The Clean Energy Edge

CEEP Episode 60: $1,000,000 PER DAY? NERC Compliance Deadline 2026


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What if your solar project could face penalties of up to $1 million per day for non-compliance?

As of May 1, 2026, inverter-based resource (IBR) power plants rated 20 MW or greater and connected at 60 kV or higher must register under updated NERC Category 2 requirements. The compliance threshold has officially dropped from 75 MW to 20 MW, dramatically expanding federal oversight across utility-scale renewable energy assets

This is not just paperwork.

Compliance now includes:

  • Inverter firmware updates

  • Relay protection setting changes

  • Evidence retention & audit readiness

  • Cybersecurity monitoring

  • Ongoing operational compliance

    And failure to comply can technically result in penalties up to $1 million per day per violation.

    In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ Bates sits down with Kellie Macpherson, EVP of Compliance & Security at Radian Generation, to break down:

    • What NERC is and why it matters

    • What changed in the 2026 rule update

    • Which renewable energy projects are affected

    • The operational and financial impact of compliance

    • Why cybersecurity is now front and center

    • How this shift strengthens the renewable energy industry

      Kellie explains how renewables are โ€œgrowing upโ€ and why compliance helps position solar, wind, and battery storage as reliable, grid-supporting assets โ€” not liabilities.

      ๐Ÿ”Ž Connect with Kellie Macpherson & Radian Generation:

      ๐ŸŒ Website: https://radian.com

      ๐Ÿ”— Kellie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelliemacpherson/

      Radian Generation provides compliance, cybersecurity, and operational support for utility-scale renewable assets.

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      If you operate, develop, or invest in utility-scale solar, wind, or battery storage โ€” this is a must-watch.

      Subscribe for more real conversations on clean energy policy, grid reliability, and the future of power.

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      The Clean Energy EdgeBy russbp