Rick, one of the recommendations in your recent NERC analysis was, "NERC and EEI need to be empowered by industry executives to create Y2k mandates for the industry. Participation in the NERC effort by individual utilities and reporting entities is strictly voluntary."

The North American Electric Reliability Organization (NAERO), a new organization which, as I understand it, is to replace NERC, has this to say on their site:

"The electric industry in North America is changing dramatically and rapidly. In August 1998, NERC assembled a select group to recommend the best ways to set, oversee, and implement policies and standards to ensure the continued reliability of North America's interconnected electric grids. The Electric Reliability Panel's report has provided NERC with an excellent blueprint for change. Since December, NERC has been working aggressively and on many fronts to quickly develop and implement specific action plans that will transform NERC from a voluntary system of reliability management to NAERO, an organization that is mandatory in nature, with the backing and support of governments."

While Y2K is not mentioned in the above "history" paragraph of NAERO, is this new outgrowth of NERC actually appearing with Year 2000 enforcement powers in mind? Or is this just coincidence? If Y2K is involved, is there any indication the necessary industry and government support will be forthcoming in time to do any good?

-- Anonymous, January 25, 1999