WECC News

^New Internal Control Maturity Self-Assessment

We recommend that all registered entities periodically review their system of internal control to better understand the maturity of their programs and drive continuous improvement. 

We have released a new tool called the Internal Control Maturity Self-Assessment to support these reviews. Registered entities can use the tool to identify areas of strength and weakness in different parts of the organization and track progress over time.

The tool is based on the ERO Enterprise approach to understanding risk management and internal control maturity at the entity versus process level. It incorporates elements of the GAO Green Book, COSO Integrated Framework, and Capability Maturity Model Integration. 

Once you have had a chance to use the tool, we would like to hear how you have used it and what successes and challenges you have encountered. Send feedback to internalcontrols@wecc.org.

^New Proposed Change to Information Sharing Policy

Consistent with the WECC Information Sharing Policy, Section 3.11, we are proposing to change the categorization of the following information from “Market Sensitive” to “Public.”

Loads and Resources Data

• Projected peak demand (years 1–3)
• Projected energy forecasts (years 1–3)
• Scheduled peak-hour generation outages (years 1–3)

Our experience has been that these forecasts have enough of a margin of error that they pose little to no risk to the efficient operation of markets, and that similar information is becoming more widely available in different forums. We are asking for comments on this change.

Read the full announcement for details.

New Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary Vanessa B. Pierce

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Vanessa B. Pierce as WECC’s new vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary effective August 3, 2026.

In this role, Vanessa will lead WECC’s legal affairs, providing strategic counsel to the executive team and board of directors. She will oversee corporate governance, enterprise risk, enterprise security, and international relations while advancing our mission through thoughtful legal guidance and sound business judgment. 

Read the full announcement.

Reliability Fundamentals Recordings Now Available

In June, we held a three-day Reliability Fundamentals workshop to equip registered entities with the knowledge and practical frameworks needed to build and maintain an effective NERC compliance program aligned with the mission of electric reliability.

The recordings of these training modules are now available:

• Recordings can be found on wecc.org or as a YouTube playlist.
• The presentations and capstone exercises are available on wecc.org.
• With the recent addition of 143 new IBR registrations, we developed a New Entity Resource Center. The center includes presentations (slides and recordings) on important topics for new entities, and helpful links. 
• If you haven't yet, please take the survey and let us know what you think.

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

Power Systems Security Conference Agenda Announced

August 11–13, Salt Lake City, Utah

Participate in essential discussions on power systems security, which is critical for ensuring the reliability of our evolving grid.

Highlighted topics include:

• Cyber and physical convergence: Merging digital network safety with traditional physical security
• Grid and utility protection: Cyber and physical threat updates targeting the electricity sector
• Airspace and drone defense: Managing aerial risks, threat detection, and mitigation above the fenceline
• Smart tech and AI: Using automation, AI, and active deterrence to stop threats
• Leadership insights: Strategic briefings from CISA, ETAC, and expert panel discussions

Don’t miss this opportunity. View the agenda and register now to secure your spot to help safeguard the grid!

Reliability & Security Workshop

October 27–28, Scottsdale, Arizona

Register now for our upcoming Reliability & Security Workshop. 

Day 1 will feature plenary sessions that will offer insights into our perspectives, processes, and expectations. Learn how to apply that knowledge to your entity’s reliability and compliance programs. 

On Day 2, attendees can choose from three tracks: WECC Essentials, Critical Infrastructure Protection, or Operations & Planning.

WICF will meet on October 29. 

Time to Act

Computational Loads Level 3 Essential Action Alert Response

The purpose of this Level 3 NERC Alert is to ensure Essential Actions are taken by registered entities to address the risks posed by existing and new computational loads interacting with the bulk power system, inclusive of computational load interconnecting with colocated generation.

The deadline for registered entities to submit responses is

August 3.

Read the alert.