⚡ NERC stands for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation—a nonprofit organization responsible for ensuring the reliability, resilience, and security of the bulk power system across North America.

🧩 What NERC Does

• Develops reliability standards for electric utilities and grid operators
• Monitors compliance and enforces standards across the industry
• Analyzes grid performance and investigates major disturbances
• Certifies system operators to ensure they’re qualified to manage the grid

🌎 Where NERC Operates

NERC oversees the power systems of:

• The contiguous United States
• Canada
• A portion of Baja California, Mexico

It works through six regional entities that help implement standards and monitor reliability at a local level.

🔐 What Is NERC CIP?

The Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards are part of NERC’s efforts to safeguard the grid from cyber and physical threats. These rules cover:

• Access control
• Incident response
• System security
• Personnel training

🏛️ Relationship with FERC

While FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) has regulatory authority, NERC develops and enforces the standards. FERC approves NERC’s reliability rules and oversees its activities.

NERC is like the guardian of North America’s electric grid—making sure the lights stay on and the systems stay secure.