert insights from PCS leadership on the future of grid management and compliance. - [NERC Compliance Program Recordkeeping Practices](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/nerc-recordkeeping/): Check out the guiding principles PCS offers for consideration in managing your NERC Compliance Program for recordkeeping practices. View here. - [PCS Celebrates Ten Years of Providing Exceptional NERC Consulting Services](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/10year/): PCS is celebrating a decade of providing exceptional NERC consulting services to various organizations and only aims to improve and excel. Read more here. - [FERC Issues Notice of Inquiry Regarding Potential Enhancements to the CIP Standards](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/noi-cip-standard-enhancements/): FERC issued a notice of inquiry on "Potential Enhancements to the Critical Infrastructure Protection Reliability Standards." View in detail here. - [NERC Publishes CMEP Practice Guide Addressing Evaluation of Facility Ratings and System Operating Limits](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/cmep-facility-ratings/): Learn about CMEP guidance for facility ratings and system limits. Prepare for audits and enhance compliance readiness with PCS support. - [Voltage Relay Settings Compliance for PRC-024-2](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/voltagerelaycompliance/): Explore PCS updates on voltage relay compliance standards. Stay informed and aligned with evolving regulatory expectations. - [Reactive Resources Impact Generator Facility Ratings](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/reactive-resources-impact-generator-facility-ratings/): The importance of Facility Rating and FAC-008 compliance has been confirmed by NERC and the Regional Entities for BES Grid Reliability. Read details here! - [NERC CIP-013 Enforcement Date Extended for Entities to Complete Supply Chain Cyber Security Risk Management Programs](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/cip-013-now/): In view of Covid-19, the NERC has extended the date for NERC CIP-013 Standard implementation for entities. To avoid the pressure, PCS can help. Call now. - [FERC Proposes to Approve Retirement of 74 NERC Standard Requirements](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/ferc-proposes-to-approve-retirement-of-74-nerc-standard-requirements/): FERC proposes retiring 74 NERC requirements. PCS monitors these changes and helps you navigate regulatory shifts effectively. - [PCS Observes Increased Scrutiny of BES Facility Ratings](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/increased-scrutiny-of-bes-facility-ratings/): Understand growing scrutiny around BES facility ratings. Learn what you need to know about recent updates and implications for compliance. - [Executive Order on Securing the United States Bulk-Power System - A Summary](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/executive-order-summary/): Get a summary of the executive order to secure the U.S. Bulk-Power System. Review recommended policies and regulatory considerations. - [The Benefits of a Third-party Gap Analysis](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/the-benefits-of-a-third-party-gap-analysis/): Get confidence in your complaint standards with a professional third-party GAP analysis service. View online and consult with PCS experts today. - [PCS Enhanced Services and Assistance in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/pcs-enhanced-services-and-assistance-in-response-to-the-covid-19-crisis/): PCS remains fully staffed and available to support your needs for NERC compliance in these uncertain times of Covid. We are happy to help. Connect today. - [Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. Instructing at the October 2019 EUCI NERC Courses](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-instructing-at-the-october-2019-euci-nerc-courses/): Check out the summary of PRC-005-6, which includes definitions and regulations and is currently mandatory and enforceable for TO, GO, and DP's. - [Breaking Down the Silos Affecting Your NERC Reliability Compliance Program](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/breaking-down-the-silos-affecting-your-nerc-reliability-compliance-program/): Check out the new CYPRES report published by FERC & NERC, emphasizing the best practices for the electric utility industry. Please click here to read. - [January 2020 Deadline Approaching for Compliance with NERC Reliability Standard CIP-003-7](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/january-2020-deadline-approaching-for-compliance-with-nerc-reliability-standard-cip-003-7/): Deadline for CIP-003-7 compliance is approaching. PCS can help you prepare required documentation and ensure audit readiness. - [Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) Celebrates Nine Years of NERC O&P & CIP Compliance Consulting Services!](https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-pcs-celebrates-nine-years-of-nerc-op-cip-compliance-consulting-services/): It's been 9 years of our exemplary service to the entities, delivering quality NERC O&P & CIP Compliance Consulting. Connect with us today. --- ## Landing Pages --- ## Elementor Header & Footer Builder --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages > Meet Mel McNair-Davis, content manager at Proven Compliance Solutions. Click to learn about their experience, education and training, and responsibilities. - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/mel-mcnair-davis/ Home Experience & Background: Mel McNair Davis Mel McNair-Davis EXPERIENCE Over 10 years of experience as an administrative and business development professionalSkilled in creating content and executing marketing campaigns across diverse services and productsManagement of project budgets and establishing annual targets for revenue and expensesPreparation of monthly spending reports for each target area; creation of annual fiscal report with view of total revenues and expenses by program and servicesExperienced in providing administrative coordination and support for project and program management related to document management and software programs EDUCATION & TRAINING Master of Arts in Organizational LeadershipBachelor of Arts in History RESPONSIBILITIES Business Development and Marketing InitiativesTailored Software Implementation, Maintenance, and TrainingAssistance with Procedure & Documentation PreparationTechnical Writing and Documentation AssessmentAssistance with the PCS Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal (SCIP) --- > Meet Steve McElhaney, former Chief Compliance Officer, now leading NERC audit and gap analysis services at PCS. Learn about his role. - Published: 2023-02-20 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/steve-mcelhaney/ Home Industry Experience: Steve McElhaney Steve McElhaney, Ph. D. , P. E. EXPERIENCE 40 years of industry experience in engineering and compliance for electric utilities; 10 years as a Chief Compliance Officer for an electric utilityExpertise in power system operations and planning, transmission management, regulatory and compliance managementRegulatory compliance experience in compliance enforcement activities, mock audits, risk and mitigation strategies, evidence and internal controls identification, and subject matter expert preparation and training EDUCATION & TRAINING Registered Professional Engineer in the States of Florida and MississippiPhD, Industrial and Systems EngineeringBachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering; Past Member of Regional Reliability Operating CommitteePast Board Member of Natural Gas Purchasing AgencyPast Chairman of Power Pool Operating CommitteePast NERC Certified System Operator RESPONSIBILITIES NERC O&P & CIP Mock Audits, Gap Analyses, and AssessmentsDocumentation & Evidence Evaluation and PreparationClient Procedure and RSAW DevelopmentSME Coaching/TrainingMonitoring FERC, NERC & Regional ActivitiesDevelopment of Comprehensive Internal Compliance Programs --- > Learn more about Alice Ireland, Proven Compliance Solutions' Senior Reliability Compliance Manager with over 23 years of energy industry experience. - Published: 2022-08-30 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/alice-ireland/ Home Compliance Career Overview: Alice Ireland Alice Ireland, CCEP EXPERIENCE Over 23 years of energy industry experience, including 19 years in regulatory compliance program development and administrationExpertise in audits, investigations, mitigation and enforcement activitiesTraining development and deliveryProcedure/process development and documentationMember of NERC Security Working Group; sub-team lead for BCSI Cloud-related issuesMember of NERC Compliance and Certification CommitteeMember of the Western Interconnection Compliance Forum (WICF)Former member of WICF Steering CommitteeFormer member of NERC Standards CommitteeFormer member of the North American Transmission Forum (NATF) Risk, Controls and Compliance Practices GroupVirchow Krause Auditor TrainingCorporate Compliance and Ethics Professional EDUCATION & TRAINING West Virginia University, Business Administration, FinanceSociety of Corporate Compliance and Ethics RESPONSIBILITIES Client Project ManagementDocumentation, Evidence Preparation and Training for Client Audits, self-certifications, and program managementNERC Mock Audit & Assessments TeamSME Coaching/TrainingDevelop, Implement, Manage, & Maintain Client Reliability Compliance ProgramsRSAW DevelopmentTechnical WritingMonitoring FERC, NERC & Regional Activities --- > Explore Shannon Fair’s background as a compliance program manager with 16+ years of utility experience. Learn about her role at PCS. - Published: 2022-04-11 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/shannon-fair/ Home Compliance Experience: Shannon Fair Shannon Fair EXPERIENCE Over 16 years of industry experience, including program management for regulatory and risk compliance, and governance that included FERC, NERC Operations & Planning Standards, NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection Standards for Cyber and Physical Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Cyber and Physical Security for Gas Operations, Chemical Facility, and Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)Developing and implementing Internal Compliance Programs (ICPs) and associated trainingNERC Operations & Planning and Critical Infrastructure Protection Procedure & Process ReviewsExperience in internal audits, investigations, mitigation, and enforcement activitiesITIL, ISO 9001, and DOT Safety and Compliance CertificationsMember of the Western Interconnection Compliance Forum (WICF)Former member of the Front Range Utility CIP Compliance Group Leader EDUCATION & TRAINING Front Range Community College, Business ManagementColorado State University, Business ManagementITIL CertificationISO 9001DOT Safety and Compliance RESPONSIBILITIES Client Project ManagementDocumentation, Evidence Preparation and Training for Client Audits, self-certifications, and program managementNERC Mock Audit, Gap Analysis & Assessments TeamDevelop, Implement, Manage, & Maintain Client Reliability Compliance ProgramsRSAW DevelopmentTechnical WritingMonitoring FERC, NERC & Regional Activities --- > Have a NERC CIP audit lined up? At PCS, we help you prepare for the NERC audit and offer consulting services. Visit our website now to get NERC registered. - Published: 2022-03-10 - Modified: 2024-07-13 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/client-locations/ Home Client Locations --- > Over 21 years of experience as an administrative and business development professional in the legal industry for both government and private sectors. - Published: 2021-10-25 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/bergantino-2/ Home Accounting Experience: Bergantino Laurie Bergantino EXPERIENCE Over 21 years of experience as an administrative and business development professional in the legal industry for both government and private sectorsExperienced executive level administrative coordination and support to project and program management for a variety of CRM and document management software programs Skilled in team development, relationship building and management to execute large scale events and programming while maintaining organizational demands EDUCATION & TRAINING Former Member/Chair-Elect - Phoenix Local Steering CommitteeLegal Marketing Association, Southwest Region Real Estate License/CertificationCentral Florida Community CollegeBusiness Administration Preparedness CourseCollege of the Canyons RESPONSIBILITIES Project Management & Leadership SupportCustom Software Implementation, Maintenance and TrainingAssistance with the PCS Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal (SCIP)Support for Procedure & Documentation PreparationContract ManagementTechnical Writing & Documentation EvaluationBookkeeping & Expense ReportingPreparation and tracking of invoices and receivables --- > Learn about Tom Bergantino’s 36+ years in compliance consulting. Explore his background and contributions to PCS and the utility industry. - Published: 2021-10-11 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/bergantino/ Home Compliance Consulting Experience: Bergantino Thomas S. Bergantino, Jr. M. A. EXPERIENCE Over 36 years of experience as an Instructional Designer, Curriculum Manager, Training Developer, Senior Technical Writer, and CIP Compliance Analyst in diverse areas of the industryCIP Team Lead at Trans Bay Cable (TBC)Internal SME in Tripwire Enterprise at TBCExpert in proper interpretation and implementation of the technical aspects of NERC CIP standardsExpert in design and development of instructor-led training and computer-based training (eLearning)Expert in policy and procedure development for NERC CIP programs, as well as hardware and software technical documentation development EDUCATION & TRAINING Master of Arts Degree in Educational Psychology & Instructional Design from UCLABachelor of Arts Degree in Psycholinguistics from Harvard University RESPONSIBILITIES NERC CIP Compliance Program DevelopmentNERC CIP Mock Audit & AssessmentsCIP Policy, Procedure, & Business Process ImprovementRSAW DevelopmentSME Coaching/TrainingTechnical Documentation Development and ImprovementNERC Training and Training Program Development, Implementation, and DeliveryPCS Internal Cyber Security Policies, Controls & PracticesAttends/monitors regional CIP compliance outreach and the NERC Reliability and Security Technical Committee (RSTC) --- > Build a cloud compliance program with PCS experts. We help utilities simplify cloud provider oversight and align with evolving NERC CIP standards. - Published: 2021-07-26 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/cloud-program-development/ Home Cloud Program Development & Service Providers FERC has directed NERC to aggressively develop industry guidance and content for Entities regarding Cloud adoption. NERC has launched a multi-prong effort to meet that demand through modifying existing compliance standards and industry-focus groups. PCS is actively involved with both efforts and is uniquely positioned to advise, consult and support Entities who are looking to get a head start on developing a compliance-driven Cloud strategy. Starting in March 2020, PCS has partnered with IBM to research and develop a CIP-Compliant architecture for the energy industry. In January 2021, PCS and IBM launched a secure Proof of Concept, sponsored by IBM, as a demonstration project of the security and compliance controls that are in place, and provide requirements for further development. To date, IBM is the only Cloud Service Provider (CSP) to successfully demonstrate that they do not have a ‘shared accountability’ model, and that Entities are the only ones with the keys, access and authority to manage their own Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) workspace. Key Use Cases for Early Cloud Adoption:Outage Management SystemsTraining and Simulation EnvironmentsStreaming Video Storage & ArchivalDisaster Recovery Planning & SystemsSystem Backup & RecoveryRemote Workforce EnablementRoot-Cause Analysis & ModelingOn-demand Grid Analytics & ModelingAsk PCS about IBM Cloud for Regulated Workloads and how our architecture is well positioned to enable your business, customers and stakeholders to take full advantage Cloud technologies while meeting your compliance requirements. Benefits Develop strategy and compliance roadmap to align business goalsCoordinate IT and OT requirements to reduce alignment... --- > Access web pages directly from our website through our sitemap page. View posts by category or browse to any topic with a single click. Visit now. - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2024-11-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/sitemap/ Home Pages Active Monitoring of FERC, NERC & Regional Development Alice Ireland Anita Swanson, Paralegal Brian Van Gheem P. E. Carl Bench CISA, PSP, CBRM, CBRA Client Locations Cloud Compliance Program Development for Utilities Compliance Document Management Best Practices Compliance Program Development Connect Crystal Musselman METM, MBA, MOL, DGC Customized NERC Compliance Training Solutions for Your Team Dale Zahn ERO Portal and Application Support Francis Esselman Home Internal Controls Review and Development Services Laurie Bergantino Mel McNair-Davis Monthly NERC compliance program support services NERC Mock Audits & CIP Gap Analysis Services News RSAWs & NERC Evidence Request Tool Ryan Carlson CISSP-PSP Sandra Pea SCIP – Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal Services Shannon Fair SiteMap Steve McElhaney Team Thank You Thomas Bergantino Thomas Peterson MBA, CISM, CISA, CISSP, CCSP, CEH Powered by "WP Sitemap Page" --- > Track evolving NERC standards with the SCIP Portal—Proven Compliance’s tool for monitoring regulatory updates, managing evidence, and staying audit-ready. - Published: 2021-02-24 - Modified: 2025-06-18 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/scip-standards-compliance-intelligence-portal/ Home SCIP: Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal for NERC Monitoring Our Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal (SCIP) offers an effective and efficient solution to monitoring and managing the constantly changing regulatory requirements that are applicable to your NERC Registrations and applicable Region(s). From the beginning stages of new standards development, as well as any changes being made to existing standards, your login to SCIP will provide monthly changes in the regulatory environment and provide you with recommendations regarding compliance initiatives. SCIP provides an efficient way to stay up-to-date with industry news and developments that specifically apply to your registrations, simplifying how you manage compliance. SCIP is a user-friendly application developed and managed by the Reliability Compliance Professionals at PCS. SCIP Client Login https://youtu. be/MF2YmFbCigQ Key Features of the SCIP Compliance Portal Pertinent details of FERC, NERC, and Regional Standards, whether under development or under enforcement, based on your entity’s regions, registrations, and CIP Impact LevelContent arranged by:Entity Dashboard showing upcoming action dates and recent project updatesFERC Approved ProjectsNERC Standards DevelopmentsRegional Standards DevelopmentsArchived Projects for Access to Historical InformationIndustry NewsEnforceable StandardsEach Standard’s details are outlined in an easy to read/digestible format including:Enforcement Notes, Change Description, Action Dates, Impact & Recommendations (provided by a PCS SME), Affected Standards, and related linksSearch & sort features under each tabNew and updated information is easily identified by highlightingExport records from each tab to assist with internal tracking & reporting Benefits Applicability: Content provided is based on your entity’s regions, registrations, and CIP Impact Level Professional Insight: Each... --- > Learn about Ryan Carlson’s leadership in NERC CIP audits and compliance programs. Discover his experience and key contributions at PCS. - Published: 2020-11-17 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/carlson/ Home CIP Services Experience: Carlson Ryan Carlson CISSP-PSP EXPERIENCE Over 31 years of experience in the data & voice communications industry in cyber security, law enforcement/physical security, IT project management, network system engineering, and network/server systems administrationLead for numerous NERC CIP assessments, implementations, and compliance assessment projectsExpert in proper interpretation and implementation of the technical aspects of NERC CIP standardsNumerous network/security vendor product certifications EDUCATION & TRAINING Bachelor of Individualized Study Degree in Marketing, Internal Relations, and Economics - University of MinnesotaISC2 Board Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)ASIS Board Certified Physical Security Professional (PSP)SANS ICS/SCADA Security EssentialsDOE National SCADA Test Bed Program Advanced Red/Blue Team TrainingSANS Incident Response Team ManagementNortel Certified Design ExpertNortel Certified Support ExpertNortel Certified Design SpecialistNortel Certified Support SpecialistNortel Certified Alteon AdministratorAdvanced IP Routing Technology – Nortel NetworksATM Fundamentals and Configuration – Nortel NetworksFDDI Connectivity – Bay NetworksNovell NetWare Network Analysis and Troubleshooting – Network AssociatesEthernet Network Analysis and Troubleshooting – Network AssociatesFrame Relay Fundamentals – American Research Group, IncNetwork Management with Optivity/HP OpenView – Bay NetworksWAN Protocol Implementation – Bay NetworksAdvanced Network Security Administration – American Research Group, IncInternetworking with TCP/IP – American Research Group, IncTroubleshooting with the Sniffer Network Analyzer – Network GeneralUnix System 4 Release 4 Fundamentals – NCR RESPONSIBILITIES NERC CIP Mock Audit & Assessment LeadClient CIP Policies, Procedures, & Business Process DevelopmentRSAW DevelopmentNERC CIP SME and Management Coaching/TrainingPhysical Security AssessmentsPCS Internal Cyber Security Policies, Controls & PracticesDevelop Client Recommendations for Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal (SCIP)Attends/monitors regional CIP compliance outreach and the... --- > Meet the Director of PCS, Dale Zahn- a former NERC-Certified System Operator responsible for a wide range of jobs. Read more about him here. - Published: 2020-11-17 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/zahn/ Home Leadership Experience: Zahn Dale Zahn EXPERIENCE Over 44 years of experience, including being a NERC auditor, Systems Operator, Shift Superintendent of two 640 MW generators with over 20 years in fossil-fueled plant operations, two years in real-time power marketing, project manager in system operations and complianceFormer NERC-Certified System Operator (RC accreditation)Former long-standing member of the NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection Committee (CIPC), now Reliability and Security Technical Committee (RSTC)Member of the original Cyber Security Standards Education TeamInvolved in many successful pre-audits, mock audits, & assessments throughout North AmericaInvolved in multiple MISO Working Committees RESPONSIBILITIES NERC CIP Gap Analysis Team MemberNERC O&P Gap Analysis Team MemberDocument and Process DevelopmentManagement of Business Development & MarketingParticipation in NERC and Regional Meetings & ForumsMonitoring FERC, NERC & Regional Activities --- > Meet Sandi Pea, Senior Compliance Manager at PCS. Learn about her responsibilities in documentation, self-certifications, and more. - Published: 2020-11-17 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/pea/ Home Reliability Experience: Pea Sandra Pea EXPERIENCE Over 32 years of industry experience, including over 14 years of experience in NERC related regulatory compliance program development and administrationExpertise in audits, investigation, mitigation, and enforcement activitiesTechnical Writing and Documentation AssessmentsInternal Auditing, Investigations, and MitigationRegulatory ReportingManaging and Coordinating Regulatory Audits and Enforcement ProceedingsDeveloping and Delivering Compliance TrainingProject ManagementFormer Member Representative for NERC, WECC, and Peak ReliabilityWICF Member EDUCATION & TRAINING Virchow Crouse Auditor TrainingWECC Train-the-Trainer, Subject Matter Expert Training Instructor RESPONSIBILITIES Client Project ManagementDocumentation, Evidence Preparation and Training for Client Audits, self-certifications, and program managementNERC O&P Mock Audit & Assessments TeamDevelop, Implement, Manage, & Maintain Client Reliability Compliance ProgramsRSAW DevelopmentTechnical WritingMonitoring FERC, NERC & Regional Compliance Monitoring Enforcement Program (CMEP) ActivitiesDevelop Client Recommendations for Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal (SCIP) --- > Cloud Security Architect & CIP SME, Thomas Peterson at PCS is responsible for NERC CIP mock audit & assessments, RSAW development, and more. Read here. - Published: 2020-11-17 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/peterson/ Home Cloud Security Experience: Peterson Thomas Peterson MBA, CISM, CISA, CISSP, CCSP, CEH EXPERIENCE 25 years of experience building, defending and advising on cyber security programsAccomplished information security architect, with audit and implementation experience, with broad understanding of utility, aviation, defense, retail, financial and manufacturing sectorsExpertise ranging from policy development, security awareness training, endpoint protection, layered network defense, secure software development and supply chain securityContributing author to the NISTIR 7628 Guidelines for Smart Grid Cyber Security and IEEE High Assurance Smart GridMember of InfraGard - Critical Infrastructure, a partnership of the FBI and members of the private sector, that facilitates information and intelligence sharing, dedicated to preventing hostile acts against the United States EDUCATION & TRAINING Master of Business Administration in Technology Management - University of PhoenixBachelor of Science in Business Information Systems - University of PhoenixDigital Transformation Certificate Program - University of VirginiaISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)DOE National SCADA Test Bed Program Advanced Red/Blue Team Training (INL)CompTIA A+ CertifiedMicrosoft Certified TCP/IPMicrosoft Certified Networking EssentialsCompTIA Network+ TrainedCompTIA Security+ Trained RESPONSIBILITIES NERC CIP Mock Audit & AssessmentsClient CIP Policies, Procedures, & Business Process DevelopmentNERC Supply Chain Security Management LeadNERC Cyber Vulnerability Assessment LeadRSAW DevelopmentSME Coaching/TrainingNERC & Regional Monitoring – CIPPCS Internal Cyber Security Policies, Controls & PracticesDelivers NERC CIP Training --- > Meet our senior NERC consultant Brain Van Gheem. He is responsible for Mock Audits, GAP Analysis, and assessments. Find more details about him here! - Published: 2020-11-17 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/vangheem/ Home NERC Consulting Experience: Van Gheem Brian Van Gheem P. E. EXPERIENCE Over 25 years of industry experience as a NERC Reliability compliance consultant, Principal Compliance Engineer, a Distribution Engineer, and a Software Applications EngineerNERC-Certified Reliability OperatorRegistered Professional Engineer in the States of Michigan and IndianaExpertise in power system operations and planning, SCADA-based operations, reliability benchmarking, and compliance program and document development and managementPast member of multiple NERC and Regional Standard Drafting TeamsFormer NERC-Certified System Operator and as a Continuing Education Administrator for System Operator credentialsRegulatory compliance experience in compliance enforcement activities, mock audits, root cause analyses, evidence and internal controls identification, and subject matter expert preparation EDUCATION & TRAINING Licensed Professional Engineer in Michigan and IndianaCertified-System Operator and as a Continuing Education AdministratorMaster of Science in Management/Master of Business Administration - Indiana Institute of TechnologyBachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering - Michigan Technological University RESPONSIBILITIES NERC O&P & CIP Mock Audits, Gap Analyses, and AssessmentsDocumentation & Evidence Evaluation and PreparationBusiness Process and Internal Controls DevelopmentClient Procedure and RSAW DevelopmentSME Coaching/TrainingMonitoring FERC, NERC, and Regional ActivitiesDevelop Client Recommendations for Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal (SCIP)Development of Comprehensive Internal Compliance Programs --- > Meet Carl Bench, PCS Director of Cyber Security. Explore his qualifications, certifications, and expertise in CIP compliance programs. - Published: 2020-11-17 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/carl/ Home Cybersecurity Experience: Carl Carl Bench CISA, PSP, CBRM, CBRA EXPERIENCE Over 17 years of experience in the electric industry as IT Operations Manager, CIP AuditorIT Operations Manager Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC)CIP Auditor and Audit Team Lead at WECCExpert in proper interpretation and implementation of the technical aspects of NERC CIP standards EDUCATION & TRAINING Bachelor of Science in Information Systems & Technology Management - Weber State UniversityAssociate of Science in Business - Snow CollegeCertified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) CertificationPhysical Security Professional (PSP)Certified Business Resilience Manager (CBRM)Certified Business Resilience Auditor (CBRA) RESPONSIBILITIES NERC CIP Mock Audit & AssessmentsMulti-Regional Audit SupportClient CIP Policies, Procedures, & Business Process DevelopmentRSAW DevelopmentSME Coaching/TrainingPhysical Security AssessmentsPCS Internal Cyber Security Policies, Controls & PracticesAttends/monitors regional CIP compliance outreach and the NERC Reliability and Security Technical Committee (RSTC)Delivers NERC CIP Training --- > Meet Anita Swanson, PCS paralegal with legal expertise in compliance. Discover her experience handling complex regulatory matters. - Published: 2020-11-17 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/swanson/ Home Governance Experience: Swanson Anita Swanson, Paralegal EXPERIENCE 42 years of experience in the electric power industry and at the forefront of developing tools and processes for managing compliance of NERC Reliability StandardsProject Management, Internal Compliance Program Development and Implementation, Technical writing, and Awareness Training development expertiseAudit Preparation, Support and ManagementNERC & Regional Web Portal reporting, self-certification documentation review, and mitigation plan managementNERC 101 TrainerExperienced in preparation for settlement, request for hearing, and responses to potential violationsSEC & NYSE reporting, FERC Interlocking Directorates and OATT reform filings, as well as extensive experience in Board and Corporate Compliance mattersActive member of the WICF and the WECC Compliance User Group since 2007, as well as other Regional Compliance User Groups EDUCATION & TRAINING Certificate of Paralegal Studies, The American Legal System - Washington Online Learning InstituteMentoring, Core Concepts Certificate Program - Genesis InstituteLegal and Business Courses - Whitworth University and Spokane Community CollegesGeneral Accounting Program - Kinman Business University RESPONSIBILITIES Client Project ManagementDocumentation, Evidence Preparation and Training for Client Audits, self-certifications, and program managementNERC O&P and CIP Mock Audit & Assessments Team MemberO&P and CIP Procedure & Process ReviewsRSAW DevelopmentReview & Evaluation of Client ICPDevelop, Implement, Manage, & Maintain Client Reliability Compliance Programs and Tracking ToolsPrepare and Present NERC, ICP, and Sabotage Awareness Training to Clients & IndustryTechnical WritingMonitoring of FERC, NERC & Regional Activities --- > Meet Francis Esselman, expert in BES system operations and CIP audits. Learn about his decades of experience in plant and compliance roles. - Published: 2020-11-17 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/esselman/ Home Leadership & Consulting: Esselman Francis Esselman EXPERIENCE Over 45 years of industry experience in plant operations, BES System Operation & ManagementServes on the Board of Directors and the Executive team at PCSOperations Planning (O&P) LeadManaged Forward Operations Engineering at American Transmission Co. including transmission operations planning & transmission interconnection processesIndustry leader in the operating and system restoration-blackstart areas, including Vice Chair of NERC System Restoration SDT and member of the NERC Real Time Tools Best Practices study groupNERC Standards Efficiency Review (SER) TeamFormer NERC-Certified System Operator (RC) RESPONSIBILITIES NERC O&P & CIP Mock Audits, Gap Analyses, & AssessmentsRegistration EvaluationsOperations Best Practices and Risk AdviceBusiness Process and Internal Controls DevelopmentDocumentation & Evidence EvaluationProcedure and Policy DevelopmentRSAW DevelopmentCompliance Program ManagementSME Coaching/TrainingMonitoring FERC, NERC & Regional ActivitiesInternal ControlsDevelop Client Recommendations for Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal (SCIP) --- > Meet Musselman, a key team member at Proven Compliance Solutions. Discover his expertise in NERC compliance and dedication to regulatory excellence. - Published: 2020-11-17 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/musselman/ Home Executive Experience: Musselman Crystal Musselman METM, MBA, MOL, DGC EXPERIENCE 40 years of energy industry experience, including 22 years managing compliance programs for several entities, including bringing a company’s documentation into a state of regulatory complianceRecognized expert with respect to Internal Compliance Program structure and documentation, and brings additional constructive resources to the industry tableAuditor and Compliance Program Management expertiseFounder and First Chair of the Western Interconnection Compliance Forum (WICF)WECC Standards Committee Member Since 2012Board Member – Kootenai Electric CooperativeDirector Gold Credential - NRECABoard Leadership Certificate EDUCATION & TRAINING Master of Engineering and Technology Management - Washington State UniversityMaster of Business Administration - Webster UniversityMaster of Arts in Organizational Leadership - Gonzaga UniversityBachelor of Business Administration in Organizational Behavior and Management - University of Houston2009 Virchow Krause Auditor TrainingCredentialed Cooperative Director RESPONSIBILITIES NERC O&P Mock Audits, Gap Analyses, & AssessmentsDevelopment & Management of Internal Compliance Programs & Program ManagementInternal Controls IdentificationDocumentation & Evidence Evaluation and PreparationRSAW DevelopmentSME Coaching/TrainingMonitoring FERC, NERC & Regional ActivitiesManage the PCS Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal (SCIP)Due Diligence ActivitiesOversight of All PCS Business Activities --- > Build confidence with customized NERC compliance training. Proven Compliance Solutions delivers tailored CIP programs to educate staff, reduce risk, and improve audit readiness. - Published: 2020-11-16 - Modified: 2025-08-26 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/customized-training-solutions/ Home Customized NERC Compliance Training Solutions for Your Team Training is a necessary activity for personnel to understand and fulfill their entity’s compliance obligations and satisfy reliability requirements. A variety of the NERC Reliability Standards require training either prior to the Commercial Operation Date (COD) or prior to an individual taking on a specific role or position. Training is an integral part of assuring personnel (including applicable contractors and/or vendors) are performing their required tasks and maintaining compliance. PCS can design and develop customized NERC Compliance Program training curriculum for your entity. Our experienced staff provide quality instruction that includes extensive interaction with the attendees that will leave your personnel with the needed knowledge and understanding of their operational and compliance-based roles and obligations as they relate to the Reliability Standards and the NERC Compliance Program. PCS can provide the training in a variety of formats including in-person classroom instruction, remote sessions via a web conference bridge, or in an automated format that can be incorporated into your company’s e-Learning system. Benefits Training customized to your Entity’s needs and obligations In-person, remote, or automated training offered Personnel understand their roles and obligations No out of the box solution; every entity is different in their approach to the NERC Reliability Standards and have different levels of internal expertise PCS customizes our training to best suit the client Client keeps the training materials  FAQ: Customized NERC Compliance Training Solutions What is NERC compliance training? NERC compliance training ensures that personnel, contractors, and... --- > Prepare for NERC audits with expert RSAW reviews. Proven Compliance Solutions helps utilities assess compliance gaps, reduce risk, and stay audit-ready year-round. - Published: 2020-11-16 - Modified: 2025-08-26 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/rsaw-review-preparation/ Home RSAW Review & Preparation with NERC Evidence Request Tool for Compliance Success Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets (RSAWs) RSAWs are the work papers used by NERC and Regional teams to understand and evaluate an entity’s compliance position and provided evidence for specific Reliability Standards. Entities are required to provide a narrative of how compliance was met during the monitoring period, along with evidence used to support the compliance narrative. The RSAW accomplishes this by being a roadmap that outlines how an Entity complies with a NERC Reliability Standard. It identifies the Who, What, Why, When, Where and How. Who is responsible for the Standard, What the Entity is doing to achieve Compliance, Why they perform certain tasks, When the tasks are completed, Where these activities took place, and how they were performed. RSAWs are also a great guide for training. You should be able to read the RSAW and understand how the Entity approaches compliance with the Standard. If someone leaves their position or is not available, a co-worker or supervisor should be able to read the RSAW and determine the process and see the results. RSAWs are used for a variety of compliance activities including audits, self-certifications, and spot checks, as well as internal activities to perform annual assessments and to track and maintain compliance documentation. PCS offers assistance in reviewing an entity’s prepared RSAWS and can provide recommendations to strengthen and clarify the compliance narrative and supporting evidence. PCS also develops template RSAWs using information and evidence provided... --- > Get expert NERC compliance program management with PCS. Simplify audits, reduce costs, and ensure reliable, tailored compliance solutions. - Published: 2020-11-16 - Modified: 2025-07-23 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/compliance-program-management/ Home Monthly NERC compliance program support services Often times, an entity may not have the technical expertise internally to fully understand and develop the approach needed to comply with a given regulatory requirement, or an entity may simply wish to use an objective external third party to answer questions, provide guidance and advice in matters involving satisfaction of the entity’s regulatory obligations. Whatever the need may be, PCS Monthly NERC Compliance Program Support Services provides the entity with years of seasoned technical expertise from our experienced PCS professionals on all matters related to compliance management, critical infrastructure protection, and operations and planning activities. For our Monthly Compliance Program Support, PCS is flexible in the services we provide to assure you receive the necessary support. These services may include, but is not limited to, providing the following as called upon:Internal Compliance Program Management SupportAnnual Procedure ReviewSelf-Certification Support and SubmittalSpot Check SupportPeriodic Data Submittal SupportAnnual RSAW Review and UpdatingRSAW Development for New Standards and RequirementsAnnual Updates of Training and Awareness ModulesInternal Controls Assessment/DevelopmentInterface with the Regions and NERCMonitor/Participate in Industry MeetingsNERC and Regional Portal SupportNERC Alerts SupportMonthly Update Calls with Management and Site Staff, if requestedGeneral Compliance Questions/CallsIncident/Event Review & AdviceOther Support Services as Reasonably Requested Benefits We answer the phone! A team of experts available to assist with your compliance needsCovers all aspects of NERC Reliability Standards complianceWe have experts in Project management, IT, Physical Security, Transmission, Operations, Auditing, Relay Maintenance, Modeling, Generation and just about any other aspect of the... --- > Stay ahead of regulatory changes with PCS’s FERC, NERC, and regional monitoring services. Track developments and reduce compliance risks effectively. - Published: 2020-11-16 - Modified: 2025-07-23 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/active-monitoring-of-ferc-nerc-regional-development/ Home Proactive Monitoring of FERC, NERC, and Regional Compliance Developments The complexities of tracking the status of all entity applicable regulatory activities via email blasts, webinars, the NERC website and/or Regional websites is a resource-intensive activity that presents challenges and resource constraints to all entities. Lack of active monitoring may catch an entity off guard to emerging threats, new requirement obligations, enforcement dates, and audit approaches. PCS offers an effective and efficient solution that provides an entity with a tool to monitor and manage the constantly changing regulatory requirements that are applicable to its NERC registrations. Entities with a PCS Standard Compliance Intelligence Portal (SCIP) subscription no longer need to spend long hours retrieving necessary regulatory information. Subscriptions also include input from our PCS technical experts regarding the potential impact the information poses to the entity and provides recommendations for action where needed. Benefits Effective & efficient solution for monitoring the constantly changing regulatory requirements Timesaving solution for keeping up-to-date with industry activities and standards developmentIncludes standards in development, revised standards, approved standards, industry news & much moreColor-coded records draw your attention to important or new itemsAll information is stored in an easy to use & down loadable formatSCIP includes all available content of new standards development, as well as any changes being made to existing standards. PCS updates to SCIP include monthly changes in the regulatory environment, along with specific recommendations from PCS regarding compliance initiatives. SCIP provides an entity with an efficient way to stay up-to-date with industry... --- > Improve NERC compliance with expert document management strategies. PCS helps you stay audit-ready with organized, reliable systems. - Published: 2020-11-16 - Modified: 2025-06-18 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/document-management-guidance/ Home Compliance Document Management Best Practices The burden of proof to demonstrate compliance with applicable NERC and Regional Reliability Standards requirements can result in vast amounts of evidence records that must be maintained and made available to a regulator upon request. An entity’s well-structured and organized document management approach is a leading indicator to regulators that evidence reviewed is likely to be reliable and credible. PCS offers document management guidance and record keeping strategies to assist entities with the structure, organization, and management of required evidence documentation. Our strategy typically includes these steps: Determination of the entity’s document management leadEvaluation of the existing system(s)Inventory of documentsStorage site and how it will be organized and utilizedHow complex or customized the entity wants its solution to beElimination of duplicates and clutterMaintenance and follow-through Benefits Sound guidance and strategies Assists with compliance monitoring activities Being able to quickly access documentation is important. No need to spend hours looking for something when you have a process in place.    Demonstrates commitment to compliance  Shows the auditors that you are organized Frequently Asked Questions About Compliance Document Management What is compliance document management? Compliance document management is the process of systematically organizing and storing documents which are essential for fulfilling regulatory requirements and compliances as per local norms and laws. This helps in retrieving the documents in an easy and highly accessible manner, whenever necessary. This helps to maintain industry standards and best practices. What are the challenges in managing document compliance? There can be... --- > Strengthen your NERC compliance with expert internal controls review, gap assessment, and tailored recommendations to reduce risk and improve operations. - Published: 2020-11-16 - Modified: 2025-07-23 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/internal-controls-review-development/ Home Internal Controls Review and Development Services Internal controls are the rules and mechanisms established by an entity to ensure their compliance obligations are being met. In recent years, NERC and regional entities have placed an emphasis on reviewing an entity's internal controls. Internal controls do not need to be so complicated that you need a full-time person managing them. PCS can create policies and procedures that contain internal controls as a natural part of your process. Or, PCS can take your existing program and help identify and develop internal controls for your organization. As noted by NERC, effective controls provide value and help registered entities with the following:Self-identify and mitigate reliability risks and compliance issues, which could lead to the ability to self-log and correct lower-risk issues as Compliance Exceptions rather than navigating through the full enforcement process. Improve their reliability and security. Inform the Compliance Enforcement Authority's development of the registered entity's Compliance Oversight Plan (COP). Reduce the burden for audit preparation with a continuous monitoring process rather than a periodic event associated with the registered entity's preparation for compliance monitoring activity. Benefits Demonstrate reasonable assurance to mitigate reliability riskContribute to the Region’s process for developing oversight and monitoring of the entityEnsure reliability and securityHelp protect against things falling through the cracks. Most internal controls are done without even knowing it, they just aren’t written down. Demonstrates to the regulators that you are watching what you’re doing and checking your processes. FAQ: Internal Controls Review and Development What... --- > Simplify NERC ERO and regional portal tasks with PCS. We help with CFRs, attestations, self-certifications, and filings to ensure your compliance success. - Published: 2020-11-16 - Modified: 2025-07-23 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/oati-webcdms-portal-reporting-requirement-oversight/ Home ERO Portal and Application Support Regulators have established compliance monitoring and enforcement methods that are used to perform their assigned oversight responsibilities. With the migration to the NERC ERO Portal for nearly all reporting and other compliance activities (i. e. Registration, CFRs, etc. ), understanding the requirements and how each component of that portal works is critical. There are, however, tools and additional portals that regions will continue to use. PCS works with entities to navigate through the nuances of the NERC portal and regional sites/tools so that your compliance obligations are handled in a timely manner. PCS also offers assistance to entities with registration, CFRs, response preparation and guidance for self-certifications, self-reports, mitigation plans, Inherent Risk Surveys, spot checks, audits, and other compliance monitoring and enforcement related requests. Benefits Understanding of the NERC ERO Portal and its componentsUnderstanding how to navigate within the various portalsPortals change, PCS keeps current with access and entry into the regulatory portals to assist our clients submitting information to their regionsGuidance and assistance with responses Frequently Asked Questions About NERC ERO & Regional Portal Compliance What is the NERC ERO Portal used for? The NERC ERO Portal is used for managing compliance activities like registration, CFRs, self-certifications, mitigation plans, audits, and reporting requirements across the electric reliability organization. Why is it important to understand regional portal tools? Each region may use additional portals beyond the NERC ERO Portal. Knowing how to navigate them ensures timely and accurate compliance submissions and avoids regulatory issues.... --- > Build a strong NERC compliance program with PCS. Get expert-led development, monthly support, and regulatory guidance tailored to your utility needs. - Published: 2020-11-16 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/compliance-program-development/ Home Compliance Program Development The Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires that FERC approve and enforce standards to protect and improve the reliability of the nation’s Bulk Power System. Under this statutory framework, standards are proposed by an Electric Reliability Organization (ERO), a function currently filled by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). NERC further delegates compliance monitoring and enforcement authority to various regional entities. Mandatory compliance with the first set of standards approved by FERC came into effect on June 18, 2007. As of the date of its NERC registration, Entities must comply with all requirements of the FERC-approved Reliability Standards applicable to its current registered functions. Development of an Entity’s Compliance Program helps ensure that it is incorporating the Standard Requirements into its operational practices and thereby can produce evidence to show compliance with the NERC Reliability Standards. PCS believes that a comprehensive program should include both the operational aspects of the entity or site, as well as the compliance aspects, so that personnel can do their jobs and generate the needed documentation to prove compliance in a streamlined manner. We develop programs that reflect actual operations and not a canned set of documents that simply mimic the language of the Standards. Our approach is concise and organized so that the user of the program knows where to look for roles and responsibilities, specific tasks, required training, documentation retention, and much more. PCS can develop a customized program for your entity that will reflect your operations and... --- > Get audit-ready with PCS’s NERC mock audits and CIP gap analysis services. Identify vulnerabilities, improve compliance, and prepare for real-world audits. - Published: 2020-11-15 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/gap-analysis-mock-audits/ Home Mock Audits & Gap Analyses A mock audit will assist the entity in understanding what to expect during an actual audit engagement, allocate appropriate resources to the effort, and prepare their personnel. Gap analyses and mock audits performed by PCS are an excellent, objective evaluation that will assist in determining the condition and strength of an entity’s compliance program. On the Effective Date of a Reliability Standard, it becomes mandatory and enforceable, and applicable entities are responsible for compliance with the Requirements in the Reliability Standard. Internal compliance monitoring is a vital component for an entity to understand the current condition and possible gaps in its program. Due to the technical nature of compliance requirements, an entity can fall out of compliance quite easily. If left undetected, the reliability risk exposure to the bulk power system and the entity’s operating and financial risk exposure due to a requirement violation can exponentially increase each day. PCS can assist entities by providing a periodic mock audit or gap analysis designed to identify and address any gaps in the entity’s compliance approach and evidence. A PCS mock audit offers a formal internal on-site (remote, if needed) and off-site experience that evaluates the entity’s audit approach, evidence, and its Subject Matter Experts’ (SME) knowledge and interview capabilities. PCS mock audits are a more comprehensive monitoring approach and designed to simulate an actual audit engagement. Benefits Prepared Subject Matter Experts Determination of current compliance posture Understanding NERC and Regional expectations Provides practice for completion... --- > Proven Compliance offers NERC CIP & O&P Compliance Services to help businesses manage risk & meet regulatory standards. Contact us for expert solutions! - Published: 2020-10-31 - Modified: 2025-02-18 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/ Since 2010 NERC CIP and O&P Compliance Solutions Let's Connect NERC Reliability Standards Compliance At Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS), we offer our clients an extensive range of consulting services to help them comply with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards requirements. Having staff that has been in the industry for several decades has helped us gain extensive knowledge and expertise to offer the best compliance solutions. Our clients appreciate our unique approach to developing and successfully implementing Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and Operations & Planning (O&P) NERC compliance programs at affordable prices. Our NERC compliance software plays a crucial role in ensuring that organizations align their processes and practices with the NERC standards, reducing the risk of regulatory penalties. Moreover, our NERC CIP compliance software streamlines your organisational operation. Additionally, we help automate routine tasks associated with documentation, reporting, and monitoring, which makes NERC CIP audits smoother. Our team of industry experts, former compliance program managers, and former NERC & WECC CIP auditors have contributed to forming a great company and helped us achieve an enviable reputation in the industry. Connect With Us Understanding NERC Compliance Challenges The NERC Reliability Standards focus the security and reliability of the Bulk Power System (BPS). Since the NERC Reliability Standards are developed and revised on a continuous basis, entities that are required to comply with the Standards face many challenges such as: Keeping up to date with the ever-evolving Standards development projects Developing an Internal Compliance Program that can... --- > Are you a subject matter expert ready to help organizations reduce compliance costs? We have the job for you. Explore career opportunities here at PCS! - Published: 2020-10-31 - Modified: 2024-11-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/careers/ Home Careers --- > Connect with PCS for expert NERC compliance services. We provide tailored solutions to help you meet regulatory requirements with confidence. - Published: 2020-10-31 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/connect/ Home Let's Connect YOU HAVE COMPLIANCE QUESTIONS - WE HAVE COMPLIANCE SOLUTIONS COMPLETE THIS FORM, OR GIVE US A CALL Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name *FirstLastEmail *Phone *Reason of Inquiry SCIP (Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal)Compliance Program DevelopmentRSAW Review & PreparationMonthly Compliance Program Management & On-Call SupportMock Audits & Gap AnalysesNERC Alert SupportCustomized Training SolutionsMonitoring FERC/NERC/Regional Activities and Standards DevelopmentsDocument Management GuidanceInternal Controls Review & DevelopmentNERC ERO Portal and Regional Portal Usage and SupportCloud Program DevelopmentOtherHow Can We Help? Submit --- > Stay informed with the latest news and updates from PCS. Get insights into NERC standards, compliance strategies, and utility best practices. - Published: 2020-10-31 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/ Home News & Updates --- > Explore PCS services for NERC compliance, including SCIP, program development, mock audits, and more. Get reliable compliance support today. - Published: 2020-10-31 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/services/ Home O&P and CIP Expertise Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal-SCIP Compliance Program Development RSAWS & NERC ERT Monthly NERC Compliance Program Support Services MOCK AUDITS & Gap analyses CUSTOMIZED TRAINING SOLUTIONS ACTIVE MONITORING OF FERC, NERC, & REGIONAL Activities and Standards Development COMPLIANCE DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE INTERNAL CONTROLS REVIEW & DEVELOPMENT ERO Portal and Application Support CLOUD PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT --- > Meet the team at the Proven Compliance Solutions who have revolutionized the overall functioning of the utility industry. Visit our website to learn more. - Published: 2020-10-31 - Modified: 2025-08-26 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/team/ Home Our Team Experienced Compliance Professionals Powering PCSPCS was formed in 2010 by a team of seasoned compliance professionals who continue to make a qualitative difference in the utility industry. Collectively, the PCS team has decades of industry experience in literally all aspects of the power system including generator and transmission system operations, technical writing, marketing, and regulatory compliance, all from an industry standpoint. Interested in joining our team of well-qualified compliance professionals? Send your unique experience and qualifications to: info@provencompliance. com Frequently Asked Questions About Our Team 1. What makes the PCS team uniquely qualified? The PCS team is composed of seasoned professionals with decades of experience across the power industry. Our backgrounds span generator and transmission operations, technical writing, regulatory compliance, and utility-specific marketing—ensuring a well-rounded, real-world approach to compliance. 2. When was PCS established and by whom? Proven Compliance Solutions was founded in 2010 by a group of industry veterans committed to enhancing utility compliance and reliability through hands-on expertise and strategic insight. 3. What industries does the PCS team serve? We primarily serve the power utility sector, including Generator Owners (GOs), Transmission Operators (TOPs), and Distribution Providers (DPs), helping them stay compliant with evolving NERC Reliability Standards. 4. Can I join the PCS team? Yes! PCS is always open to connecting with talented professionals in the compliance space. If you have relevant experience in the utility industry, send your resume and qualifications to info@provencompliance. com. 4. What roles are typically available at PCS? While roles may... --- --- ## Posts > Radian Generation's acquisition of Proven Compliance Solutions enhances its NERC compliance expertise and expands support for regulated entities nationwide. - Published: 2025-05-07 - Modified: 2025-06-18 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/radian-generation-acquisition-of-proven-compliance-solutions-inc/ - Categories: News Charlotte, N. C. , May 7, 2024 — Radian Generation, a global leader of services and software solutions supporting the complete lifecycle of renewable energy projects, has acquired Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS), a consulting firm that assists utilities with NERC Reliability Standards compliance, critical infrastructure protection (CIP) and operations & planning (O&P) across North America. Strengthening Compliance & Cybersecurity Capabilities ”We believe compliance and cybersecurity are critical elements to ensuring the resiliency of the grid and the future of renewables,” said Kellie Macpherson, Executive Vice President, Compliance & Risk Management for Radian Generation. “PCS brings some of the industry’s most seasoned veterans and serves many influential utilities. Together we can support our customers’ ability to deliver reliable, sustainable, and secure power to the grid. ” A Unified Commitment to NERC Reliability Standards PCS President & CEO, Crystal Musselman, said, “We share a common commitment with Radian Generation to help companies meet their NERC Reliability Compliance obligations so that they can focus on optimizing the generation, storage, transmission, and distribution of reliable energy. We are seeing rapid additions of renewable energy assets from our customers. We are thrilled to be a part of the Radian Generation team and look forward to supporting our combined customer base and the clean energy transition. ” PCS also brings specialized CIP cybersecurity resources and compliance monitoring activities including mock audits and audit support. Supporting Renewable Energy Growth Amid Compliance Challenges According to the International Energy Agency (IEC), the global annual renewable capacity increased by... --- > Did you know any inverter-based resource that can impact the BPS must be NERC registered? Click here to learn more about this development. - Published: 2024-10-11 - Modified: 2025-02-14 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/when-will-inverter-based-resources-be-required-to-register-with-nerc/ - Categories: News - Tags: NERC, O&P Historically, Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) under 75 MW were excluded from the Bulk Electric System (BES) Definition. Recently, FERC directed NERC to remove the 75 MW floor on the BES I4 Inclusion. This means that any inverter-based resources that can impact the BPS will need to be NERC registered. Within 90 days, NERC is to develop the criteria that will be used to register these new entities and the Reliability Standards that would apply. This may entail the addition of a new functional registration and require new or revised Reliability Standards. The draft order directs NERC to do three things. Complete modifications to its registration processes no later than 12 months after Commission approval of the work plan. Identify all owners and operators of BPS-connected IBRs that in the aggregate affect the reliable operation of the Bulk-Power System no later than 24 months of Commission approval of the work plan. Register owners and operators of Bulk-Power System-connected IBRs that in the aggregate have a material impact on the reliable operation of the Bulk-Power System no later than 36 months after Commission approval of the work plan. The draft order recognizes that smaller Bulk-Power System-connected IBRs may not present the same reliability impact in all circumstances as generation that has historically been registered. Accordingly, the draft order acknowledges that NERC may determine that the full set of Reliability Standard Requirements otherwise applicable to generator owners and operators need not apply to all newly registered Bulk-Power System-connected IBR generator owners or operators. To... --- > Are you struggling with the first CIP audit using the ERT? PCS has put together tips to help you navigate through the ERT tool. Please read about it. - Published: 2024-08-28 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/nerc-cip-ert-lessons-learned/ - Categories: News PCS has been providing mock audit services using the NERC Evidence Request Tool (ERT), or participated in regional audits using the ERT across all of the NERC Regions for well over a year. During this time, we’ve noticed that many of our clients struggled when preparing for their first CIP audit using the ERT. In order to help alleviate that struggle, PCS has put together the following tips to help entities navigate the ERT tool when preparing for a NERC CIP audit: 15 Preparation Tips for Navigating the NERC CIP ERT 1. Read Carefully: Read the information in each Request ID very carefully and provide sufficient information to answer the request. 2. Document Management: Several of your program documents will appear in multiple folders. Ensure the document is provided for each request ID and don’t reference another Request ID for the auditor to find the document. 3. Clarification: Several Request IDs ask for multiple items. Ensure each item in the request is addressed. Do not hesitate to ask your regional audit team lead to further clarify a request. 4. Organize Responses: Organize responses by Request ID. Most regions provide guidance on how they want the responses organized. 5. Scope Awareness: Most regional CIP audits have a limited scope of CIP Standards and Requirements. Sampling methodologies may depend on an out-of-scope tab being completed in order to select samples. For example, the CIP-002-related ‘BES Assets’, ‘CA’, and ‘Low CA’ tabs may be needed to perform sampling for other Standards, such asCIP-007... --- > Discover how utilities can strengthen extreme cold weather preparedness and maintain NERC compliance. PCS outlines strategies to reduce risk and ensure reliable winter operations. - Published: 2024-07-16 - Modified: 2025-08-26 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/extreme-cold-weather-preparedness-and-operations/ - Categories: News - Tags: NERC, O&P Winter Storm Uri was a major coast-to-coast storm that spread extreme cold and precipitation from the Northwest into the Midwest and Southern United States from February 8 to February 20, 2021. The storm created extreme cold temperatures, snow, and damaging ice that significantly impacted Bulk Electric System (BES) reliability for a longer period than the defined storm event. Generator Owners and Operators, Transmission Owners and Operators, Balancing Authorities, and Reliability Coordinators were all significantly affected by the extreme cold caused by the storm. The temperatures and freezing precipitation brought serious challenges to both electric and gas grid operations that resulted in the largest controlled firm load shed event in U. S. history and the third largest in quantity of outaged megawatts (MW) of load after the August 2003 Northeast blackout and the August 1996 West Coast blackout. What Were the Industry-Wide Impacts of Winter Storm Uri? Winter Storm Uri left an indelible mark not only on electric utilities throughout the southern and Texas region, but also on the entire electric industry as well as the natural gas industry. The impact from this event resulted in the comprehensive attention of FERC and NERC. Specifically, the regulating bodies focused efforts to quickly develop standards aimed at increasing generation Facility availability during extreme weather and enhancing focus on Transmission grid reliability during such events. What Is Project 2019-06 on Cold Weather Operational Requirements? Project 2019-06 “Cold Weather” added requirements to Reliability Standard EOP-011-2. The bulk of the modifications to EOP-011 were for Generator... --- > Explore FERC’s recent order on emergency operations and extreme cold weather reliability standards. Proven Compliance Solutions breaks down key points and impacts. - Published: 2024-06-06 - Modified: 2025-08-26 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/key-points-of-fercs-recent-order-for-reliability-standards-addressing-emergency-operations-and-extreme-cold-weather/ - Categories: News - Tags: NERC, O&P Are you confused by FERC’s recent Order regarding NERC Standards EOP-011-3 - Emergency Operations and EOP-012-1 - Extreme Cold Weather Preparedness and Operations and the associated documents? If so, you’re not alone. Below is a summary of the key points of FERC’s Order. How EOP-011-2 Evolved into the Current Emergency Preparedness and Operations StandardEOP-011-3 and EOP-012-1 are both associated with the current EOP-011-2 Reliability Standard. R7 and R8 in EOP-011-2 are applicable to the GO/GOP Functions. EOP-011-3 will not include R7 and R8 from EOP-011-2. The EOP-011-3 Reliability Standard will not be applicable to the GO/GOP Functions. EOP-012-1 is applicable to the GO/GOP Functions and includes the content of R7 and R8 from the EOP-011-2 Standard (but under different Requirement numbers (R3 and R5 respectively) with the verbiage differing slightly to include extreme weather). What Was the Outcome of FERC’s Order? What Was and Wasn’t Approved? FERC issued its Order on February 16, 2023 approving the Standards. FERC deferred its decision to approve the effective date of EOP-011-3 (and proposed retirement of EOP-011-2) until NERC submits its revised applicability section for EOP-012. FERC indicated that allowing EOP-011-2 requirements to remain mandatory and enforceable until such time as the revised applicability is effective for EOP-012 will ensure all bulk electric system generating units are required to maintain cold weather preparedness plans. Why? FERC is concerned that the new standard EOP-012-1, as written, will result in an inappropriate reduction in the number of generators that will have to comply with cold weather... --- > Understand NERC PRC-005-6 compliance—key requirements for protective system maintenance, testing intervals, and documentation. Stay audit-ready with this guide. - Published: 2024-05-27 - Modified: 2025-06-18 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/nerc-reliability-standard-prc-005-6-overview-of-current-standard/ - Categories: News NERC Reliability Standard PRC-005-6, Protection System, Automatic Reclosing, and Sudden Pressure Relaying Maintenance is almost always included in an audit, self-certification or other compliance monitoring activity. The NERC PRC-005-6 standards are designed to establish requirements for planning, designing, implementing, and maintaining protection and systems control within the power industry. Compliance with the standards is mandatory for entities operating in the North American bulk power system. Below is a short overview of PRC-005-6 provided for Transmission Owners (TO), Generator Owners (GO), and Distribution Providers (DP), including its definitions and requirements. On January 1, 2016, the current revision of PRC-005-6 became mandatory and enforceable. The revision captured months of significant efforts and numerous concurrently executed standard development projects under one revision. The transition also moved the development of maintenance and testing processes from an asset owner-defined, legacy program based on NERC Reliability Standards PRC‐005‐1. 1b, PRC‐008‐0, PRC‐011‐0, and PRC‐017‐0, to an industry-accepted program built on a minimum set of repeatable maintenance activities implemented over a maximum maintenance interval. The Standard also established a minimum set of maintenance activities for automatic reclosing and sudden pressure relaying component types and the maximum allowable maintenance intervals for those activities. TOs, GOs, and DPs have been expected to transition their programs to one of the maintenance methods identified in the current NERC Reliability Standard PRC-005-6, but only after these entities had performed the minimum set of identifiable maintenance activities under the new program. Until then, entities were expected to transition the maintenance and testing of their... --- > Learn how to determine the impact rating for your generation control facility. Explore key steps and tips from the compliance team at PCS. - Published: 2024-05-25 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/determine-impact-rating/ - Categories: News Two of the most common questions that current and prospective clients ask the CIP team at Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) are, “When does my generation control facility become a Low Impact BCS Control Center? ” and “When does my Low Impact BCS generation Control Center become a Medium Impact BCS Control Center? ” Answers to both are fairly straight-forward and begin with an understanding of the definition of “Control Center”. Terms that are used in the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards are defined in the NERC Glossary of Terms. Control Center is defined as: “One or more facilities hosting operating personnel that monitor and control the Bulk Electric System (BES) in real-time to perform the reliability tasks, including their associated data centers, of: 1) a Reliability Coordinator, 2) a Balancing Authority, 3) a Transmission Operator for transmission Facilities at two or more locations, or 4) a Generator Operator for generation Facilities at two or more locations. ” The following steps provide an explanation of the method that PCS recommends for determining the impact rating of your generation control facility. A flow diagram of this process is also provided below. Step 1: Determine if Generation Control Facility Meets the Definition of Control Center If we focus strictly on the generation facet of the definition (assuming the control facility is not acting as a Balancing Authority or Reliability Coordinator), we can paraphrase it as follows: “One or more facilities hosting operating personnel that monitor and control the BES... --- > Understand NERC compliance timing for new BES facilities. Learn key deadlines for first sync and Commercial Operation Date (COD) to stay audit-ready. - Published: 2024-05-15 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/compliance-timing/ - Categories: News An important question that we often hear when a client is constructing a new BES Generating Facility compliance is, “When is the facility required to be fully compliant with all NERC Standards? Is it the registration date, the date of first synchronization to the grid, the Commercial Operation Date (COD), or some other date? ” Previous Regional Entity Requirements for Compliance In the past, some Regional Entities required generating plants to register and meet compliance on the date the facility was first synchronized to the grid. That at times presented challenges, as many commissioning and testing activities could not be completed until after first sync. New Compliance Guidance: COD as the Compliance Date Recently, NERC and the Regions have agreed the compliance and registration date for new generation should be the COD. Note there are some exceptions, such as the MOD-025, MOD-026 and MOD-027 standards, where the compliance date is 12 months after COD. Benefits of Moving Away from First Synchronization Moving away from first sync is a big step in the right direction. It’s also good to see that there is now consistency across the ERO. When constructing a new plant, final tuning, testing and verifications, and the associated compliance documentation can be completed during the commissioning, which results in activities not needing to be done twice just to generate compliance documentation. Defining Commercial Operation Date (COD) for NERC Compliance One clarification still to be worked out is the definition of “COD”. This has not yet been defined by... --- > FERC Order No. 902 retires six MOD standards—learn what this means for NERC-registered entities and future compliance requirements. - Published: 2024-03-30 - Modified: 2025-06-18 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/ferc-issues-order-no-902-approving-the-retirement-of-six-mod-reliability-standards/ - Categories: News - Tags: NERC, O&P On October 26, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) issued a Final Rule to retire 56 requirements from six different North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards. The retirement will go into effect on February 1, 2024. These Standards, often referred to as the MOD A Reliability Standards, consist of the following NERC Reliability Standards: Overview of Retired MOD A Reliability Standards MOD-001-1a (Available Transmission System Capability) MOD-004-1 (Capacity Benefit Margin) MOD-008-1 (Transmission Reliability Margin Calculation Methodology) MOD-028-2 (Area Interchange Methodology) MOD-029-2a (Rated System Path Methodology) MOD-030-3 (Flowgate Methodology) NERC Standards Efficiency Review: Background & Goals This retirement concludes the last of the efforts identified under Phase 1 of the NERC Reliability Standards Efficiency Review Initiative that was first petitioned on June 7, 2019. NERC had assembled several working teams to identify potential compliance monitoring and enforcement efficiencies that could be achieved following the retirement or modification of various requirements from the INT, FAC, PRC, and MOD Reliability Standards families. Francis Esselman from PCS was an active contributor to one of these working teams. Under that initiative, NERC was able to retire 74 of 77 Reliability Standard requirements. Commercial Implications of the Retired MOD Standards The Commission was convinced that many of these requirements contained commercially focused elements facilitating interchange and frequency balance activities. These activities compliment, yet are independent, of reliability activities such as monitoring System Operating Limits and Real-time flows. Related FERC Orders: 676-J and WEQ-023 Overview In 2021, the Commission did issue Order No. 676-J,... --- > PCS celebrates 13 years of helping utilities meet NERC compliance requirements through expert consulting and industry-leading support. - Published: 2023-07-10 - Modified: 2025-06-18 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-celebrates-thirteen-years-of-nerc-compliance-consulting-services/ - Categories: News Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. Celebrates Thirteen Years of NERC Compliance Consulting Services Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) is celebrating its 13-year anniversary in the field of NERC Reliability compliance consulting as one of the leading firms for both CIP and O&P Reliability Standards. PCS was formed in 2010 by a team of seasoned compliance professionals having decades of industry experience in literally all aspects of the power system including generator and transmission system operations, technical writing, marketing, and regulatory compliance. PCS services include audit support and preparation, compliance assessments, mock audits, gap analyses, internal controls, training (in-person, virtual, or LMS compatible modules), due diligence, development and implementation of reliability compliance documentation, including Internal Compliance Programs, and on-call reliability compliance expertise. Over the last thirteen years, PCS has worked with nearly 300 clients throughout the U. S. and Canada. We have also supported clients across the globe where our operational and technical expertise have been called upon. Our team has provided critical expertise and assistance that has benefitted these organizations as well as the Industry. PCS NERC compliance consulting services has an unsurpassed track record in Regional NERC Audit success. Whether your need for support is in the area of Operations and Planning Standards or Critical Infrastructure Protection Standards for your Utility, Generation Facility, Solar Facility, Wind Facility or Battery Storage site, PCS provides the technical expertise and program management support you desire. PCS delivers compliance interpretations based on extensive auditing experience, coupled with programs and processes, that provide you confidence... --- > PCS welcomes Steve McElhaney to the team. Learn about his NERC expertise and how he enhances our compliance service offerings. - Published: 2023-03-09 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-welcomes-steve-mcelhaney-ph-d-p-e-to-its-nerc-compliance-staff/ - Categories: News - Tags: CIP, NERC, O&P Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS), industry-recognized for its excellence in North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards Compliance Consulting Services, is pleased to announce the addition of Steve McElhaney to the PCS staff as a Senior NERC Consultant. Steve’s industry expertise in Operations & Planning (O&P) compliance as well as his experience in oversight for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) adds to PCS’ support for its continuously growing number of clients. Steve has been in the power industry for over 42 years. He recently spent 15 years at Cooperative Energy as their Chief Compliance Officer – Vice President, where he was responsible for compliance associated with the NERC Standards, audits, contracts, and safety, as well as utility operations and planning. Some of Steve’s responsibilities over the years have included: Directing and maintaining regulatory and compliance activities related to operations and planning of generation and transmission facilities, including those which are subject to compliance with Rural Utilities Service (RUS), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), and SERC Reliability Corporation (SERC) requirements. Directing activities related to contract development and administration involving power purchases, interconnection agreements, transmission service agreements, and regulatory matters involving power supply, transmission services, and reliability. Directing the overall compliance program and providing assistance to subject matter experts as necessary with the development of individual compliance programs. Directing Control Center operations to ensure the system is operated in a safe, reliable, and economic manner. Steve’s credentials include: Ph. D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering –... --- > Learn more about the new regulations from FERC and how they can help ensure the safe and reliable operation of the grid. Get the latest updates at PCS - Published: 2022-11-21 - Modified: 2025-01-15 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/ferc-directs-nerc-to-strengthen-compliance-monitoring-of-inverter-based-resources/ - Categories: News - Tags: NERC, O&P During its November 2022 Open Meeting, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) issued an order (Docket No. RD22-4-000) directing the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) to develop a multi-year work plan that will enhance its registration, compliance monitoring, and compliance enforcement processes for Inverter-based Resources (IBR). These resources include energy producing generating facilities on the Bulk Power System that are powered by solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, fuel cells, and battery energy storage systems. The Commission Order was issued in response to significant system disturbances that recently occurred on the Bulk Electric System that were caused or which had mitigative efforts impeded because of the operations of unregistered IBRs. From the analyses NERC conducted regarding each of these system disturbances, a common attributing or identifiable factor was the presence of unregistered IBRs that were not required to comply with NERC Reliability Standards or respond to NERC Alerts. The Commission specifically identified that the order does not apply to IBRs connected to distribution level systems. As the Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization (ERO), NERC has 90 days to develop this work plan. The Commission has assured industry, regulatory, and public stakeholder groups that they will have an opportunity to provide comments. NERC has also been instructed to provide an update on the progress of completing this work plan every 90 days. NERC has been directed to complete these registration enhancements within the first 12 months of the work plan. The Commission did suggest NERC could revise the current Bulk Electric System... --- > Welcome Alice Ireland, Project Manager at PCS. Learn about her background, experience, and how she supports compliance projects. - Published: 2022-10-03 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-adds-alice-ireland-to-its-nerc-compliance-staff-2/ - Categories: News Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS), industry-recognized for its excellence in North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards Compliance Consulting Services, is pleased to announce the addition of Alice Ireland to the PCS staff as a Senior Reliability Compliance Manager. Alice’s industry expertise in both Operations & Planning (O&P) and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) further enhances PCS’ support to its continuously growing number of clients. Alice joins PCS after eight years at Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. where, as Sr. Manager, Reliability Compliance, she was responsible for many registrations and assets which included CIP Low, Medium and High Impact requirements in both the MRO and WECC Regions. Prior to Tri-State, Alice spent fourteen years with Xcel Energy in several reliability compliance roles supporting four operating companies in MRO, SPP and WECC Regions. As part of her compliance role, Alice has been an active industry participant in the following: North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Compliance and Certification Committee Member ERO Monitoring Subcommittee Member Security Working Group Member and BCSI Cloud Team Lead Low Impact Criteria Review Team Member Critical Infrastructure Protection Committee Member Standards Committee Member Process Subcommittee Member North American Transmission Forum (NATF) Risk, Controls and Compliance Practices Group Core Team Member Western Interconnection Compliance Forum (WICF) Steering Committee Member Crystal Musselman, President & CEO had this to say about Alice joining PCS: “As a PCS team we are excited to have Alice join our staff, adding even more strength to our current team of top industry professionals.... --- > Learn about the NERC CIP standards revisions effective October 1, 2022. PCS breaks down key updates to help you stay compliant and informed. - Published: 2022-07-25 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/nerc-cip-standards-revisions-effective-october-1-2022/ - Categories: News - Tags: CIP, NERC Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) continually monitors the development and revisions to the NERC Reliability Standards and is providing this general update regarding several CIP Standards revisions that will be effective on October 1, 2022. If you need assistance with the upcoming changes, contact PCS to find out more about our services. In Order No. 850, FERC issued a directive to develop modifications within the scope of the supply chain risk management Reliability Standards to include Electronic Access Control or Monitoring Systems (EACMS) associated with medium and high impact BES Cyber Systems (BCS). Then, in Chapter 2 of the NERC – Cyber Security Supply Chain Risks document, requirements were further extended to protect Physical Access Control Systems (PACS). Supply chain risk management requirements were first incorporated in the following NERC CIP Standards: CIP-005-6 – Electronic Security Perimeters (Requirement 2, Parts 2. 4 and 2. 5); CIP-010-3 – Change Control Management and Vulnerability Assessments (Requirement 1, Part 1. 6); and CIP-013-1 – Supply Chain Risk Management (the entire Standard). The above Standard revisions are currently in effect until October 1, 2022 and have applied to high and medium BCS (with Protected Cyber Assets included for CIP-005-6 R2. 4 and R2. 5). The Standards Development Team (SDT) for NERC Project 2019-03 Cyber Security Supply Chain Risks has updated the three target Standards to extend applicability beyond BCS (and PCA) to include EACMS and PACS. These updated Standards (CIP-005-7, CIP-010-4, and CIP-013-2) become effective October 1, 2022. CIP-005-7: New Requirements R3. 1 &... --- > It's been 12 years now! Proven Compliance Solutions is celebrating its 12th anniversary as a leading firm for CIP and O&P Reliability Standards. - Published: 2022-07-12 - Modified: 2024-12-14 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-celebrates-twelve-years-of-nerc-op-cip-consulting-services/ - Categories: News Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) is celebrating its 12-year anniversary in the field of NERC Reliability Compliance Consulting as one of the leading firms for both CIP and O&P Reliability Standards. PCS was formed in 2010 by a team of seasoned compliance professionals having decades of industry experience in literally all aspects of the power system including generator and transmission system operations, technical writing, marketing, and regulatory compliance. PCS services include audit support and preparation, compliance assessments, mock audits, gap analyses, internal controls, staff training, due diligence support, development and implementation of reliability compliance documentation, including Internal Compliance Programs, and on-call reliability compliance expertise. Over the last twelve years, PCS has worked with over 200 clients in the U. S. , Canada, and Mexico. Our team has provided critical expertise and assistance that has benefitted these organizations as well as the Industry. PCS NERC Compliance Consulting Services has an unsurpassed track record in Regional NERC Audit success. Whether your need for support is in the area of Operations and Planning Standards or Critical Infrastructure Protection Standards for your Utility, Generation Facility, Solar Facility, Wind Facility or Battery Storage site, PCS provides the technical expertise and program management support you desire. PCS delivers compliance interpretations based on extensive auditing experience, coupled with programs and processes, that provide you confidence in the compliance status of your organization. PCS has attracted top industry talent for its team of professionals and continues to build its business to provide NERC consulting services in this ever-changing... --- > Welcome Shannon Fair to PCS. Learn about her experience, compliance background, and role in supporting utility clients. - Published: 2022-04-12 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-adds-shannon-fair-to-its-nerc-compliance-staff/ - Categories: News Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS), industry-recognized for its excellence in North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards Compliance Consulting Services, is pleased to announce the addition of Shannon Fair to the PCS staff as a Reliability Compliance Program Manager. Shannon’s industry expertise as a Program Manager for both Operations & Planning (O&P) and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) efforts will enhance PCS’ support to its continuously growing number of clients. Shannon joins PCS after 11 years at Colorado Springs Utilities where her roles included NERC CIP security IT Project Manager and Regulatory and Compliance Program Manager. Her expertise in program management for regulatory and risk compliance, governance, and business continuity spans over fifteen years and includes: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Hydroelectric NERC O&P and CIP Standards Compliance Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Cyber and Physical Security for Gas Operations Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Department of Transportation (DOT) CDL Commercial Motor Vehicle Program Chemical Management Payment Card Industry (PCI) Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Crystal Musselman, PCS President and CEO, stated, “We are pleased to have Shannon join our team. Her technical knowledge and management experience with the NERC Reliability Standards will benefit our existing project team and clients, as well as the industry. We look forward to her contributions. ” When asked about her decision to join PCS, Shannon responded stating, “It was always a pleasure for me, when working with PCS, not only to utilize their expertise, but also to receive their personal attention to meeting deadlines. I am looking forward... --- > Here is our breakdown of the key factors to consider when preparing for your 2022 NERC/ regional audit. Please click here to read the details of the same. - Published: 2022-02-03 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/key-factors-when-preparing-for-your-2022-nerc-regional-audit/ - Categories: News NERC Reliability Standards compliance audits may vary somewhat from Region to Region; however, the attention to Risk and Internal Controls seem to be key factors within the audit process. Auditors are looking at an Entity’s approach to addressing and mitigating risk, as well as the specific Internal Controls that are in place and how well they are working. Understanding your Entity’s risks and the controls you have in place is an important step to a successful audit. If your audit includes Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Standards, another important step is understanding how to use the CIP Evidence Request Tool (ERT) and how to navigate through the Level 1/Level 2 RFI process. Understanding each request and providing complete and concise responses will save your Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) time and reduce additional data requests. Knowing how to organize your responses and associated documentation will keep the audit on track and may reduce the length of your audit and/or any possible extensions. Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. can help you make your audit a success by providing training regarding risks and Internal Controls, as well as training on the CIP ERT. We also conduct mock audits, provide audit preparation support, SME audit interview training, and on-site or off-site support during your actual audit. For more information on how we can assist your organization with its NERC Reliability Standards compliance needs, contact Dale Zahn at (509) 504-5496. To learn more about PCS, visit our website at www. provencompliance. com. --- > The 2022 NERC compliance audits focus on cip art and internal controls. Please find more details on our website or reach out to our team. - Published: 2021-11-17 - Modified: 2025-01-15 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/2022-nerc-compliance-audits/ - Categories: News Entities scheduled for NERC Audits in 2022 may have already received notification from the Regional Entity to begin the audit process. Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) continues to be an industry leader in supporting entities in preparing for their upcoming audits and has assisted multiple clients with the completion of the CIP Evidence Request Tool (ERT). CIP Evidence Request Tool PCS has observed that Entities scheduled for Regional audits have received their ERT up to 180 days ahead of their scheduled audit. Although the ERT has been around for a few years, for many entities this will be their first experience at completing the spreadsheets. PCS has assisted numerous entities in understanding the ERT and preparing their responses. In each case, we have provided both initial training on understanding and navigating the ERT document, followed by support to help populate and/or review the information entered by the client. If engaged with PCS in a mock audit, we also use the ERT to help ensure the client experience closely matches the Regional audit. Internal Controls NERC has increased its focus regarding the identification of Internal Controls as part of the Regional audit process. Part of proving compliance is to demonstrate you have Internal Controls in place to ensure you are compliant and remain compliant with the Standard Requirements. PCS has assisted Entities in identifying and/or developing Internal Controls associated with their compliance to the Reliability Standards. We take the approach of “keep it simple”; the more complicated you make your Internal... --- > Tom joins PCS after four years at Trans Bay Cable LLC (TBC) where he was a CIP Compliance Analyst, CIP Program Lead, and Senior Technical Writer. - Published: 2021-10-11 - Modified: 2022-12-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/pcs-welcomes-tom-bergantino/ - Categories: News Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS), industry-recognized for its excellence in North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards Compliance Consulting Services, is pleased to announce the addition of Thomas (Tom) Bergantino to the PCS staff as a Senior NERC Compliance Consultant. Tom’s industry expertise in Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP), as well as his overall understanding of the Operations and Planning (O&P) Standards, combined with his instructional design and technical writing capabilities, enhance PCS’ ability to continue to provide high-level support to its rapidly growing number of clients. Tom joins PCS after four years at Trans Bay Cable LLC (TBC) where he was a CIP Compliance Analyst, CIP Program Lead, and Senior Technical Writer. His activities included: Developing, enhancing and maintaining CIP compliance procedures, processes, and general operation of the compliance program and related activities Collecting, compiling, and retaining evidence of compliance with the CIP Standards Coordinating audit preparation activities Acting as Training Coordinator and manager of the TBC Learning Management System (LMS) for all CIP-004 training requirements; developing, assigning, and monitoring annual CIP Training and quarterly Cybersecurity Awareness Training for all personnel with access to TBC facilities and/or CIP Assets; and assisting with tracking of PER-005 System Operator training programs in the LMS Performing vulnerability scans for CIP-010, R3; managing, executing, and acting as internal SME for TBC’s implementation of Tripwire Enterprise, Whitelist Profiler, and IP360 for configuration change management activities, including asset monitoring and baselines (CIP-010, R1) Prior to TBC, Tom’s extensive work history includes Genesys Telecommunications Labs, Lumenis,... --- > The rapid growth of battery energy storage systems (BESS) will likely change the rules for operating the grid. Please read the details about it here. - Published: 2021-10-05 - Modified: 2024-12-14 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/battery-storage/ - Categories: News The California ISO (CAISO) recently released an article discussing the rapid growth of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and how its staff is prepared for future operational challenges. With the rapid growth of BESS to the Bulk Power System, the addition of much needed flexibility during the ongoing transition from base load to more intermittent generation has provided both reliability and economic benefits. This technology is likely to change the rules for operating the grid, and the industry is recognizing the need to address what needs to be codified to address the unique capabilities of these resources. In March 2021, the NERC Reliability and Security Technical Committee (RSTC), through its subcommittees and working groups, published the Performance, Modeling, and Simulations of BPS-Connected Battery Energy Storage Systems and Hybrid Power Plants Reliability Guideline. The target audience of the guidance document are asset owners and developers of BESS and hybrid power plants seeking interconnection to the Bulk Power System. The document also defines hybrid power plants, or hybrid resources, as generating resources that comprise of “multiple generation or energy storage technologies controlled as a single entity and operated as a single resource behind a single point of interconnection (POI). ” In most cases, a hybrid resource is the combination of renewable generation (solar photovoltaic or wind) and BESS. Recommendations within the document detail enhancements and improvements to facility performance, analysis, and modeling of the unique operational capabilities provided by BESS and hybrid resources. Several other NERC initiatives, coupled with the development of... --- > Learn about new NERC standards for cold weather compliance. Stay proactive and avoid operational risks with PCS insights and support. - Published: 2021-08-31 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/cold-weather-new-nerc-standards/ - Categories: News New NERC Standard Requirements related to Cold Weather Preparedness have been approved, and the compliance impacts are significant. How We Got Here After the Southwest Freeze and Cold Weather event of February 2011, NERC and FERC discussed standards, but allowed the industry to improve their performance by following Cold Weather Prep Guidelines. However, after similar grid impacts during the Southeast Cold Weather Event of January 2018, NERC initiated Standards Development Project 2019-06 for Cold Weather Preparedness. The Cold Weather standards were approved by the industry and the NERC Board of Trustees, and filed for approval at FERC. On August 24, 2021, FERC issued an order approving three revised Reliability Standards associated with the project. With this approval, registered entities will have 18-months to implement the new and revised requirements. Specifically, the implementation date will be April 1, 2023. Revised Standards and Who is Impacted The modified Reliability Standards include EOP-011-2, IRO-010-4 and TOP-003-5, with new requirements applicable to the RC, BA, TOP, and GO functions. As noted above, the implementation plan only allows 18 months from the date of regulatory approval until all Cold Weather Preparedness plans must be developed and implemented, which is April 1, 2023. The time to begin development of the required plans is now, as most entities will have an overall plan, plus site specific plans. Implementation of some required activities can take several months. What Must be Included in the New Requirements A sampling of what will be required is as follows: RC, TOP and... --- > Want to learn more about cloud program development and its benefits? Visit our website for the details or contact us for more information. - Published: 2021-08-23 - Modified: 2022-09-13 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/introducing-cloud-program-development/ - Categories: News Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) is excited to announce that we have partnered with IBM to bring a proven, securable, and compliance-capable Cloud architecture to the Energy and Utility Industries. We know that selecting the right NERC CIP Compliance partner is as important as choosing the right Cloud Service Provider (CSP). Today, there are several CSPs to choose from, but what are your business and operational requirements? We understand that utility clients need 100% confidence and control of their assets, information, and compliance. Of all the cloud models available, Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) is the only model that has the potential to guarantee that level of transparency. Selecting the right CSP is essential in meeting your performance, reliability, security, and NERC CIP compliance objectives. PCS has evaluated the top CSPs against the NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Standards and believes there is only one CSP that provides the security controls necessary to meet and exceed the current and upcoming CIP Standards. We selected IBM, and specifically their Cloud for Regulated Workloads, as the only CSP that can future-proof a current cloud implementation. Additionally, IBM is the only CSP with a true non-shared accountability model secured by a FIPS-140-2 Level 4 logical isolation. Implementing a secure and CIP compliant cloud architecture is essential, but being able to demonstrate that all security objectives have been met at audit is just as important for a sustainable implementation. PCS believes that IBM’s Cloud for Regulated Workloads environment is the only cloud solution that can currently achieve... --- > Kenn Lamb joins PCS as NERC Consultant. Learn about his engineering credentials and role in supporting NERC compliance programs. - Published: 2021-08-03 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-adds-kenn-lamb-to-its-nerc-compliance-staff/ - Categories: News Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS), recognized throughout the industry for its excellence in North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards compliance consulting services, is pleased to announce the addition of Kenneth (Kenn) Lamb, P. E. to its staff as NERC Consultant for Operations & Planning Standards. Kenn joins PCS after spending eighteen years in the industry as a Transmission Operations Engineer, Transmission Planning Engineer, and Distribution Engineering Manager that included NERC regulatory matters, along with studies, dynamic analysis, and reliability assessments associated with the NERC O&P Standards. His expertise includes power system operations and planning, resource interconnections, Protection & Control, and system studies, as well as being a former NERC certified Transmission Operator. Kenn holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, a Master of Science in Power Systems Management and he is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of New Hampshire. As a NERC Consultant for PCS, he will use his vast experience and expertise to assist entities throughout North America in meeting Reliability Standards compliance. Francis Esselman, PCS Vice President & Managing Partner, had this to say about Kenn joining the PCS team: "The hiring of Kenn is the result of an extensive search for the right person to ensure ongoing, sound advice for our clients. PCS looks forward to our journey ahead! Kenn, welcome to the team. " During his tenure in the electric industry, Kenn’s engineering skills have been utilized in nearly all aspects of power system management across multiple electric utilities and Regions... --- > Need help with NERC CIP-002-6 exemptions? PCS offers expert support to ensure compliance with medium impact control center requirements. - Published: 2021-07-13 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/assistance-for-entities-required-to-bring-their-control-centers-up-to-cip-medium-impact/ - Categories: News In anticipation of FERC’s approval of the NERC CIP-002-6 Reliability Standard, several of the NERC regions issued "exemption letters" allowing entities to maintain their Transmission Owner (TO) Control Centers as CIP Low Impact BES Cyber Systems (BCS), instead of Medium Impact BCS. Is your organization in receipt of this exemption letter? If so, you need to be aware of some new developments that have occurred. Recently, several Entities have reported that NERC has been issuing letters to rescind those exemptions and is giving entities with Low Impact Control Centers until October 1, 2023 to bring their control centers up to a CIP Medium Impact level. Background The currently effective NERC CIP-002 Standard contains a Medium Impact Criterion (2. 12) that requires each Control Center or backup Control Center used to perform the functional obligations of the Transmission Operator, not included in the High Impact rating, to be classified at a Medium Impact level. CIP-002-6 was written to clarify which Control Centers were performing the "obligations of the Transmission Operator", and therefore which entities had Control Centers that could qualify at a Low Impact level due to their ownership of a lessor number of transmission lines. The industry drafted and approved CIP-002-6 which was approved by the NERC Board of Trustees last summer and submitted to FERC for approval. In February 2021 NERC withdrew the CIP-002-6 approval request in large part due to a recent string of public cybersecurity events. A new NERC Project, 2021-03, CIP-002 Transmission Owner Control Centers (TOCC),... --- > PRC-027-1 helps detect and isolate faults in BES systems. Learn about its requirements and how PCS can support your implementation. - Published: 2020-11-17 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/reliability-standard-prc-027-1-will-be-effective-04-01-2021-are-you-ready/ - Categories: News Reliability Standard PRC-027-1 Will Be Effective 04/01/2021 – Are You Ready? The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standard PRC-027-1 – Coordination of Protection Systems for Performance During Faults will go into effect on April 1, 2021, making it mandatory and enforceable, and all applicable entities responsible for compliance with the Requirements. The purpose of the Standard is to maintain the coordination of Protection Systems installed to detect and isolate Faults on Bulk Electric System (BES) Elements in the intended operating sequence. Applicable entities include Transmission Owners (TO), Generator Owners (GO), and Distribution Providers (DP) required to coordinate the installation of Protection Systems to detect and operate in an intended sequence that will isolate Faults on Bulk Electric System (BES) Elements. So... Are you an applicable entity and if so, WILL YOU BE COMPLIANT ON APRIL 1, 2021? Below are some key points to consider as the effective date of this Standard quickly approaches. Reliability Standard PRC-027-1 Summary The Reliability Standard will introduce a new term to the NERC Glossary of Terms. Protection System Coordination Study is defined as, “An analysis to determine whether Protection Systems operate in the intended sequence during Faults. ” The Standard also contains supplementary materials, including an attachment that narrows the list of applicable Protection System functions to those that utilize current measurements to initiate the tripping of associated circuit breakers. These include the (ANSI/IEEE Standard C37. 2) device 21 (Distance Relay), device 50 (Instantaneous Overcurrent Relay), device 51 (AC Inverse Time Overcurrent Relay),... --- > Check out the elements of the NERC Reliability Standard CIP-008-6 mandatory & enforceable from January 2021. Read all the four elements in detail here. - Published: 2020-11-12 - Modified: 2024-12-27 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/cip-008-6/ - Categories: News On July 19, 2018, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order No. 848 which directed the North American Reliability Corporation (NERC) “to develop and submit modifications to the NERC Reliability Standards to augment the mandatory reporting of Cyber Security Incidents, including incidents that might facilitate subsequent efforts to harm the reliable operation of the BES. ” In its Final Rule, FERC included four elements associated with this directive. They are as follows: 1. Responsible entities must report Cyber Security Incidents that compromise, or attempt to compromise, a responsible entity’s ESP or associated EACMS. 2. Required information in Cyber Security Incident reports should include certain minimum information to improve the quality of reporting and allow for ease of comparison by ensuring that each report includes specified fields of information. 3. Filing deadlines for Cyber Security Incident reports should be established once a compromise or disruption to reliable BES operation, or an attempted compromise or disruption, is identified by a responsible entity. 4. Cyber Security Incident reports should continue to be sent to the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC), rather than the Commission, but the reports should also be sent to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT). Further, NERC must file an annual, public, and anonymized summary of the reports with the Commission. NERC’S RESPONSE In response FERC’s Final Rule, NERC assembled a Standards Drafting Team and initiated Project 2018-02 CIP-008 Modifications to Cyber Security Incident Reporting. Those efforts resulted in... --- > Get the 2021 CMEP implementation plan and data submission schedule. Stay ahead with PCS guidance and NERC compliance planning tools. - Published: 2020-10-21 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/2021-cemp/ - Categories: News Two important resources that every entity should review and keep on hand are the NERC Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program (CMEP) Annual Implementation Plan and its associated ERO Enterprise Data Submittal Schedule. Last week NERC posted the 2021 versions of these documents on the One-Stop Shop (Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement Program) page of its website. NERC’s Rules of Procedure require that the CMEP Implementation Plan be developed annually. This plan is used by NERC and the Regions to carry out monitoring and enforcement activities and provides Registered Entities with the risk elements and areas of focus that they have identified. Last year NERC changed its approach and worked with the Regions in a collaborative effort to streamline the CMEP. They found this approach to be effective and have used it for the 2021 document as well. The 2021 CMEP also includes information regarding the pandemic effects on CMEP activities. As you’re aware, many activities were either deferred or conducted remotely in order to keep workforces safe and the lights on. During 2021, NERC and the Regions will continue to evaluate circumstances and will determine if there is a need to provide extensions or additional guidance to the industry. On-site activities will resume when conditions allow. The Periodic Data Submittal Schedule provides a consolidate list of data submittals that will be required throughout the year. This list includes submittals required by applicable Reliability Standards, the Compliance Enforcement Authority (NERC or the Regions), or as-needed. The purpose of the schedule is to... --- > PCS supports CIP Low Impact Self-Certifications. Ensure your program aligns with standards and documentation requirements. - Published: 2020-10-07 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/cip-low-self-certifications/ - Categories: News In the last few years self-certifications have evolved from a simple internal assessment and response regarding an entity’s compliance status, to what now seems to be more of a self-audit, with data sampling, spreadsheets, evidence gathering, and NERC tools as part of the process. Proving your compliance to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) Reliability Standards can be a time-consuming, and sometimes daunting task. We’ve noticed a trend occurring among the Regional Entities that is focusing on the CIP Low Impact requirements identified in Reliability Standard CIP-003-8 - Cyber Security - Security Management Controls. Submitting proof of policies and plans, along with their implementation is included in the self-certifications. For example, ReliabilityFirst (RF) recently discussed their approach to CIP Low Impact Self-Certifications. Their process will include completion of a modified NERC Evidence Request Tool (ERT) for Level 1 and Level 2 evidence requests, additional requests for information, if necessary, and possible evidence walkthroughs and demonstrations. The Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO) approach includes completion of a detailed worksheet and submission of evidence. The worksheet includes narratives, data sampling and proof of the data sampling method, and specific evidence requested within the worksheet, including your cyber security policy and various cyber security plans identified in the Standard. Are you prepared to fully address these items and provide the narratives and evidence necessary to prove your compliance? Here are some items to consider: Are you confident you have correctly identified your BES Cyber Assets and BES Cyber Systems? Are you comfortable using... --- > Get ready for PRC-012-2 effective January 2021. PCS provides expert support for implementation and audit readiness. - Published: 2020-09-30 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/reliability-standard-prc-012-2-will-be-effective-01012021-are-you-ready/ - Categories: News The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standard PRC-012-2 – Remedial Action Schemes will go into effect on January 1, 2021, making it mandatory and enforceable, and all applicable entities responsible for compliance with the Requirements. The purpose of the Standard is to ensure that Remedial Action Schemes (RAS) do not introduce unintentional or unacceptable reliability risks to the Bulk Electric System (BES). Applicable entities include Reliability Coordinators (RC), Planning Coordinators (PC), and RAS Entities – the Transmission Owner (TO), Generator Owner (GO), or Distribution Provider (DP) that owns all or part of a RAS. So... Are you an applicable entity and if so, WILL YOU BE COMPLIANT ON JANUARY 1, 2021? Below are some key points to consider as the effective date of this Standard quickly approaches. RAS Review Content, Logistics, Response, Documentation and Follow-up Remedial Action Scheme is defined in the NERC Glossary of Terms as: A scheme designed to detect predetermined System conditions and automatically take corrective actions that may include, but are not limited to, adjusting or tripping generation (MW and Mvar), tripping load, or reconfiguring a System(s). The glossary also includes some additional information regarding a RAS that your Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) may find helpful. PRC-012-2 includes three Attachments that are referenced in Requirements R1, R2, R9, the Process Flow Diagram, and throughout the Technical Justification sections of the Standard. The Attachments and Supplemental Material provide checklists and important guidance that will assist entities in completing their implementation of the Standard, assuring they... --- > Meet Laurie Bergantino! She has over 20 years of expertise in administrative and legal and currently manages our office and accounting. Learn more! - Published: 2020-09-23 - Modified: 2022-09-13 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/cypres/ - Categories: News On September 14, 2020, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electricity Reliability Corporation (NERC) published a report titled Cyber Planning for Response and Recovery Study (CYPRES) that addresses incident response and recovery (IRR) planning and emphasizes best practices for the electric utility industry. As part of a joint staff review, FERC partnered with NERC and its Regional Entities to conduct interviews with eight different entities varying in size and function to discuss their IRR approach. The CYPRES report was developed based on their observations of the entities’ defensive capabilities and on the effectiveness of their IRR plans. Along with best practices, the report identifies common elements among the entities’ IRR plans, includes important resources for addressing cyber threats, and highlights the value of team preparation and training. Along with the in-depth questions around the IRR plans, the joint team interviews also focused on the need to support incident response. This included topics such as examining how employees who oversee and maintain various aspects of the plans ensure proper testing, appropriate staffing levels, funding, and training. Throughout the CYPRES report, team preparation and training are common elements and included in the various observations, key take-aways and best practices. Engaging a competent, experienced third-party consultant to assist with IRR planning, implementation and training can be a key factor to maintaining a solid program with best practice attributes. Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) has assisted multiple entities throughout the US and Canada with the development of their Cyber Security... --- > Catch up on the latest FERC virtual meeting decisions and how they impact your NERC compliance program. Read key highlights here. - Published: 2020-09-17 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/fercmeetinghighlights/ - Categories: News Today the FERC held a virtual open meeting and issued a variety of orders, rules, and inquiries. Below are highlights of items that will be of interest to your NERC Reliability Standards compliance staff. Electric Reliability Organization Proposal to Retire Requirements in Reliability Standards Under the NERC Standards Efficiency Review Today’s ruling by the Commission falls short of the originally proposed 74 Reliability Requirements that NERC and the Standard Efficiency Review Team proposed back in 2019. The Commission only approved 18 requirements for retirement. They also approved the associated violation risk factors, violation severity levels, implementation plan, and effective dates proposed by NERC. The final rule will be effective on December 14, 2020. The following four Reliability Standards will be eliminated in their entirety: FAC-013-2: Assessment of Transfer Capability for the Near-Term Transmission Planning Horizon INT-004-3. 1: Dynamic Transfers INT-010-2. 1: Interchange Initiation and Modification for Reliability MOD-020-0: Providing Interruptible Demands and Direct Control Load Management Data to System Operators and Reliability Coordinators Individual Reliability Requirements will be retired as follows: TOP-001-4 Requirements R19 and R22 requiring TOPs and BAs, respectively, to fulfil specific operational responsibilities by having data exchange capabilities with other entities. IRO-002-6 Requirement R1 requiring RCs to fulfill specific operational responsibilities by having data exchange capabilities with other entities. PRC-004-5(i) Requirement R4 requiring TOs, GOs, and DPs to continue investigating the cause(s) of an identified Misoperation at least once every two full calendar quarters after the date the Misoperation was first identified until the investigation is concluded... --- > Managing industry updates from NERC can be exhausting; PCS's Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal (SCIP) can ease the process. Read more about it here. - Published: 2020-09-16 - Modified: 2024-12-14 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/meet-scip/ - Categories: News Managing industry updates from NERC and the Regions can be a time-consuming effort. Let Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) do the work for you with a subscription to our Standards Compliance Intelligence Portal (SCIP), an effective and efficient solution that provides you and your team with a tool to monitor and manage the constantly changing regulatory requirements that are applicable to your NERC registrations. SCIP is a user-friendly application developed and managed by the Reliability Compliance professionals at PCS. SCIP includes all available content of new standards development, as well as any changes being made to existing standards. PCS updates to SCIP include monthly changes in the regulatory environment, along with specific recommendations from our Subject Matter Experts regarding your entity’s compliance initiatives. In addition, SCIP is a timesaving way to stay up-to-date with industry news and developments that only apply to your registrations, thereby simplifying how your organization manages compliance. SCIP content includes the following categories and resources: SCIP content includes the following categories and resources: Entity Dashboard showing action dates and project updates made in the last 30 days FERC Approved Projects NERC Standards Developments Regional Standards Developments Archived Projects for Access to Historical Information Industry News, meetings, workshops and outreach Enforceable Standards, including requirement language, measures, VRFs, VSLs, penalty ranges, links to the standard documents, implementation plans, RSAWs, Regional criteria, and guidance documents Content of the Approved Projects and Standards Development include: Effective and other pertinent dates Enforcement notes, descriptions of changes, action dates, impacts and recommendations... --- > Welcome Andrew Gallo to PCS as Director of Compliance Consulting. Learn about his legal and regulatory experience in utility compliance. - Published: 2020-08-16 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-adds-andrew-gallo-to-its-compliance-staff/ - Categories: News Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS), recognized throughout the industry for its excellence in North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards compliance consulting services, is pleased to announce the addition of Andrew Gallo, JD, CCEP to its staff as Director, Compliance Consulting. Andrew joins PCS after spending almost eleven years with Austin Energy (AE) in Austin, Texas, where he stood up the compliance program and, most recently, served as Director, Corporate Compliance Programs. He has led eight full audits concerning compliance with the NERC Standards and/or ERCOT regulatory requirements and one TO/TOP recertification when AE set up a new control center. The companies he represented received significant positive feedback from the audit teams involved in those audits. Andrew will use that experience and understanding of the NERC Standards, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Protocols, Operating Guides and Other Binding Documents, and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) substantive rules to assist entities throughout North America in meeting various compliance requirements. Crystal Musselman, PCS President & CEO, had this to say about Andrew joining the PCS team: “After we posted the position, we were excited when Andrew responded. Several of our team members have known Andrew for a decade or more. He brings an extensive background in NERC compliance and specific expertise in Texas RE, ERCOT and PUCT matters. I’m sure he will hit the ground running. ” Before joining AE, Andrew was the first Chief Compliance Officer for Seattle City Light (SCL) where he created the company’s compliance... --- > Is the electric grid ready for automation? Read expert insights from PCS leadership on the future of grid management and compliance. - Published: 2020-07-27 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/is-the-grid-on-autopilot/ - Categories: News Can the electric grid operate without people? PCS Vice President & Managing Partner, Francis Esselman, recently shared a conversation he had regarding the current pandemic and his thoughts about the individuals that are working 24/7 to keep the electric grid safe, secure, and reliable. We thought it was important to share this with the industry in support of all the individuals who contribute to this daily effort. Below is a post from Francis regarding his conversation. I was recently discussing the pandemic with my neighbor when he posed a question that got me thinking. Our conversation was a normal, neighborly chat, and because he knows I provide consulting services to the utility industry, he asked about the effect of Covid-19 on the electric grid. As the conversation went on, he eventually asked, “The electric system is pretty much on autopilot, isn’t it? ” I wanted to explain how complicated the electric delivery system is and how, although challenged by the situation, thousands of utility employees continue to make sure he has power for his home and the businesses he relies on. Thinking better of it, I replied that we should talk about that over a beer sometime. As I left, his question resonated. Autopilot? That’s an interesting concept, but unfortunately, there’s no such switch to throw when it comes to the perpetual delivery of electricity, gas, and other utilities that are used by hundreds of millions of people in the world! For the past several months we’ve been reminded on... --- > Check out the guiding principles PCS offers for consideration in managing your NERC Compliance Program for recordkeeping practices. View here. - Published: 2020-07-21 - Modified: 2025-01-15 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/nerc-recordkeeping/ - Categories: News PCS supports NERC’s guidance on designing and implementing a robust framework for managing evidence to demonstrate compliance with the Reliability Standards. This is vital to the overall effectiveness of a Registered Entity’s NERC Compliance Program. Below are some guiding principles PCS offers for consideration in managing your NERC Compliance Program. Produce Quality Evidence Implement practices to ensure appropriate audit evidence records are developed. Establish internal controls, actionable processes, and procedures that, when implemented, naturally produce the evidence needed to demonstrate compliance to the given Standard requirement(s). Ensure policies and procedures are formalized with a consistent look and feel that contain a document title, authorizing signature(s), effective dates, version levels, revision history, definitions, or purpose statement. When a requirement contains a performance-related task, PCS recommends it be documented. Implement practices to ensure records are appropriately dated and timestamped. If emails are used as evidence, ensure they are saved in a text-searchable format. Request acknowledgment from parties to whom you are submitting the required information. Maintain the acknowledgment from the receiving party with your submittal record. Establish a Secure Evidence Repository Ensure records are regularly backed-up and stored in a secured environment. Implement controls to ensure records are unable to be accidentally deleted. Implement measures to protect and restrict access to Critical Energy/Electric Infrastructure Information (CEII) data and applicable Bulk Electric System Cyber System data that are required to be encrypted in storage and during transit. Implement Evidence Retention Practices Implement practices for adhering to the evidence retention requirements typically addressed in... --- > PCS is celebrating a decade of providing exceptional NERC consulting services to various organizations and only aims to improve and excel. Read more here. - Published: 2020-07-14 - Modified: 2024-12-14 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/10year/ - Categories: News The team at Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) is celebrating its ten year milestone anniversary as a nationwide NERC Reliability Standards Compliance Consulting Services firm. With their extensive knowledge and experience in the power industry and managing NERC Reliability Standards compliance, PCS owners Crystal Musselman, Francis Esselman, Mitchell Needham, and Ryan Carlson established PCS on July 2, 2010, with the purpose and goal of providing exceptional services and sound advice. Joining them on that same day were colleagues Dale Zahn and Anita Swanson. These six individual are proud to be the foundation of the decade of success being celebrated by PCS. Crystal Musselman, President and CEO reflected on the history of PCS stating, “I take great pride in the company we have built and the excellent team of individuals that are an integral part of our firm. One of our first projects was to provide technical writing and collaborate with Subject Matter Experts at a large ISO to rewrite their NERC compliance program. From that very first project, we firmly established and have maintained a reputation as one of the leading consulting firms for both Operations and Planning (O&P) and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Reliability Standards compliance. ” Francis Esselman, Vice President and Managing Partner noted, “As a matter of fact, that program and PCS’ concept and approach that compliance documentation and evidence should reflect actual operations is still being used by that ISO today. We’ve continued to use this approach and have received positive feedback and recognition by several... --- > FERC issued a notice of inquiry on "Potential Enhancements to the Critical Infrastructure Protection Reliability Standards." View in detail here. - Published: 2020-07-01 - Modified: 2024-12-14 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/noi-cip-standard-enhancements/ - Categories: News On June 18, 2020, FERC issued a Notice of Inquiry titled “Potential Enhancements to the Critical Infrastructure Protection Reliability Standards”. In the inquiry, FERC seeks comment on certain potential enhancements to the currently effective CIP Standards, including cybersecurity risks pertaining to data security, detection of anomalies and events, and mitigation of cybersecurity events along with the potential risk of a coordinated cyberattack on geographically distributed targets. FERC inquiries often give the electric industry insight into what is coming in future FERC directives for new or modified Standards. One of the significant items contained in this inquiry is the following language: “The Commission seeks comment on the need to address the risk of a coordinated cyberattack on the bulk electric system, as well as potential approaches to address the matter, such as voluntary or mandatory participation in grid exercises, other types of training to prepare for a coordinated attack, and modifications to the current applicability thresholds in Reliability Standard CIP-002-5. 1a that would subject additional facilities to the CIP controls that apply to medium and/or high impact BES Cyber Assets. ” It appears that FERC is considering directing our industry to modify CIP-002 impact assessment criteria in order to classify more low impact BCS facilities as medium impact BCS and possibly some medium impact BCS facilities as high impact BCS. The timing on this notice is interesting, as NERC just recently submitted the CIP-002-6 draft Standard to FERC for consideration. The submitted CIP-002-6 draft Standard adds an additional criterion that will... --- > Learn about CMEP guidance for facility ratings and system limits. Prepare for audits and enhance compliance readiness with PCS support. - Published: 2020-06-19 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/cmep-facility-ratings/ - Categories: News On June 17, 2020, NERC published a Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program (CMEP) Practice Guide addressing the evaluation of Facility Ratings and System Operating Limits. As most registered entities are aware, NERC has been publishing compliance guidance documents following the approval of its Compliance Guidance Policy in November of 2015. NERC’s Policy includes two types of guidance: 1) Implementation Guidance, which provides guidance and examples to registered entities regarding possible methods for implementing standards to achieve and demonstrate compliance; and 2) CMEP Practice Guides, which provide direction to NERC and Regional Auditors on approaches to carry out compliance monitoring and enforcement activities and evaluate a registered entity’s compliance with a Standard. In other words, CMEP Practice Guides provide a road map of what auditors will review to determine a registered entity’s compliance with a particular Reliability Standard or set of Standards. The June 17 CMEP Practice Guide is titled “ERO Enterprise CMEP Practice Guide Evaluation of Facility Ratings and System Operating Limits” and focuses on multiple Reliability Standards related to Facility Ratings and System Operating Limits, including FAC-008, FAC-011, FAC-014, TOP-001 and TOP-002. Key areas of emphasis in this document include the following: Consistency of Ratings across Databases and across Planning/Operating Systems Dynamic Facility Ratings Applicability (and limits) of Design Ratings Field Verification of Equipment Impact of Controls (with an emphasis on Change Management) Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) strongly encourages registered entities to closely review this CMEP Practice Guide, both to improve their current program and in advance of... --- > Explore PCS updates on voltage relay compliance standards. Stay informed and aligned with evolving regulatory expectations. - Published: 2020-06-17 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/voltagerelaycompliance/ - Categories: News For electric system reliability, generators should remain connected to the grid during defined frequency and voltage excursions. In order to do so, Bulk Electric System Generators are required to set any installed frequency or voltage protective relays in accordance with NERC Reliability Standard PRC-024-2. The standard includes charts and settings parameters that define the “No Trip Zone” for setting the relays. While the frequency relay settings verification is mostly straightforward, for voltage relays, the verification of compliance is not that simple. The voltage relay “No Trip Zone” in Requirement 2 of the Standard is based upon the Point of Interconnection (POI). Distance and impedances between the POI and the voltage relay trip point location must be factored in the evaluation of settings compliance. Also, any volts per hertz relays have to be evaluated for both frequency and voltage settings. To assist registered entities in evaluating voltage relay settings compliance, NERC has published a very good compliance guidance document titled, “PRC-024 R2 Generator Frequency and Voltage Protective Relay Settings”. This document is located on NERC’s website at https://www. nerc. com/pa/comp/guidance/Pages/default. aspx under the ERO Enterprise-Endorsed Implementation Guidance heading. Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) recommends registered entities review the guidance document prior to evaluating their generator voltage relay settings. For new generating facility construction, engineering teams or contractors should reference the guidance document when determining coordinated relay settings. If you have questions or need assistance with your PRC-024-2 compliance or other NERC compliance concerns, PCS can help. Please contact Dale Zahn at... --- > The importance of Facility Rating and FAC-008 compliance has been confirmed by NERC and the Regional Entities for BES Grid Reliability. Read details here! - Published: 2020-06-12 - Modified: 2024-09-17 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/reactive-resources-impact-generator-facility-ratings/ - Categories: News Through audits, webinars, workshops and a variety of communications, NERC and the Regional Entities have made it clear to the industry that Facility Ratings and FAC-008 compliance are important to BES Grid Reliability. Registered Entities have instituted better controls, such as improved Change Management, third-party Mock Audits, multiple levels of reviews, and Facility walkdowns to better ensure Facility Ratings are accurate. In theory, rating your generation Facility seems pretty straightforward. Include every electrical component from the generator to the point of interconnection in the ratings documentation and analysis. However, not every Facility is the same, or quite that simple. In recent conversations with PCS, an auditor from a Regional Entity spoke of a compliance gap that their auditors are seeing more frequently, in particular in the Facility Ratings for renewable generation Facilities. Because of their grid location and the need for Voltage Support capabilities, many renewable generation resources are required to install additional reactive resources, such as capacitor banks or DVAR banks, as a part of the Generation Interconnection Agreement. Compliance audits are finding that the reactive resources may not be included in the Facility Ratings on a consistent basis. The total MVA output capabilities of a generation Facility must be considered in the Facility Ratings. This includes the generator output and the potential output of any reactive resources that are a part of the generation Facility. Even if control systems limit the total MVA output of the generation Facility, any reactive resources in the Facility must be a part... --- > In view of Covid-19, the NERC has extended the date for NERC CIP-013 Standard implementation for entities. To avoid the pressure, PCS can help. Call now. - Published: 2020-06-04 - Modified: 2022-01-31 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/cip-013-now/ - Categories: News With the COVID-19 impact on our nation, NERC has delayed the enforcement date of CIP-013 to October 1, 2020, allowing entities an extra three months to prepare their Supply Chain Cyber Security Risk Management programs. Even with the extra three months, the tasks associated with preparing a program to meet compliance with CIP-013 can be quite extensive. If you have not started on your program, PCS recommends you begin as soon as possible in order to be better prepared to address gaps and issues prior to the compliance deadline. We understand many entities have found that their programs may meet the minimum requirements per the letter of the standard, but are not as seamless as they predicted. Entities are also finding value in providing training and awareness workshops to address their programs and educate their colleagues regarding the expectations and changes that are coming within their organization. PCS has had the pleasure of working with utilities that have some very creative approaches to meeting both the letter and spirit of the CIP-013 standard, as well as the CIP-005 and CIP-010 changes. Now is a great time to have PCS assist you in the preparation or completion of your program. We are also available to perform a compliance second look, prepare training and awareness tools, or conduct an efficiency and effectiveness review of your program. Let our experienced team bring creative and efficient ideas to your organization and help you move forward with confidence. For more information, check out our website... --- > FERC proposes retiring 74 NERC requirements. PCS monitors these changes and helps you navigate regulatory shifts effectively. - Published: 2020-05-28 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/ferc-proposes-to-approve-retirement-of-74-nerc-standard-requirements/ - Categories: News The industry has been anxiously awaiting the outcome of the work that was completed during the 2019 Standards Efficiency Review initiative. On June 7, 2019, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) filed several petitions with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) to retire 77 requirements from various Reliability Standards that were identified during Phase 1 of the initiative. This is the largest retirement of requirements since FERC issued Order 788 in 2013 for the 34 requirements retired in association with Paragraph 81. During Phase 1 of the Standards Efficiency Review, NERC assembled several working teams to identify potential compliance monitoring and enforcement efficiencies that could be achieved following the retirement or modification of various requirements from the INT, FAC, PRC, and MOD Reliability Standards families. Francis Esselman from PCS was an active contributor and team member of the Phase 1 reviews. Each working team used a defined risk-based methodology to identify requirements that provided little to no reliability benefit, supported the administration of existing commercial or business practices, or were deemed redundant with other Reliability Standards. Following its review of the various petitions, the commission issued a notice of proposed rule-making on January 23, 2020, in which it proposed to approve the retirement of 74 of the 77 requirements. Of those three remaining requirements, the Commission proposed to remand the retirement of R2 of Reliability Standard VAR-001-5 based on concerns that no other obligations for Transmission Operators to schedule reactive resources in real-time would exist. In response to this,... --- > Understand growing scrutiny around BES facility ratings. Learn what you need to know about recent updates and implications for compliance. - Published: 2020-05-13 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/increased-scrutiny-of-bes-facility-ratings/ - Categories: News Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) monitors and tracks FERC, NERC and Regional activities on a daily basis, including violations and industry discussions. Along with this, we also observe and take note of auditor activities when assisting our clients with their compliance audits. One of the NERC Reliability Standards that continues to be a focus of audits is FAC-008-3 – Facility Ratings. NERC violation tracking shows us that the number of FAC-008 violations has trended downward in recent years; however, because Facility Ratings are fundamental inputs to accurate planning and reliable operations, and because violations are still occurring, NERC continues to closely audit FAC-008-3 requirements. During recent years, NERC has increased their scrutiny of Facility Ratings to better verify Registered Entities are accurately identifying and rating their BES elements. As a part of audit activities, NERC and/or Regional auditors across North America are now routinely including a physical walkdown of selected facilities (substations and generators) in their on-site audit processes. What are auditors looking to verify? The auditors are trying to verify that every single element in series in the Facility or Circuit is documented accurately in the Registered Entities’ Facility Rating processes. That includes every line, jumper, bus, breaker, transformer, disconnect or other element. What are auditors finding? Typical findings are connectors that may not be listed or jumpers, busses or lines that may be listed incorrectly. How can a Registered Entity be better prepared and ensure their Facility Ratings are accurately documented? PCS offers the following suggestions to help... --- > Get a summary of the executive order to secure the U.S. Bulk-Power System. Review recommended policies and regulatory considerations. - Published: 2020-05-08 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/executive-order-summary/ - Categories: News On May 1st, 2020, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order on Securing the United States Bulk-Power System, declaring a national emergency with respect to threats that are manifesting, via physical and cyber, from acquisitions sourced in whole or part outside the United States. The Secretary of Energy is directed establish a task force to design and institute criteria, rules and regulations to reduce risk to the Bulk Energy System, through risk assessments focused on identifying foreign adversaries, or persons controlled by or subject to jurisdiction of foreign adversaries. Within 150 days of this order, the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the DoD, DHS, ODNI, DOI, OMB and other agencies will recommend policies, procedures, rules or regulations to implement supply chain procurement controls, guidance or restrictions on acquisitions in support of this order. The goal of which is to identify bulk-power system electric equipment, developed or manufactured, that poses an undue risk of sabotage or subversion that can cause catastrophic damage to the security and resiliency of US critical infrastructure. Additionally, equipment that is current in operation, that would be subject to restriction, needs to be isolated, monitored or replaced as soon as practicable, while managing overall risk to the bulk-power system. --- > Get confidence in your complaint standards with a professional third-party GAP analysis service. View online and consult with PCS experts today. - Published: 2020-04-29 - Modified: 2021-10-29 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/the-benefits-of-a-third-party-gap-analysis/ - Categories: News Confidence for most Corporate Managers begins with trusting those tasked with company regulatory compliance. Confidence with certainty is a step beyond that, which is often accomplished by adding a fresh set of eyes to assess the program from an outside/audit perspective. PCS offers and performs Gap Analysis services as a cost effective way to provide both confidence and verification to those managing NERC Reliability Standards compliance, as well as to their Corporate Management. Gap Analysis Services We can conduct a Gap Analysis of any number of Reliability Standard for your Organization, from one Standard to every Standard applicable to your NERC registrations. Clients typically provide completed Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets (RSAWs) and the associated evidence/documentation necessary to prove compliance with each applicable requirement and sub-requirement. For each Reliability Standard included in the project, our team conducts an in-depth review of the responses provided in each RSAW and the associated compliance documentation/evidence and, following each requirement review, records comments on completeness, as well as suggestions for any areas requiring gap closure. PCS reviews an Entity’s compliance demonstration capability based upon the items listed below. Completeness, proper application, and organization of the compliance documentation including: Policies Procedures RSAWs Previous filings made to the Region Supporting Compliance Evidence Evidence requested by the Standard Following the reviews, we develop a requirement-by-requirement report. The report details the Standard requirements, and if needed, sub-requirements reviewed, and the completeness of the documentation and evidence provided. PCS’ opinion of the Entity’s current compliance efforts are organized by Standard... --- > PCS remains fully staffed and available to support your needs for NERC compliance in these uncertain times of Covid. We are happy to help. Connect today. - Published: 2020-03-23 - Modified: 2024-12-14 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/pcs-enhanced-services-and-assistance-in-response-to-the-covid-19-crisis/ - Categories: News A Message from Crystal Musselman, Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. AT PCS, we understand the challenges that many entities are facing to maintain the reliability of the BES during this time of social distancing, working from home, quarantine, and for many, sheltering in place. As you know, PCS is a virtual organization with employees working from home offices throughout the U. S. Everyone at PCS is healthy and we continue to perform our work from each of our offices. With the exception of on-site engagements being postponed, we are conducting “business as usual” while supporting our families and communities where we can, and following the rules and/or orders set forth by each of our governors and those in authority that are working to stop the spread of COVID-19. PCS wants to assure you that we remain fully staffed and available to support your needs for both NERC compliance and as you navigate changes to your work environment and the challenges that accompany those changes. Although we know many of your work situations are temporary, we also know that the unknown length of time before things are back to normal can cause you concern and may be overwhelming at times. We’re also aware that working from home during this time isn’t a typical experience right now. Many of you have children out of school, other individuals in your household also working from home, stores and services closed, and not a lot of privacy. PCS has been successfully operating a virtual company for... --- > Check out the summary of PRC-005-6, which includes definitions and regulations and is currently mandatory and enforceable for TO, GO, and DP's. - Published: 2019-08-14 - Modified: 2022-09-13 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-instructing-at-the-october-2019-euci-nerc-courses/ - Categories: News Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) is pleased to announce that Ryan Carlson, CISSP-PSP and Mitchell E. Needham, P. E. will be the instructors for the EUCI “NERC Fundamentals and Compliance” and “NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection” courses in Atlanta, Georgia on October 15-17, 2019. Understanding how to comply with the NERC Reliability Standards often creates anxiety for many newcomers, as companies hire them into new operational environments where the expectation also includes the application of compliance protocols. Likewise, personnel who have been in the compliance arena for some time can also experience anxiety because the rules are constantly changing, and their concerns heighten over missing those changes and/or knowing how to apply them. Ryan and Mitchell bring an extensive history of the industry and both NERC CIP and O&P compliance knowledge to these classes. Understanding and instructing on the interpretation of the standards, vetted by years of real-time operations and compliance work and successful regional audits strengthens Ryan’s and Mitchell’s ability to help attendees understand best practice methods for accomplishing their work effectively and efficiently. Ryan has over 25 years of experience in Cyber Security, IT project management, network system engineering, and network/server system administration. His career has been devoted exclusively to assisting clients with their NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) compliance program needs since 2008. Ryan has conducted hundreds of CIP mock audit/gap analysis projects over the last 10 years and participated in dozens of regional CIP audits as an expert advisor, observer, and embedded Subject Matter Expert. He is... --- > Check out the new CYPRES report published by FERC & NERC, emphasizing the best practices for the electric utility industry. Please click here to read. - Published: 2019-07-31 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/breaking-down-the-silos-affecting-your-nerc-reliability-compliance-program/ - Categories: News Are business unit silos affecting your NERC reliability compliance program? Here are some tips for improving your reliability culture, and breaking down silos in your organization. What are silos, you say? As they pertain to the business environment, the Merriam Webster dictionary defines a silo as “an isolated grouping, department, etc. , that functions apart from others, especially in a way seen as hindering communication and cooperation. ” (2019 Merriam-Webster, Inc. ) Performing work in a siloed environment can exhaust an organization’s already limited resources and efforts. Narrow or conflicting objectives between business units and duplication of resources and effort can increase the overall risk to bulk power system reliability and introduce unnecessary added costs to your organization. Learning to improve the sharing and coordination between business units and developing some common and consistent goals for everyone involved in NERC reliability compliance efforts is something that will benefit your entire organization well into the future. Unfortunately, communication and cooperation does not occur naturally without the role of senior management facilitating and promoting information sharing and coordination between business units. Improving a siloed culture begins with the tone at the top. Listed below are five helpful steps for breaking down the silos in your organization: Work with your senior leadership to develop a cross-functional team between business units to share information, collaborate on approach and solutions, and coordinate NERC related activities. An overall team administrator is recommended, along with a team lead from each business unit. Develop cross-functional team goals and... --- > Deadline for CIP-003-7 compliance is approaching. PCS can help you prepare required documentation and ensure audit readiness. - Published: 2019-07-29 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/january-2020-deadline-approaching-for-compliance-with-nerc-reliability-standard-cip-003-7/ - Categories: News Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) reminds Registered Entities that the deadline of January 1, 2020 is fast approaching for transitioning their North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) compliance programs to meet the latest version of CIP-003. As the deadline swiftly approaches for transitioning CIP compliance programs to the meet the new CIP-003-7 cyber security standard requirements, entities will need to document and implement some important changes. As part of this transition, each program must now incorporate the following: Policy statements for: 1. Transient Cyber Assets and Removable Media malicious code risk mitigation. 2. Declaring and responding to CIP Exceptional Circumstances. In addition, entities are required to: 1. Document and implement a Physical Security Controls Plan to protect their low impact BCS and the Cyber Assets, providing electronic access controls for those devices to only those personnel who are deemed to need access. 2. Document and implement an Electronic Access Controls Plan. 3. Document all necessary inbound and outbound electronic access for any communications that meet all of the following criteria: Between a low impact BCS and a Cyber Asset outside the low impact facility Using a routable protocol when entering or leaving the low impact facility Not used for real-time sensitive protection or control functions between intelligent electronic devices (note that SCADA communications are not to be considered “real-time sensitive”) 4. Document and implement a Transient Cyber Asset and Removable Media Plan to mitigate the risk of malicious code to low impact BCS. PCS believes that... --- > It's been 9 years of our exemplary service to the entities, delivering quality NERC O&P & CIP Compliance Consulting. Connect with us today. - Published: 2019-07-10 - Modified: 2024-12-14 - URL: https://www.provencompliance.com/news/proven-compliance-solutions-inc-pcs-celebrates-nine-years-of-nerc-op-cip-compliance-consulting-services/ - Categories: News Proven Compliance Solutions Inc. (PCS) is celebrating its nine year anniversary in the field of NERC Reliability Compliance Consulting. PCS has firmly established itself as one of the leading compliance consultants in both the (FERC Order 693) Operations and Planning (O&P) Reliability Standards and the (FERC Order 706) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Reliability Standards. PCS was formed in July of 2010 by a team of seasoned electric industry technical experts, former NERC and Regional auditors, and compliance management professionals. PCS services include audit support and preparation, compliance assessments, mock audits, gap analyses, internal controls, staff training, due diligence support, development and implementation of reliability compliance documentation, including Internal Compliance Programs, and on-call reliability compliance expertise. PCS supports clients in all regions in both the US and Canada. PCS supports Registered Entities of all shapes and sizes from small generating sites to the largest Utilities and Reliability Coordinators/Independent System Operators in North America. PCS clients have received and continue to receive the same excellent care, attention to detail, and timely responses year after year. When asked about PCS’ support, a long time client responded: “The staff at PCS is very easy to work with. They are very knowledgeable; they give the right advice, and are available when we need their guidance. ” Crystal Musselman, PCS President and CEO stated: “It is hard to believe how fast the past nine years have come and gone. We have seen an emergence of wind and solar generation that require NERC compliance program support, which... --- --- ## Landing Pages --- ## Elementor Header & Footer Builder ---