On June 13, 2013, FERC approved a one-year extension for
utilities to prepare to implement the new definition of the
"bulk electric system" (BES). As a result of this order, the new BES definition approved
by FERC in Order No. 773 will not go in effect until July 1,
2014.
The revised BES definition defines the scope of the utility
assets that must comply with mandatory Reliability Standards. It
will bring into scope new assets, while potentially excluding other
assets that had been subject to Reliability Standards in the past.
The recently revised definition was to become effective on July 1,
2013; however, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation
(NERC) and various utilities petitioned FERC to provide an
additional year before the new definition becomes effective. FERC
granted that request, finding that the additional year will allow
NERC sufficient time to revise the definition again. Waiting until
the definition is revised will allow the industry to
