Weekly Update

May 11–15, 2026

WECC News

^New Western Interconnection Weekly Wildfire Update

Stay up-to-date on wildfire risks by reviewing the 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 update

Extreme Weather Readiness Assessment

We released the Western Interconnection Extreme Weather Readiness Assessment, a high-level report of the activities of WECC's Assurance Program to date.

The program focuses on extreme weather risks, both cold and hot, within the interconnection. We partner with entities to identify best practices and areas for improvement.

We appreciate those entities that have participated in the Assurance Program and their continued efforts to support reliable operations.

Read the Assessment

Grid Fundamentals

August 18–19

We will be hosting Grid Fundamentals in Salt Lake City. 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 also addresses reliability risks and challenges facing today's electric grid.

Power Systems Security Conference

August 11–13, Salt Lake City, Utah

We are hosting our fourth annual Power Systems Security Conference, dedicated to advancing the protection of the Western Interconnection. This event will address urgent security challenges and offer recommended solutions.

The conference offers a unique platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional networking.

Electrifying Trivia

Which city holds the record for the most electrical firsts?

A New York City

B Boston

C San Francisco

D Cleveland

Time to Act

WECC Business Plan and Budget is Posted for Comment

The 2027 Business Plan and Budget is posted for stakeholder comments. This document contains information about all department budgets. We value constructive feedback and input from our stakeholders, and we encourage you to submit comments by the close of business on Friday, May 15.

We assume that comments submitted by member representatives reflect the position of the entity. All other comments will be considered the views of individual stakeholders.

View the 2027 Business Plan and Budget

Notice of Proposed Revisions to the NERC Rules of Procedure

The comment period is open through May 15.

NERC is proposing revisions to its Rules of Procedure to develop a new registered entity type called Computational Load Entity.

Submit comments

View the proposed changes

Draft Reliability Guidelines Posted for Comments

The comment period is open through May 15.

Submit thoughts, suggestions, and observations

Read the draft guidelines:

Project 2023-06 CIP-014 Risk Assessment Refinement CIP-014-4

The formal comment period is open through May 14, 8 p.m. EDT.

Use the Standards Balloting and Commenting System (SBS) to submit comments

View the Project 2023-06 page on NERC's website

Read the Standards Process Manual

We're Hiring

Join our team as a staff auditor

Apply Now

View other open positions at WECC

ERO Happenings

^New NERC Outlines Recommendations to Mitigate Wildfire Risk

Read

NERC released its report, Reducing the Risk of Wildfire Ignition by the Bulk Power System, which outlines current industry practices and recommendations to mitigate wildfire ignition risk.

The report was developed in response to a directive from FERC and builds on NERC’s Wildfire Mitigation Reference Guide.

View the full announcement

Read NERC's Wildfire Mitigation Reference Guide

^New NERC

Mid-year Meeting Announcements

View Schedule

NERC will host two virtual mid-year meetings:

NERC 2026 Mid-year Technical Session — May 26, 2–4 p.m. EDT
NERC 2026 Mid-year Open Meetings — June 17,
9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. EDT

^New NERC Currently Compliant Podcast, Episode 10

Watch

NERC released the 10th episode of its Currently Compliant podcast, titled "Coordinated Oversight Program."

This episode takes a closer look at the Coordinated Oversight Program and how it helps reduce complexity and administrative burden for multi-region entities.

^New NERC Issues Level 3 Alert

Read

NERC issued a Level 3 Alert, titled Essential Action to Industry, Computational Load Modeling, Studies, Instrumentation, Commissioning, Operations, Protection, and Control.

The alert outlines seven actions registered entities must implement to address immediate risks posed by computational loads interfacing with the BPS.

Read the full announcement

^New NERC Reliability Guideline Posted

Read

NERC released Reliability Guideline: Risk Mitigation for Emerging Large Loads.

The guideline recommends actions for traditional utilities, grid operators, and companies behind emerging large loads to ensure that, as more industrial-scale consumers connect to the grid, they participate in practices that protect grid stability.

Take the effectiveness survey

^New NERC MSPP Industry Webinar and Comment Period

Join

As part of the Modernization of Standards Processes and Procedures (MSPP) initiative, NERC will host an industry webinar for the proposed revisions to the NERC Rules of Procedure and standing committees' charters May 18, noon–1:30 p.m. EDT.

An informal comment period for the proposed revisions will be open May 18–June 17.

NERC Member Representatives Committee Informational Session

The NERC Member Representatives Committee (MRC) will host an informational session May 13, 1–2:30 p.m. EDT.

The session will be structured in two parts:

Addressing topics that provide additional information relevant to the operations of NERC
Reviewing preliminary agenda topics for upcoming MRC, board of trustees, board committee, and technical session meetings

Learn more

Thursday, May 14, 1–2:30 p.m. MDT

Electrifying Trivia Answer

Answer A

New York City, New York, holds the record for the most electrical firsts, being home to the first commercial power station, electrically lit bridge, and electrically lit lighthouse.

Engage with WECC

We encourage you to visit our strategic engagement website pages on wecc.org. Gain access to key resources and WECC's premier products, including reports, newsletters, and upcoming trainings and workshops. Our intent is to provide important, timely, and relevant information to support a reliable and secure bulk power system in the Western Interconnection.

Engage with WECC! Scan the QR code, visit the strategic engagement landing page, and bookmark the page for easy access.

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