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North American Electric Reliability Corporation
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North American Electric Reliability Corporation

North America's electric-reliability regulator, writing binding standards for the continent's power grid.

As of 18 September 2026, North American Electric Reliability Corporation writes binding reliability standards for North America's bulk power grid.

Last refreshed: 24 September 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Timeline for North American Electric Reliability Corporation

#15 18 Sept

Passed its CLO standards through an initial industry ballot

Data Centres: Boom and Backlash: NERC large-load rules pass first ballot
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Background

North American Electric Reliability Corporation is North America's electric-reliability regulator. It writes binding standards for the continent's bulk power grid, placing it at the centre of how grid operators prepare for changing demand and system risks.

Its standards provide a common reliability framework across a grid that spans multiple jurisdictions. On 18 September 2026, its initial industry ballot on computational-load standards showed how that REMIT can extend to large data centres and other high-voltage loads.

Common Questions
What is NERC?
NERC, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, writes the binding reliability standards that govern the continent's electric grid.
When do NERC's new data-centre reliability rules take effect?
NERC's computational-load standards passed an initial industry ballot on 18 September 2026; a final ballot is due in November and board adoption in December, ahead of a 31 December filing Deadline at FERC.Source: RTO Insider
What size data centres do NERC's new standards cover?
NERC's computational-load standards would apply to sites of at least 50 MW connected at 100 kV or above, a threshold set by NERC after FERC left it to draw the line.Source: event