Compliance - United States
Welcome to the WECC Compliance page for the United States. Here, you'll find the most current guidance, documents, processes, contact information, and answers to frequently asked questions related to WECC oversight activities. We encourage Registered Entities to bookmark this page and check back often for the latest updates on WECC oversight.
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and WECC actively monitor, assess, and enforce compliance with Reliability Standards in the United States through the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program (NERC CMEP).
As identified in the NERC CMEP, WECC provides audit oversight for both Critical Infrastructure Protection and Operations and Planning Standards.
These best practices were designed for Registered Entities to help WECC conduct a more effective and efficient review of all Self Reports, Self Certifications, Mitigation Plans and Completed Mitigation Plans.
This Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program (Compliance Program) is the program to be used by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Regional Entities to monitor, assess, and enforce compliance with Reliability Standards within the United States.
Instructions
WECC issues the IRA and COP Survey to registered entities on a rolling basis. Once a registered entity has been scheduled for an IRA and COP, WECC will notify the Primary Compliance Contact that the IRA and COP Survey is available for completion. WECC typically allows 90 days for the registered entity to complete the IRA Survey, unless otherwise specified in WECC’s Request for IRA and COP Survey Response.
Please note the following points when completing the IRA and COP Survey.
- The IRA and COP Survey response should be coordinated through your registered entity’s Primary Compliance Contact or Authorizing Officer, as listed in WebCDMS.
- WECC will accept one IRA and COP Survey response from each registered entity.
- Once you begin filling out the IRA and COP Survey, you may save your work and return at a later time to keep working on the survey. The information stored in your IRA Survey response will remain available under your specific WECC website login only until you complete and submit the form.
- Questions about the IRA and COP process or survey should be directed to [email protected].
- A WECC website login is required to access the IRA and COP Survey web form. If you do not have a WECC.org login, please request one at www.wecc.org. Questions about access to the WECC website should be directed to [email protected] or 1-877-937-9722.
Once the survey is submitted, the information for the survey will be locked until WECC completes the IRA and COP for your entity. If there is a change in information or additional information is required to be submitted, please contact [email protected] to unlock the survey. Do not email confidential or sensitive information.
NERC Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets (RSAWs) can be found and are available for download on NERC's website. If you have specific questions regarding RSAWs associated with an impending compliance audit, please contact Administrative Services at [email protected] or 1-877-937-9722.
The Self-Logging Program allows registered entities to self-log minimal risk noncompliances rather than submit self-reports and their accompanying formal mitigation plans. Self-logged minimal risk noncompliances are presumed to be resolved as compliance exceptions and will receive expedited review.
All registered entity applicants that meet WECC’s self-logging eligibility criteria may be considered for self-logging. Upon receipt of a registered entity’s application, WECC will perform a formal review of the entity’s internal controls using documentation currently in its possession. If more information is needed, WECC will request the registered entity submits additional evidence of its processes for identifying, assessing, and correcting noncompliances. After evaluating the registered entity’s application, WECC will provide a response outlining the basis for its determination to grant or deny self-logging. WECC will continue to work with the registered entity to ensure a proper understanding of the program and its expectations.
For questions about qualification, eligibility, and participation in WECC’s Self-Logging Program, please contact [email protected].
Click here to access the application and information regarding the self-logging program and eligibility criteria.