NERC Category 2 Requirements

New NERC IBR Requirements Take Effect May 2026

Safety | Reliability | Compliance

Is Your IBR Site Ready?

If your inverter-based resource (IBR) is 20MVA or more and interconnected at 60kV or higher, you will be subject to new NERC registration and compliance standards starting May 2026. These changes could impact your ability to operate or sell power if ignored.

NAES can help you meet the new NERC IBR requirements with a turnkey approach, including registration, program setup, and long-term compliance support.

*Please note that this date is subject to change based on regulatory decisions.

What’s Changing

New Requirements

NERC has introduced a new Category 2 registration for certain Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs). If your site is between 20MVA and 75MVA aggregate and interconnected at 60kV or higher, you will now be required to register — even if you weren’t previously subject to NERC oversight.

This update primarily affects Generator Owners (GOs) and Generator Operators (GOPs) in the solar, wind, and battery storage sectors. Starting May 2026, these entities will need to comply with NERC reliability standards under this new designation.

*Please note that this date is subject to change based on regulatory decisions.

Specific to Your Needs

Why It Matters

Failing to register can result in financial penalties, operational disruption, or loss of access to the grid. Compliance isn’t just a formality, it involves building a full program with documentation, controls, reporting, and readiness for NERC audits.

Because registration and compliance can take several months, starting early is critical.

INon-compliance risks: steep fines, denied interconnection, blocked market access
IRegistration alone can take months, and should be done after setting up a compliance program
IDeveloping a compliance program requires time, attention to detail, and understanding of new standards
IVendor capacity will tighten as the deadline approaches — waiting could limit your options for support

How NAES Helps

NERC Regulatory Compliance Service

NAES offers full-scope support tailored to IBR operators navigating the NERC IBR Registration Update. We can register as GO/GOP on your behalf, saving you from the complexity of managing it in-house.

Our services include:

Registration & compliance program setup
Ongoing GO/GOP compliance management
Access to our Reliability Compliance Program Library
GADS reporting support for solar fleets
PRC-028/029/030 standard implementation help

We’ve helped generators of all sizes stay compliant and have been a registered entity ourselves for over 20 years — and we’re ready to help you too.

End-to-End Support for NERC Requirements

Integrated Compliance Services

NAES offers a full spectrum of services designed to help you meet NERC and regional reliability standards. We support Generator and Transmission owners/operators, balancing authorities, and distribution providers. Our expertise covers both operational and planning standards, as well as critical infrastructure protection (CIP).

We Assume Risk. You Gain Confidence

NERC GO/GOP Registration Services

When NAES registers as your Generator Owner or Operator, we assume financial responsibility for any NERC violations. This significantly reduces your exposure to penalties and reputational impact. We serve as your official compliance contact and implement corrective actions as needed.

Sustained Compliance Through Active Management

Ongoing Oversight and Support

NAES offers onsite support tailored to each client’s needs. During these site visits, we provide staff training, evaluate open issues, and oversee key compliance activities. Our flexible, hands-on approach ensures continued alignment with evolving NERC standards while supporting your program’s success.

Specific to Your Needs

Unlock Your Facility’s Full Potential

The difference between leading and lagging often hinges on the operational excellence and maintenance efficiency of your facilities. This is where NAES transforms your challenges into opportunities. Our team of experts brings a wealth of industry experience and a proven track record of enhancing performance across a wide array of energy facilities. Contact a service expert today.

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Statement of Qualifications

The NAES Difference

Explore how we can elevate your operations by downloading our Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). This comprehensive guide provides an overview of our services, expertise, and the value we bring to facilities like yours. It’s a hassle-free way to learn more about our approach to operations and maintenance