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FERC chair says 14-year timeline for inverter rule would be 'unacceptable,' pledges continued action
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Summary
In a press Q&A, FERC Chairman Phillips said a projected timeline that could push a final inverter-based resource rule to 2030 would be unacceptable and stressed monthly commission attention to bulk-power reliability, pledging staff follow-ups on the issue.
FERC Chairman Phillips told reporters that it would be “unacceptable” if work on an inverter-based resource (IBR) reliability rule stretched out to 2030, a timeline raised during a question about the issue’s urgency.
Pete Bayer of E&E News noted that the North American Electric Reliability Corporation first raised concerns about IBRs in 2016, that FERC issued Order No. 901 in 2023, and that industry drafting could push final rule implementation as late as 2030. He asked, “Is this moving fast enough?”
Phillips responded that reliability has been his top priority and said, “For the past 2 years since I've been chairman, we have taken important action on reliability matters every single month. Not a commission meeting has gone by where we haven't had a focus on the reliability of our bulk power system.” He added, “It would be unacceptable to me if it took 14 years, and until 2030, until this rule is final and implemented.”
Phillips said the commission has received testimony at its reliability technical conference and that there is “room for improvement,” but emphasized that FERC has been actively addressing the gap. He offered to make staff available for follow-up questions from reporters.
The exchange highlights ongoing tension between industry drafting timelines and regulator expectations for faster action on grid stability as inverter-connected resources—such as many wind, solar and storage systems—play a growing role in the bulk power system. Phillips framed the work as part of a broader, monthly focus on reliability while promising continued attention and staff-level engagement.
The chairman did not announce any new deadlines or a final schedule for a rulemaking during the session; he instead underscored ongoing, continuous activity at the commission and an intention to accelerate where possible.
