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Is your site a NERC Category 2 inverter-based resource?

Two numbers tell you most of the answer: total nameplate capacity and the voltage where the site connects. Enter them to see whether a solar, wind or storage site is Category 2, a BES site under CIP, or below the thresholds, and what applies.

Add up every inverter-based resource behind the same point of connection. Use the gross nameplate rating in MVA; if you only know MW, the inverter nameplate MVA is usually a little higher.

The thresholds

  • Category 2 GO/GOP — inverter-based resources of 20 MVA or more in aggregate, through a common point at 60 kV or higher, that are not BES.
  • BES dispersed generation — more than 75 MVA in aggregate, through a common point at 100 kV or higher. CIP applies.
  • Below both — under 20 MVA, or connected below 60 kV.

Questions

What is a Category 2 Generator Owner?

An owner of inverter-based resources (solar, wind, battery storage) of 20 MVA or more in aggregate, connected through a common point at 60 kV or higher, that do not meet the Bulk Electric System definition. NERC's revised GO and GOP definitions brought these owners and operators into registration in 2026.

Do the CIP standards apply to Category 2 sites?

Not today. The CIP standards apply to BES Cyber Systems, and Category 2 IBRs are not BES facilities. NERC's Security Guideline for Inverter-Based Resources recommends a security baseline for them anyway.

When is a solar, wind or storage site part of the Bulk Electric System?

When it is dispersed generation of more than 75 MVA in aggregate, connected through a common point at 100 kV or higher. Those sites are under CIP, usually at low impact.

Sources

General guidance, not legal or compliance advice. Registration is decided by NERC and your Regional Entity.