The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a final rule to update its regulations by incorporating the latest standards (Version 004) for business practices and communication protocols for public utilities. These standards, developed by the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB), aim to enhance consistency in utility operations and bolster cybersecurity. FERC requires utilities to make compliance filings by June 27, 2025, and to implement cybersecurity standards by February 27, 2026, with the remaining standards by August 27, 2026. The rule ensures public utilities adhere to updated practices that support reliable and secure energy systems.
Simple Explanation
The government made new rules to help energy companies, like the ones that give us electricity, work better and safer. They need to follow these rules by certain dates, and while bigger companies might find it easier to do, smaller ones might struggle a bit with the costs and all the strange words in the rules.