FERC approves revised definition of bulk electric system
Key revisions to the current definition remove language allowing for broad discretion across the reliability regions and establish a “bright-line” threshold that includes all facilities operated at or above 100 kilovolts.
TodayÂ’s final rule also establishes a process for seeking a Commission ruling on whether facilities otherwise included in the bulk power system are used in local distribution as set forth in the Federal Power Act. The starting point for this case-by-case analysis will be Order No. 888Â’s seven-factor test for determining whether a facility is a local distribution or transmission facility however, FERC will consider other factors based on the specific situation.
In other revisions, the final rule:
- Identifies five facilities configurations that are included in the bulk electric system.
- Identifies four facilities configurations that are not included in the bulk electric system.
- Accepts North American Electric Reliability CorporationÂ’s proposed exception process rules to add or remove system elements from the definition on a case-by-case basis.
The final rule takes effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Related News

France Demonstrates the Role of Nuclear Power Plants
FRANCE - In recent months, France has showcased the critical role that nuclear power plants can play in an energy transition, offering valuable lessons for Germany and other countries grappling with their own energy challenges. As Europe continues to navigate its path towards a sustainable and reliable energy system, France's experience with nuclear energy underscores its potential benefits and the complexities involved in leveraging this technology effectively.
France, a long-time proponent of nuclear energy, generates about 70% of its electricity from nuclear power, making it one of the most nuclear-dependent countries in the world. This high reliance on nuclear energy…