This site displays a prototype of a “Web 2.0” version of the daily Federal Register. It is not an official legal edition of the Federal Register, and does not replace the official print version or the official electronic version on GPO’s govinfo.gov.
The documents posted on this site are XML renditions of published Federal Register documents. Each document posted on the site includes a link to the corresponding official PDF file on govinfo.gov. This prototype edition of the daily Federal Register on FederalRegister.gov will remain an unofficial informational resource until the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register (ACFR) issues a regulation granting it official legal status. For complete information about, and access to, our official publications and services, go to About the Federal Register on NARA's archives.gov.
The OFR/GPO partnership is committed to presenting accurate and reliable regulatory information on FederalRegister.gov with the objective of establishing the XML-based Federal Register as an ACFR-sanctioned publication in the future. While every effort has been made to ensure that the material on FederalRegister.gov is accurately displayed, consistent with the official SGML-based PDF version on govinfo.gov, those relying on it for legal research should verify their results against an official edition of the Federal Register. Until the ACFR grants it official status, the XML rendition of the daily Federal Register on FederalRegister.gov does not provide legal notice to the public or judicial notice to the courts.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Notice of information collection and request for comments.
In compliance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) is soliciting public comment on the currently approved information collection FERC-725U (1902-0274), Mandatory Reliability Standards for the Bulk Power System; CIP Reliability Standards. There are no proposed changes to the reporting requirements. The comment period ended on July 27, 2026, with no comments received.
Comments on the collection of information are due September 18, 2026.
Send written comments on FERC-725U to OMB through https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRA/icrPublicCommentRequest?ref_nbr=202608-1902-002. You can also visit https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain and use the drop-down under “Currently under Review” to select the “Federal Energy Regulatory Commission” where you can see the open opportunities to provide comments. Comments should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice.
Please submit a copy of your comments to the Commission via email to DataClearance@FERC.gov. You must specify Docket No. (IC26-29-000) and the FERC Information Collection number (FERC-725U) in your email. If you are unable to file electronically, comments may be filed by USPS mail or by hand (including courier) delivery:
Docket: To view comments and issuances in this docket, please visit https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/search. Once there, you can also sign up for automatic notification of activity in this docket.
Contact: Kayla Williams at DataClearance@FERC.gov, telephone at (202) 502-6468.
Title: FERC-725U, Mandatory Reliability Standards for the Bulk Power System; CIP Reliability Standards.
OMB Control No.: 1902-0274.
Type of Request: Three-year approval of the currently approved collection: FERC-725U with no changes to the reporting or recordkeeping requirements.
Abstract: On August 8, 2005, the Electricity Modernization Act of 2005, which is Title XII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005), was enacted into law. EPAct 2005 added section 215 to the Federal Power Act (FPA),[1] which requires a Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) to develop mandatory and enforceable Reliability Standards, subject to Commission review and approval. Once approved, the Reliability Standards may ( printed page 53613) be enforced by the ERO, subject to Commission oversight, or by the Commission independently. Section 215 of the FPA requires a Commission-certified ERO to develop mandatory and enforceable Reliability Standards, subject to Commission review and approval. Once approved, the Reliability Standards may be enforced by the ERO subject to Commission oversight or by the Commission independently. In 2006, the Commission certified NERC (now called the North American Electric Reliability Corporation) as the ERO pursuant to section 215 of the FPA.
Reliability Standard CIP-014-3 (Physical Security) is part of the implementation of the Congressional mandate of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to develop mandatory and enforceable Reliability Standards to better ensure the reliability of the nation's Bulk Power system. Reliability Standard CIP-014-3 requires applicable transmission owners and transmission operators to identify and protect transmission stations and transmission substations, and their associated primary control centers that, if rendered inoperable or damaged resulting from a physical attack, could result in widespread instability, uncontrolled separation, or cascading within an Interconnection.
In terms of information collection requirements, an applicable entity must create or maintain documentation showing compliance, when appropriate, with each requirement of the Reliability Standard. This Reliability Standard CIP-014-3 has six requirements. Transmission owners and transmission operators must keep data or evidence to show compliance with the standard for three years unless directed by its Compliance Enforcement Authority. If a responsible entity is found non-compliant, it must keep information related to the non-compliance until mitigation is complete and approved, or for three years, whichever is longer.
The number of respondents below is based on an estimate of the NERC compliance registry for transmission owners and transmission operators. The Commission based its paperwork burden estimates on the NERC compliance registry as of April 20, 2026. According to the registry, there are 341 transmission owners (TO) and 170 transmission operators (TOP) who are applicable to CIP-014-3. The estimate is based on a zero change in burden from the current standard to the standard approved in this Order. The Commission based the burden estimate on staff experience, knowledge, and expertise.
Reliability Standard CIP-014-3, need to provide the same evidence to demonstrate compliance whether it is kept on-site or loaded electronically into the SEL.
Respondents: Business or other for profit, and not for profit institutions.
Frequency of Responses: On occasion.
Burden Estimates: The Commission estimates the following in the annual public reporting burden and cost [2] as indicated below:
| Number of respondents 3 | Number of responses per respondent | Total number of responses | Average burden hours & cost per response | Total burden hours & total cost (rounded) | Average cost per respondent | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (1) | (2) | (1) * (2) = (3) | (4) | (3) * (4) = (5) | (5) ÷ (1) | |
| Change Annual | 341 (TO) | 1 | 341 | 32 hrs.; $2,032.64 | 10,912 hrs.; $693,130 | 32 hrs.; $2,032.64. |
| Reporting and Recordkeeping | 170 (TOP) | 1 | 170 | 32 hrs.; $2,032.64 | 5,440 hrs.; $345,549 | 32 hrs.; $2,032.64. |
| Total FERC-725U | 511 | 16,352 hrs.; $1,038,679 |
Comments: Comments are invited on: (1) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden and cost of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Dated: August 14, 2026.
Debbie-Anne A. Reese,
Secretary.
2. The estimated hourly cost (salary plus benefits) is a combination of the following categories from the BLS website, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm: 75% of the average of an Electrical Engineer (17-2071) $71.19/hr., × .75 = 53.3925 ($53.39-rounded) ($53.39/hour); and 25% of an Information and Record Clerk (43-4199) $40.51/hr., $40.51 × .25 = 10.1275 ($10.13 rounded) ($10.13/hour), for a total ($53.39 + $10.13 = $63.52/hour).
Back to Citation3. The number for TOs (341) and TOPs (170) represent the number of unique US entities and is taken from the NERC compliance registry information as of April 20, 2026.
Back to Citation[FR Doc. 2026-16925 Filed 8-18-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P