Harmonizing IBR Interconnection Requirements in the West
Utilities across the Western Interconnection are rapidly deploying inverter-based resources (IBRs), yet interconnection requirements vary widely across transmission providers. These inconsistencies create uncertainty for developers, increase redesign risk, and can lead to uneven performance expectations across the Bulk Power System.
In 2024, WIRAB engaged Elevate Energy Consulting to examine reliability risks related to the region’s growing IBR fleet. The resulting Inverter-Based Resource Risk Assessment Report identified key challenges and recommended priority actions, including the need for standardized Facility Interconnection Requirements (FIR). The Harmonizing IBR Interconnection Requirements in the West initiative advances that recommendation and builds on WIRAB’s 2025 engagement with an Industry Advisory Group of more than 50 participants representing over 35 organizations.
Elevate Energy Consulting developed a FIR Template aligned with IEEE 2800-2022, translating the standard’s technical provisions into clear, utility-ready expectations that transmission providers can directly integrate into their FIRs.
Who Should Use It: This template was designed for practical use. Transmission providers can integrate its requirements into their FIRs, while developers, regulators, and manufacturers benefit from clearer expectations, reduced uncertainty, and better alignment across the interconnection lifecycle.
What’s in the Template:
- Practical, IEEE 2800-aligned technical requirements
- Recommended modeling and verification practices
- Guidance for disturbance ride-through, reactive and active power control, and protection settings
- Appendable sections to align with existing utility FIR structures
Upcoming Webinar: December 17 at 1:00 PM MT (12:00 PM PT)
Join us for a live webinar introducing the FIR Template, walking through major sections, and discussing implementation of the FIR template into utility procedures across the West.
Previous Meeting Materials:
- May 19, 2025 | Introduction, Background, Goals, Timeline | Agenda, Slide Deck, Meeting Recording
- June 26, 2025 | Overview of IEEE 2800 and IBR Requirements Plan | Agenda, Slide Deck, Meeting Recording
- July 17, 2025 | IBR Requirements Enhancements – Industry Experience | Agenda, Slide Deck, Meeting Recording
- August 28, 2025 | Draft Template Review: General Interconnection Requirements* | Agenda, Slide Deck
- September 25, 2025 | Draft Template Review: Technical Performance Requirements* | Agenda, Slide Deck
- October 23, 2025 | Draft Template Review: Model & Study Requirements* | Agenda, Slide Deck
- November 13, 2025 | Draft Template Review: SCADA, Monitoring, Compliance* | Agenda, Slide Deck
- December 17, 2025 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. MT | Final Review & Closeout
*No meeting recording available for this meeting.
Contact Us:
For more information, please contact Eric Baran at ebaran@westernenergyboard.org.