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NERC Operations & Planning (O&P) Compliance

June 23, 2026 Online :: Central Time

“Best course to understand structures of compliance.” Utilities Engineer, CPUC

Registered entities under the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) continue to navigate the complexities of implementing the NERC reliability standards, maintaining compliance, and responding to enforcement actions. With full audit schedules and penalties reaching as high as $10 million, the stakes remain high. Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards add even greater complexity to this environment.

As new generation and transmission projects continue to be proposed and built, understanding the implications of NERC registration, and the costly, detailed compliance process that follows, has never been more important. A strong compliance program is essential to reduce risk of penalties and to demonstrate a culture of compliance that spans the entire enterprise.

This introductory course provides a foundational overview of NERC Operations & Planning (O&P) standards—such as FAC, PRC, TOP, IRO, and PER—focusing on their purpose, applicability, and the key reliability obligations they place on registered entities. Attendees will learn how to:

  • Utilize proven compliance strategies and processes
  • Organize evidence effectively to prepare for audits
  • Support the development of a culture of compliance and reliability

Participants will leave with the knowledge and tools needed to strengthen compliance programs and navigate the complexities of NERC requirements with greater confidence.

Learning Outcomes

  • Define the role of FERC, NERC, and Regional Entities
  • Review the background for the NERC standards and discuss major recent revisions
  • Explain how regional entities calculate violations
  • Discuss how to comply with the most challenging standards
  • Define a culture of compliance and its importance in the compliance monitoring and enforcement process
  • Examine strategies to build an internal compliance program
  • Examine the NERC Operational & Planning (693) requirements
  • Analyze the audit process and demonstrate strategies for success before, during, and after an audit
  • Review emerging trends in NERC compliance, including:
    • Standards on Physical Security and Supply Chain Management Inverter-Based Resource Registration Impacts
    • Geomagnetic Disturbances FERC Order 881
    • Distributed Energy Resources NERC O&P upcoming standard changes

Register

Please Note: This event is being conducted entirely online. All attendees will connect and attend from their computer, one connection per purchase. For details please see our FAQ

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all attendees for 7 days after the event

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Individual attendee(s)$ 1095.00 each
Volume pricing also available

Individual attendee tickets can be mixed with ticket packs for complete flexibility

Pack of 5 attendees$ 4,655.00 (15% discount)
Pack of 10 attendees$ 8,760.00 (20% discount)
Pack of 20 attendees$ 16,425.00 (25% discount)

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before May 22, 2026 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Agenda

Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Central Time

Online

Log In and Welcome

8:45

Lunch Break

12:00 - 12:30 PM

Adjourn for the day

4:00 PM

8:45 - 9:00 AM

Log In and Welcome

12:00 - 12:30 PM

Lunch Break

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Course Timing

Short breaks will be taken throughout the sessions (30 minutes total throughout the day)

Overview of NERC Reliability Standards and Requirements

  • NERC as the ERO
  • Important definitions used in Reliability Standards
  • Overview of entity registration
  • Standards background and drafting process
  • Results-based standards

NERC Compliance and Enforcement

  • Lessons learned
  • Technical rationale vs. implementation guides
  • Standards efficiency review

Risk-based NERC Compliance Highlights

  • Inherent risk assessment
  • Internal controls evaluation
  • Find, fix, track, and report
  • Sanction guidelines

NERC Compliance in Practice

  • Defining a culture of compliance and building, communicating, and demonstrating a culture of compliance
  • Role of a culture of compliance in mitigation
  • Preparing for an audit: what to do before, during, and after an on-site compliance audit
  • Settlement process
  • Managing documents and evidence
  • Demonstrating a culture of compliance

Instructor

Mr. Smith is an analytical and results-driven NERC CIP specialist bringing along 20+ years of experience with expert understanding of NERC CIP reliability standards, specifically cyber security and network architecture standards. Skillful in developing and implementing successful internal compliance programs that have been tested through numerous audits and certifications in the WECC region as well as RF and NPCC. Proficient in developing CIP programs for Medium and Low impact BES cyber systems, focused on GO/GOP, TO/TOP, and BA entities in the hydro, storage and renewable energy arenas. Mr. Smith is a creative and innovative solution leader developing results based in the NERC CIP, NIST 800, ISO 27000, and corporate business standards. Mr. Smith drives organizations to maintain focus on achieving a solid sustainable cyber security compliance program through preparation of communication documents to promulgate information related to the NERC CIP Reliability Compliance Program. He is a self-driven leader with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment coupled with proficiency to think outside the box as well as effective team working and communication skills.

Eric Smith

Senior Cyber Security Reliability Consultant

Burns & McDonnell

Continuing Education Credits

IACET

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EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 0.6 CEUs for this event

Verify our IACET accreditation

 

Who recognizes IACET Credits?

 

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program 

Participants must sign in/out each day and be in attendance for the entirety of the course to be eligible for continuing education credit.  

Instructional Methods  

PowerPoint presentations will be used in this course.  

CPE

Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Course CPE Credits: 7.0
There is no prerequisite for this Course.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Advanced Preparation: None

CpeEUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org

CLE

Only registered attendees can request CLE credits for an EUCI course/event.  Please email [email protected] prior to the course start date and list the state where you are licensed and your bar# as well as the name and date of your course/event in your request, and someone will be in contact.

Who Should Attend

Utility and contractor/vendor professionals that work with Fossil Fuel Power Generation, Renewable Energy Generation (solar power, wind power, hydroelectric power, or geothermal energy), Transmission Systems, Distribution Systems, Microgrid Systems, and Grid Interconnections.

  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
  • Energy Infrastructure Security Manager
  • Power Plant Manager
  • Grid Operations Manager
  • Transmission System Operator
  • Distribution System Operator
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Compliance Manager
  • Physical Security Manager
  • Risk Manager
  • Control Systems Engineer
  • IT Manager
  • Network Administrator
  • System Operator
  • Cybersecurity Consultant
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Emergency Preparedness Manager
  • Asset Management Analyst
  • Smart Grid Specialist
  • Energy Storage Systems Engineer