NERC CIP compliance
Building a practical path to NERC CIP compliance
Customer case
October 08, 2024
4 min read
Customer
Large international utility
OT area
Cybersecurity
Location
Europe and North America
NERC CIP compliance is one thing. Making it work in practice is another. A large international utility needed a compliance program that could stand up to the realities of day-to-day OT operations across North America.
As the customer expanded its North American operations, NERC CIP compliance became a business-critical requirement. Designed to protect the bulk power system from cyber threats, the NERC CIP standards require operators to demonstrate that critical assets, access controls, and operational processes are properly secured and governed.
While the customer already had compliance processes in place, they had primarily been developed from a policy and governance perspective rather than for the realities of day-to-day OT operations. This made it increasingly difficult to demonstrate compliance during audits, apply requirements consistently across operational teams, and establish a clear path toward NERC CIP readiness.
When NERC CIP compliance becomes an operational challenge
Before the customer could build a sustainable compliance program, it first needed a clear picture of where its processes, governance, and operational capabilities fell short.
Not knowing where to start
Before improvements could begin, the customer lacked a clear picture of which compliance gaps mattered most and where to focus its efforts first.
Compliance slowed down daily work
Existing governance and procedures did not always translate into practical processes that engineers and operators could apply consistently in day-to-day OT environments.
Inconsistent ways of working
Teams across Europe and North America followed different terminology, ownership models, and compliance practices, making it difficult to establish a consistent approach across the organization.
Our approach
Our OT consultants began by assessing the customer’s compliance maturity. Through a structured gap analysis, we identified missing capabilities, evaluated existing practices, and prioritized the areas that required attention.
Rather than focusing solely on documentation, we helped the customer operationalize compliance. Together, we developed practical NERC CIP procedures and governance structures that reflected the realities of OT environments and day-to-day operations.
To create greater consistency across regions, we aligned compliance terminology, responsibilities, and key processes where possible. We also trained internal teams and supported the establishment of a dedicated compliance function, enabling the organization to take long-term ownership of its compliance activities.
Finally, we designed workflows and automation mechanisms to support recurring compliance tasks. By combining structured remediation planning with practical implementation, we helped the utility build a more sustainable and operational approach to compliance management.
Building long-term NERC CIP compliance capabilities
The project helped the customer embed cybersecurity into everyday OT operations, giving teams the confidence, capabilities, and governance needed to manage compliance.
Ready for audits with confidence
Clear governance, practical procedures, and a better understanding of compliance maturity made it easier for teams to prepare for NERC CIP audits and demonstrate compliance.
Compliance that supports everyday operations
Engineers and operators gained practical guidance they could apply consistently, making cybersecurity requirements part of daily work rather than a separate compliance exercise.
Strengthening the foundation to operate in North America
A common compliance framework helped the customer meet NERC CIP requirements and strengthen the capabilities needed to support continued operations in the North American energy market. It also made it easier to adapt to evolving requirements across regions.
Preparing for NERC CIP compliance?
Our OT consultants help utilities turn complex compliance requirements into practical operating models that support secure, reliable OT operations.
