WECC News

^New November 13 Wyoming Disturbance

On November 13, 2025, a cascading outage of dozens of transmission lines led to the loss of more than 1 GW of load and 4.5 GW of generation within seconds, leaving roughly 250,000 customers in four states without power for hours.

To understand the underlying causes and contributing factors, WECC and NERC worked with the entities involved to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the incident. This report outlines the observations of that analysis, providing details of the disturbance, contributing factors, and actions to be considered to prevent a similar event. 

WECC and NERC will hold a webinar on June 16 at 11 a.m. MDT to provide an overview of the Wyoming Disturbance Report. Details in Upcoming Events below.

Read the report

^New Additional Survey on Alternative Electro-Chemical-Based Energy Storage

WECC recently sent out a survey to gauge how many entities are using alternative electro-chemical-based energy storage systems. The responses were limited and did not provide us with an understanding of the current impact of installed alternative electro-chemical-based energy storage systems on the Western Interconnection.

To help us better understand the use of alternative electro-chemical-based storage systems in the Western Interconnection, we ask that all Category 1 and 2 Generator Owners and Transmission Owners complete this brief survey by June 30.



Preview questions

Take the survey

^New WECC Board of Directors Meeting Summary

WECC held its board of directors and associated committees meetings June 9–10 in Salt Lake City, in both closed and open sessions.

During these meetings, the board approved:

• 2028 board meeting dates
• Antitrust Policy
• 2027 Business Plan and Budget
• 2025 Audited Financial Statements
• 2026 September meeting changes based on bylaw revisions
• 2027 off-site meeting locations for March and September

Additional updates from the meeting include:

• Ken DeFontes, NERC trustee, attended and addressed the board.
• The technical session focused on the November 13, 2025, Wyoming Disturbance.
• The September 2026 board of directors meeting open session will be held virtually; the board will focus its time on a strategic session.
• WECC will be moving its March and September 2027 board of directors meetings to an off-site location within the Western Interconnection. The meetings will a focus on stakeholder engagement.
• Updates were given on the WREGIS software development and separation activities.

Review materials from the board meeting.

Western Interconnection Weekly Wildfire Update

Stay up to date on wildfire risks by reviewing our Weekly Wildfire Update. This report provides a high-level summary of potential threats to the bulk power system due to current wildfires and conditions.

View the Weekly Wildfire Update

Upcoming Events

^New November 13 Wyoming Disturbance Review

June 16, 11 a.m.–noon MDT

WECC and NERC will host a webinar on June 16 at 11 a.m. MDT to present the November 13 Wyoming Disturbance report. The report details the November 13, 2025, event, when cascading outages of dozens of transmission lines caused major power outages, affecting 250,000 customers in four states.

Branden Sudduth, vice president of reliability and performance analysis at WECC, will introduce the discussion. James Hanson, manager, operations analysis at WECC, and Rich Bauer, principal engineer for event analysis at NERC, will share highlights from the report.

Learn more

Reliability Fundamentals

June 23–25, Salt Lake City, Utah

Join us for our three-day Reliability Fundamentals Workshop. This workshop is designed especially for registered entity staff who play a role in compliance, risk management, or reliability for your organization. By bringing together the core components of the compliance program into a single, structured experience, the workshop establishes clear expectations, reinforces risk management obligations, and delivers relevant guidance for registered entity teams.

In-person space is limited, and priority will be given to newly registered entities.

June 23–25, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. MDT

Register

Read the full announcement

Risk Management Program Virtual Town Hall

July 8, 10 a.m.–noon MDT

Join us for our Risk Management Program Virtual Town Hall. Those engaged in the electricity industry are encouraged to attend. Collaboration across the industry is vital to address risks within the interconnection. Industry input will help shape the region’s reliability priorities.



Learn more

^New Future of Path Ratings in the Western Interconnection

July 23, Salt Lake City, Utah

Join us for an in-person meeting to discuss the future of the Path Rating Process and transfer capability methodologies in the Western Interconnection. This event will bring together planners and stakeholders to:

• Explore the Path Rating Process in light of evolving industry practices
• Build a shared understanding of reliability and commercial aspects
• Examine and compare traditional path rating and flow-based methodologies
• Brainstorm strategies for the future of transmission planning

This meeting is part of WECC’s ongoing effort to ensure that any changes to the Path Rating Process align with industry needs and the region’s reliability and security goals. Stakeholders who use path ratings, participate in the process, or work with flow-based methods are encouraged to attend and contribute to shaping the next chapter of transmission planning in the West.

July 23, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. MDT



Learn more

Power Systems Security Conference

August 11–13, Salt Lake City, Utah

Our fourth annual Power Systems Security Conference will address urgent security challenges and offer recommended solutions to advance the protection of the Western Interconnection.

The event will provide a unique platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional networking.

August 11–13, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. MDT

Register

Grid Fundamentals

August 18–19, Salt Lake City, Utah

This in-person training will provide an overview of the electric power system. Participants will explore how the grid works and the principles behind its operation and regulation. Each day will deliver insight into the technology, operations, and markets underlying a modern, reliable power grid. The course will also address reliability risks and challenges facing today's electric grid.

August 18, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. MDT

August 19, 9 a.m.–noon MDT

Register

Time to Act

MSPP Implementation Informal Comment Period

The informal comment period is open through June 17.

Take the survey to submit comments

View the draft updates

Security Guideline: Synchrophasor Systems and Data Posted for Comments

The comment period is open through June 18, 5 p.m. EDT.

Use the comment matrix to submit comments

Read the guideline

Large Loads Level 3 Essential Action Alert Response

The deadline for registered entities to submit responses is August 3.

Read the alert