Center for Security Policy Challenges FERC on US Power Grid Protection Standards
The Center for Security Policy and the Secure the Grid Coalition filed a complaint with FERC, urging action on GIC protection. The complaint demands NERC assess America's power system against ground-induced currents (GICs) per international standards and enable full cost recovery for utilities. The current GIC protection standards are considered inadequate, posing significant risks to the grid from solar activity and potential EMP attacks. The proposed solution includes installing capacitive neutral-blocking devices at high-voltage transformers to mitigate risks.
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The Center for Security Policy and the Secure the Grid Coalition filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) urging the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) to assess the U.S. power grid against ground-induced currents (GICs) at the international standard of 85 V/km. The complaint also seeks to authorize cost recovery for utilities to incentivize necessary actions.
Currently, NERC's GIC protection standard is deemed insufficient, with only 2 V/km recommended for areas like Washington, DC. To protect transformers from GICs, the complaint advocates for the adoption of capacitive neutral-blocking devices, which could cost approximately $4 billion to implement, potentially saving $10 billion annually in damages. Comments on the complaint are due by March 30, 2026.
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