Disclaimer: MRO is committed to providing non-binding guidance to industry stakeholders on important industry topics. Subject matter experts from MRO’s organizational groups have authored some of the articles in this publication, and the opinion and views expressed in these articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions and views of MRO. The following article was written by Nazra Gladu, from Manitoba Hydro.
This past winter, my family and I set off on the first leg of our journey to see all the wonders of the world, starting with a trip to Mexico. The contrast couldn’t have been more epic, from the arctic air of Canada to the sweltering Mexican heat. As Canadians, we’re used to bundling up, not breaking a sweat and getting sunburnt in January! The temperature shift was definitely a shock to the system and it took some serious effort to acclimatize. But despite the heat, we forged on.
So, there we were at the heart of our first wonder of the world, Chichén Itzá. If you’ve ever stood before the ancient ruins of Chichén Itzá, you know it is a sight that leaves you awestruck. The centerpiece, El Castillo or the Temple of Kukulkan, is more than just a pyramid, it is a massive, stone-carved Mayan calendar. Each of its 365 steps (no I’m not kidding!) represents a day of the year. But what truly blew my mind was the sound. When you clap your hands at the base of the staircase, the echo that returns isn’t just a simple bounce, it actually mimics the chirp of the sacred quetzal bird, a creature revered by the Maya[1]. Obviously built by aliens.
It got me thinking about the extraordinary effort and foresight required to create a structure like that temple in Mexico. Every detail, from its meticulous workmanship to its acoustic secrets, reflects a level of planning and precision that’s nothing short of inspiring. In many ways, it mirrors the diligence needed to craft a reliability standard, something that also demands deep expertise, careful coordination, and a vision for long-term resilience. Whether built from stone or policy, enduring frameworks don’t come together by accident…they are engineered to stand the test of time.
“Reliability Standard,” as defined by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) means a requirement, approved by the United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under Section 215 of the Federal Power Act, or approved or recognized by an applicable governmental authority in other jurisdictions, to provide for reliable operation of the bulk power system. The term includes requirements for the operation of existing bulk power system facilities, including cybersecurity protection, and the design of planned additions or modifications to such facilities to the extent necessary for reliable operation of the bulk power system, but the term does not include any requirement to enlarge such facilities or to construct new transmission capacity or generation capacity. (In certain contexts, this term may also refer to a “Reliability Standard” that is in the process of being developed or not yet approved or recognized by FERC or an applicable governmental authority in other jurisdictions).[2]
Recently, alongside my colleague Kristy Lee Young, I had the privilege of working on the team that developed the Standard Authorization Request (SAR) for the Canadian variance of the NERC EOP-012 Extreme Cold Weather Preparedness and Operations standard. It was an intense, highly collaborative effort and I have to say, the caliber of talent around the table was nothing short of exceptional. Each contributor brought deep expertise, sharp insight, and a shared commitment to ensuring the standard reflects the realities of operating in Canada’s extreme cold. It was definitely inspiring to witness such brilliance and commitment in action.
A SAR, in case you don’t know, is the form used to document the scope and reliability benefit of a proposed project for one or more new or modified reliability standards or definitions, as well as document the benefit of retiring one or more approved reliability standards. Any entity or individual, including NERC committees or subgroups and NERC staff, can propose the development of a new or modified reliability standard, or propose the retirement of a reliability standard (in whole or in part).[3]
So, what does it really take to build a standard and participate on the team that drafts it? From my experience, it’s a blend of technical expertise, regulatory awareness, and a whole lot of collaboration. Here is what I’ve found:
- Subject Matter Knowledge – Whether it’s operations, planning, cybersecurity or compliance, you need a solid grasp of the topic at hand. The team relies on diverse technical perspectives to shape a standard that is both practical and effective.
- Commitment to the Process – Drafting a standard is not a quick process. It involves regular meetings, reviewing stakeholder feedback, and refining language to meet rigorous criteria. Patience, planning and persistence are key.
- Strong Communication Skills – You are not just writing requirements, you are building consensus. That means listening actively, stating your position clearly, and being open to compromise and discussion.
- Understanding of Regulatory Context – It helps to know how standards fit into the broader regulatory landscape, especially when dealing with variances or region-specific challenges (as was the case for the EOP-012 Canadian variance).
- Collaboration – Most importantly, it takes a collaborative mindset. The best outcomes come from teams that respect each other’s expertise and work toward a shared goal.
With all of this in mind, I wholeheartedly encourage others in the industry to consider stepping into the process and sharing their unique expertise. The strength of any standard lies in the diversity of voices that build it. Your experience, insights, and perspective could make all the difference, not just in how a standard is written, but in how it is understood and applied across the electric power industry. Participating isn’t just a contribution to the profession, it’s a chance to be part of something lasting and impactful.
If you want to find out more about NERC standards drafting teams, check out NERC’s Drafting Team Vacancies webpage, or Standard Processes Manual.
So, what’s next on the horizon for our family’s quest to see the wonders of the world? The Colosseum in Rome, and I’m certain it will be just as awe-inspiring.
[1] https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/chichen-itza-chirp
[2] https://www.nerc.com/AboutNERC/RulesOfProcedure/Appendix_3A_SPM_Clean_Mar2019.pdf
[3] Standard Authorization Request (SAR)
About the Author
Nazra Gladu, P.Eng., is a Reliability Compliance Program Engineer at Manitoba Hydro, the province’s largest and only integrated electricity and natural gas utility. With over 17 years of experience, she leads the development and oversight of corporate compliance programs, regulatory engagement, internal audit strategies, and regulatory audits to ensure alignment with evolving reliability standards.
Nazra holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Manitoba and has held diverse roles in system operations, project management, and engineering. She actively contributes to several industry and professional committees, including Electricity Canada’s Electric Regulatory Advisory Committee, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, Manitoba Hydro’s Engineer-in-Training Recruitment Panel, and Manitoba Hydro Professional Engineers Association Volunteer Services Committee. She is also a past member of the Midwest Reliability Organization’s Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program Advisory Council.
Nazra is a published author and active contributor to the compliance community, with a strong passion for mentorship, equity in engineering, and community engagement. Outside of work, she enjoys creating stained glass art, cheering at her son’s soccer games, and supporting Winnipeg’s vibrant local pro wrestling scene.