A Coordinated Electric System Interconnection Review—the utility’s deep-dive on technical and cost impacts of your project.

White Paper: NERC Level 3 Alert Compliance Guide for IBR Generator Owners

Date icon D

May 23, 2025 | Blog

NERC Level 3 Alert IBR Generator Owners Compliance Checklist Power System Modeling Model Accuracy Performance Validation Change Management Compliance Inverter-Based Resources

Purpose of the NERC Level 3 Alert

The NERC Level 3 Alert aims to address systemic modeling and performance failures in inverter-based resources (IBRs). These issues have led to over 15,000 MW in generation losses across multiple grid disturbances since 2016. Generator Owners (GOs) must act urgently to validate IBR performance and ensure accurate power system modeling.

Key NERC Compliance Responsibilities for IBR Generator Owners

1. Model Accuracy and Verification

  • Obtain validated EMT (Electromagnetic Transient) and PSPD (Positive Sequence Phasor Domain) model reports from OEMs.
  • Benchmark EMT models against measured performance; explain any discrepancies.
  • Confirm all model parameters match as-built equipment and settings for NERC compliance.

2. Performance Validation of IBR Systems

  • Conduct conformity tests to verify real-world behavior of installed equipment.
  • Use staged commissioning tests for frequency response—not just live event data.
  • Validate controls for accurate IBR grid response modeling.

3. Change Management Compliance

Implement a documented process for tracking:

  • Control parameter changes
  • Firmware upgrades
  • Equipment setting modifications
    Notify Transmission Planners (TPs) and Planning Coordinators (PCs) of any model-impacting updates.

4. Information Management for Compliance Audits

Maintain a current internal database detailing:

  • Inverter/controller make, model, and firmware version
  • Active/reactive power specs
  • Ride-through, protection settings, and voltage/frequency control strategies

5. Design Stability and IBR Modeling

  • Use publicly available interconnection requirements to minimize later model revisions.
  • Engage OEMs early to secure modeling deliverables in purchase agreements.
  • Prioritize stability and reproducibility in power system design.

Ensure your IBR systems meet NERC standards with our comprehensive compliance services.
👉 Keentel Engineering – NERC Compliance Services

NERC Reporting Deadlines for Generator Owners

  • Acknowledge Alert: by May 27, 2025
  • Submit Compliance Report: by August 18, 2025
    Use the NERC Alert System for submission and approval.

Recommended Power System Software for IBR Compliance

Software Tool Purpose Required Expertise
PSSE + TSAT Positive sequence dynamics and stability modeling PSPD tuning and response validation
PSCAD/EMTDC EMT inverter simulation Transient analysis and EMT model validation
DigSILENT PowerFactory Grid-wide dynamic studies Frequency and voltage control modeling
MATLAB/Simulink Custom control modeling EMT modeling and signal processing
HYPERSIM/RTDS Real-time hardware-in-the-loop testing Real-time EMT validation and HIL testing

Proficiency in power system model validation and field data benchmarking is critical for NERC IBR compliance.


Explore our capabilities in power system studies, including stability analysis and grid integration.
👉 Keentel Engineering – Power System Studies

Regulatory and Grid Reliability Emphasis

While this NERC Level 3 Alert is not punitive, non-compliance may highlight systemic reliability risks and result in future regulatory scrutiny. Accurate IBR modeling and system responsiveness are essential for bulk power system (BPS) reliability.

Summary Checklist for GOs

Task Status
Request model validation from OEMs ☐
Benchmark EMT & PSPD models ☐
Perform commissioning tests with staged scenarios ☐
Implement change tracking for settings & firmware ☐
Maintain critical IBR data ☐
Coordinate with TPs/PCs for model updates ☐
Submit acknowledgment & report to NERC ☐

Get in touch with our team for personalized assistance and consultations.
  👉Keentel Engineering – Contact Page

A bald man with a beard is wearing a suit and a white shirt.

About the Author:

Sonny Patel P.E. EC

IEEE Senior Member

In 1995, Sandip (Sonny) R. Patel earned his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Illinois, specializing in Electrical Engineering . But degrees don’t build legacies—action does. For three decades, he’s been shaping the future of engineering, not just as a licensed Professional Engineer across multiple states (Florida, California, New York, West Virginia, and Minnesota), but as a doer. A builder. A leader. Not just an engineer. A Licensed Electrical Contractor in Florida with an Unlimited EC license. Not just an executive. The founder and CEO of KEENTEL LLC—where expertise meets execution. Three decades. Multiple states. Endless impact.

A group of construction workers are standing next to each other with their arms crossed.

Let's Discuss Your Project

Let's book a call to discuss your electrical engineering project that we can help you with.

A bald man with a beard is wearing a suit and a white shirt.

About the Author:

Sonny Patel P.E. EC

IEEE Senior Member

In 1995, Sandip (Sonny) R. Patel earned his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Illinois, specializing in Electrical Engineering . But degrees don’t build legacies—action does. For three decades, he’s been shaping the future of engineering, not just as a licensed Professional Engineer across multiple states (Florida, California, New York, West Virginia, and Minnesota), but as a doer. A builder. A leader. Not just an engineer. A Licensed Electrical Contractor in Florida with an Unlimited EC license. Not just an executive. The founder and CEO of KEENTEL LLC—where expertise meets execution. Three decades. Multiple states. Endless impact.

Leave a Comment

Related Posts

Get expert insights on IEEE C37.123-2023 for high-voltage GIS. Learn how Keentel Engineering helps u

Engineering Specifications for HV GIS per IEEE Std C37.123-2023

By SANDIP R PATEL • July 18, 2025
Explore key engineering requirements for Gas-Insulated Substations (GIS) per IEEE C37.123-2023. Keentel Engineering helps utilities ensure code-compliant, audit-ready GIS specifications.
MOD-032-2 compliance visualization with DER solar panels and substation infrastructure for grid reli

Ensuring Bulk Power System Reliability through MOD-032-2 and DER Data Collection

By SANDIP R PATEL • July 15, 2025
Ensure MOD-032-2 compliance with accurate DER data collection for BES reliability. Learn best practices and modeling support from Keentel Engineering.
Ensure accurate facility ratings with insights from the ERO Enterprise themes report. Learn how to m

Sustaining Accurate Facility Ratings: ERO Enterprise Best Practices and Key Themes

By SANDIP R PATEL • July 15, 2025
Ensure accurate facility ratings with insights from the ERO Enterprise themes report. Learn how to meet FAC-008 compliance, improve data integrity, and enhance reliability.
Explore essential NERC Alert 3 actions for IBRs. Learn how TOs, TPs, PCs & GOs must respond with upd

NERC Alert 3: IBR Performance & Modeling Requirements

By SANDIP R PATEL • July 4, 2025
Explore essential NERC Alert 3 actions for IBRs. Learn how TOs, TPs, PCs & GOs must respond with updated models, criteria, and compliance strategies.
Advanced Power System Modeling for Resource Planning

Advanced Power System Modeling for Resource Planning

By SANDIP R PATEL • July 4, 2025
Explore advanced power system modeling for long-term planning. Learn about IRPs, demand forecasting, resource adequacy, resilience, and equity in energy.
Best Practices in Energy-Efficient Data Center Design in 2025

Best Practices in Energy-Efficient Data Center Design

By SANDIP R PATEL • July 2, 2025
Learn how to reduce energy use, optimize cooling, and improve efficiency in data centers with the 2024 FEMP & NREL best practices guide.
Explore July 2025 grid reliability trends, IBR registration mandates, and NERC compliance updates. S

Keentel Engineering – July 2025 Newsletter

By SANDIP R PATEL • July 1, 2025
Explore July 2025 grid reliability trends, IBR registration mandates, and NERC compliance updates. Stay ahead with Keentel’s future-ready engineering insights.
Enable seamless Modbus to IEC 61850 integration with the PLX82-MNET-61850 gateway. Achieve NERC comp

PLX82-MNET-61850 Gateway for NERC-Compliant Substations

By SANDIP R PATEL • June 26, 2025
Enable seamless Modbus to IEC 61850 integration with the PLX82-MNET-61850 gateway. Achieve NERC compliance with audit-ready substation communication.
SEL Synchrophasor Technology for Grid Monitoring | Keentel

SEL Synchrophasor Technology for Real-Time Grid Monitoring and Control

By SANDIP R PATEL • June 20, 2025
Discover how SEL synchrophasor systems, including the SEL-487E PMU, support real-time power grid monitoring and NERC PRC-002-2 compliance. Learn more with Keentel.