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MRO Achieves Record Efficiency in Noncompliance Processing; Realignment Set for 2026

By Tasha Ward, MRO Director of Enforcement and Senior Counsel

The Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO) reached a historic milestone in 2025 by processing a record number of noncompliances. For the first time since operations began in 2007, MRO’s noncompliance inventory stands at approximately one year—an 82% decrease over the last five years.

This remarkable achievement is the result of a multi-year commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. Since identifying backlog reduction as a key internal goal, MRO’s Enforcement and Risk Assessment and Mitigation (RAM) departments have worked in lockstep to overhaul legacy processes. Beyond just clearing the queue, this collaborative effort has strengthened internal partnerships and communications.

Alongside our efforts here at home, MRO has been working with NERC and the other Regional Entities to streamline how noncompliances are processed across the ERO Enterprise. As part of a risk-based Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program (CMEP) initiative, NERC has been working with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to focus on efficiently handling low- or minimal-risk issues of noncompliance. While still in the pilot phase, the time it takes to process low- or minimal-risk issues has significantly shortened, reducing the workload for both the Enforcement and RAM teams.

Strategic Realignment: Merging Enforcement and RAM

In response to these gains, MRO leadership has realigned the departments supporting MRO’s CMEP functions. Effective January 1, 2026, the Enforcement and RAM departments have merged into a single unit led by Tasha Ward, Director of Enforcement and Senior Counsel. No changes were made to the Compliance Monitoring Department structure.

What This Mean for Registered Entities  

The shift to risk-based compliance monitoring and enforcement has fundamentally changed how we handle potential noncompliances. By integrating RAM functions directly into Enforcement, we have removed traditional silos to speed up the lifecycle of a finding. RAM engineers will still perform separate technical reviews for findings from audits, self-certifications, and spot checks, but with a more agile workflow. Because the majority of findings are low- or minimal-risk, the handoff between technical review and enforcement processing now happens much earlier.

This is great news for registered entities, who will see determinations on low- or minimal-risk issues much more quickly.

What to look forward to in 2026:

MRO is committed to evolving alongside industry stakeholders. In 2026, we are introducing new ways for entities to engage with us:

  • “MRO Case Files” Webinars Series: Replacing the virtual RAM Conference, this multi-part series provides real-time updates on compliance and enforcement topics. The first session launches in March.
  • Expanded HERO Program: MRO’s Highly Effective Reliability Organizations® program will now offer voluntary HEROs visits. These sessions provide tailored outreach on topics such as internal controls, risk identification, and other areas a registered entity may identify.
  • Enforcement Fundamentals: Navigating the NERC Enforcement Process Workshop: An in-person workshop in July will focus on best practices for submitting information to ensure the most efficient processing of noncompliances.

There are a lot of exciting changes to look forward to in 2026.

In the words of MRO President and CEO Sara Patrick, “Our future is bright!“

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