Electric Reliability
Troutman Sanders has represented and advised utilities before the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Western Electricity Coordinating Council, SERC Reliability Corporation (SERC), Texas Reliability Entity (TRE) and ReliabilityFirst Corporation (RFC) on the entire range of compliance and enforcement activities, as well as drafting comments on proposed modifications to the NERC Rules of Procedure, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program and other reliability coordination proposals.
Our Team In addition to the attorneys with extensive FERC expertise, Matthew McVee brings a detailed understanding of the Regional Entity Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Process, NERC Rules of Procedure and the relationships between Regional Entities, NERC, and FERC. As General Counsel with WECC, Mr. McVee represented that organization during three investigations of WECC’s Reliability Coordinator by FERC and NERC, and through FERC’s audit of WECC as the Regional Entity. He also advised the WECC Compliance Department and participated in discussions between the Regional Entities and NERC regarding process improvements and the development of reliability standards. His unique understanding of the reliability standards and system operations can provide post-event analysis, while his experience at WECC allows for insight into the specific enforcement risks. Other firm attorneys also have represented and advised clients in compliance audits and enforcement actions in other NERC regions (including SERC, RFC and TRE) from preparation through the final settlement negotiations, significantly reducing the compliance exposure of those clients.
Recent highlights include:
- Provided counsel and advice to electric utilities regarding the establishment and enforcement of new mandatory NERC reliability standards associated with the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
- Provided counsel and assistance with numerous utility audits and investigations by NERC, Regional Entities and FERC’s Office of Enforcement regarding compliance with NERC reliability standards.
- Advised on the development of a compliance program implementing mandatory NERC national and regional reliability standards.