Fuel and Energy Security Tool
FEST
Our Packages
Fuel and Energy Security Tool (FEST) and Near Term ERAs
As of April 2027, NERC Standard BAL-007-1 will require Balancing Authorities (BAs) to conduct Near Term Energy Reliability Assessments (ERA) that account for:
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Forecasted or assumed hourly load profiles
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Generation operational limitations (including fuel supply and temperature considerations)
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Energy transfers with other BAs
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Known Bulk Electric System (BES) Transmission constraints that limit the transfer of generated power to loads.
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These Near Term ERAs must forecast Energy Emergency Alerts (EEA2 & EEA3) and consist of a set of Scenarios, starting with a base Scenario developed from expected system conditions then considering other Scenarios that stress the system due with the following assumptions:
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Higher than forecasted load profiles
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The effects of an energy supply contingency
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The effects of a fuel supply contingency
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Other stressed conditions with historical precedent
Near Term ERAs: Customer
Responsible for Running: Customer
Number of Retainer Months: 1
One Year of FEST License
10 Free Hours of Support
Retainer Discount: 10%
Software License + Set-Up Retainer
Number of Retainer Months: 0
One Year of FEST License
10 Free Hours of Support
Retainer Discount: 0%
Responsible for Running: Customer
Near Term ERAs: Customer
Standard Software
License Â
Number of Retainer Months: 12
One Year of FEST License
10 Free Hours of Support
Retainer Discount: 15%
Responsible for Running: FernGrid Energy
Near Term ERAs: FernGrid Energy
FernGrid Energy
Run BAL-007-1 Studies
Basic Package: FernGrid Energy’s Basic Package is ideal for customers with a technically savvy Subject Matter Expert (SME) on staff. This SME will be responsible for updating key study inputs like Generator Fuel Survey Results and Forecasted Load/Temperature Shapes to maintain accurate Near Term ERA results. The customer will be responsible for running NERC BAL-007-1 Near Term ERAs using FEST.
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Standard Package: The Standard Package includes dedicated monthly support hours with FernGrid Energy to help configure and automate customer-specific study inputs, such as Generator Fuel Survey Results and Forecasted Load/Temperature Shapes. This package is well suited for customers with an in-house Subject Matter Expert (SME) who can collaborate with FernGrid Energy to establish study assumptions, provide representative input data, and learn the automated workflow. The customer SME will ultimately run NERC BAL-007-1 Near Term ERAs using FEST.
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Premium Package: The Premium Package provides dedicated monthly support from FernGrid Energy for one year to manage your Near Term ERA process from start to finish. Our team will establish study assumptions with your SME, run/review FEST's Near Term ERA results, and deliver Near Term ERA results for NERC BAL-007-1 compliance. FernGrid Energy will be responsible for running NERC BAL 007-1 Near Term ERAs using FEST.
