Terms of the previous clearance remain in effect. The agency intends to issue a final rule in response to comments addressing the proposed amendments. When the agency resubmits on that rulemaking action, it is strongly recommended that it substantively address public comments and any related burden estimate changes in its submission.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
09/30/2014
36 Months From Approved
09/30/2014
1,501
0
1,501
819,840
0
819,840
5,261
0
5,261
The CIP Reliability Standards are necessary to support the reliable operation of the Bulk-Power System.
In this NOPR in RM11-11, FERC proposes to approve Version 4 of the CIP Reliability Standards, CIP-002-4 through CIP-009-4. The proposed Version 4 CIP Reliability Standards were developed and submitted by NERC to FERC for approval. In general, the CIP Reliability Standards provide a cybersecurity framework for the identification and protection of Critical Cyber Assets to support the reliable operation of the Bulk-Power System. In particular, the Version 4 CIP Reliability Standards propose to modify CIP-002-4 to include "bright line" criteria for the identification of Critical Assets, in lieu of the currently-required risk-based assessment methodology that is developed and applied by registered entities. In addition, NERC developed proposed conforming modifications to the remaining CIP Reliability Standards, CIP-003-4 through CIP-009-4.
FERC proposes to approve Version 4 of the CIP Reliability Standards, the Violation Risk Factors (VRFs) and the Violation Severity Levels (VSLs) with modifications, the associated implementation plan, and the effective date for Version 4 CIP Reliability Standards as proposed by NERC. The Commission also proposes to approve the retirement of the currently effective Version 3 CIP Reliability Standards, CIP-002-3 to CIP-009-3.
While FERC proposes to approve the Version 4 CIP Standards, like NERC, the Commission recognizes that the Version 4 CIP Standards represent an "interim step" to addressing all of the outstanding directives set forth in Order No. 706. The Commission believes that the electric industry, through the NERC standards development process, should continue to develop an approach to cybersecurity that is meaningful and comprehensive to assure that the nation's electric grid is capable of withstanding a Cybersecurity Incident. FERC expects NERC will continue to improve the CIP Reliability Standards and to address all outstanding directives in Order No. 706.
How is the information used?
Under the CIP Reliability Standards a registered entity is not required to "report" to the Commission, ERO or the Regional Entities, the various policies, plans, programs and procedures to demonstrate compliance with the CIP Reliability Standards. However, a registered entity is required to "produce" the documented policies, plans, programs and procedures during a periodic compliance audit or spot check for example to demonstrate compliance with the CIP Reliability Standards.
Who uses the information?
The registered entity utilizes the information during a periodic audit to demonstrate compliance with the CIP Reliability Standards.
Why is the information collected?
The registered entities purpose in documenting policies, plans, programs and procedures is to clearly establish for the auditors how the CIP Reliability Standards are being followed.
What are the consequences of not collecting the information?
Without this documentation, the compliance enforcement authority would have difficulty in verifying compliance to the CIP Reliability Standards. Without the ability to verify compliance to the CIP Reliability Standards, serious breaches in cybersecurity could potentially compromise the reliable operation of the Bulk-Power System.
As stated in the press release, FERC "took steps to support continued transmission system reliability by proposing revisions to eight critical infrastructure protection reliability standards that include a new method of identifying cyber assets that are critical to the nation's bulk power grid.
The proposed "Version 4" CIP standards are an interim step, FERC said in directing the electric industry and the North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC) to continue developing a comprehensive approach to assure the grid can withstand a cyber security incident. NERC is the Commission-certified electric reliability organization responsible for developing and enforcing mandatory reliability standards.
The new standard would replace the existing risk-based assessment methodology for identifying critical assets with 17 uniform "bright line" criteria, making the process more consistent and clear by limiting discretion in the identification of such assets."
$1,575
No
No
No
No
No
Uncollected
Nicholas Snyder 202 502-6408
Reginfo record details
No
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
SuppStatement_10_31_11.doc
FERC-725B, Mandatory Reliability Standards for Critical Infrastructure Protection