The ERO Secure Evidence Locker (SEL) is a highly secure, isolated, encrypted environment that is subject to file destruction policies and serves as a temporary repository to upload evidence. Organizations may use the ERO provided SEL environment or develop their own. If your organization is planning to build an SEL, please contact Texas RE at information@texasre.org or compliance@texasre.org.

Registered Entity SEL Resources

• NERC Align and SEL Resource Page

Effective March 31, 2021, all Texas RE and Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO) registered entities began submitting new Self-Reports and Self-Logs in the Align system and uploading all evidence  into the ERO Secure Evidence Locker (SEL) or Registered Entity SEL (must be certified and approved by the ERO Enterprise). Entities participating in the Coordinated Oversight program will go live per the schedule of the assigned Lead Regional Entity (LRE).

Descriptions of each release are described below.

Release 1 Functionality

• Create and submit Self-Reports and Self-Logs
• Create and manage mitigating activities and Mitigation Plans
• Generate a report of Standards and Requirements applicable to your entity
• Receive notifications and view dashboards on new/open action items
• Manage user access for your specific entity
• Receive and respond to Requests for Information
• View and track Open Enforcement Actions

Release 2 Functionality

• Technical Feasibility Exceptions (TFE)
• Periodic Data Submittals (PDS)
• Self-Certifications
• Additional enhancements identified from Align Release 1 as needed

Release 3 Functionality

• Compliance Audits
• Spot Checks
• Scheduling and tracking
• Compliance Investigations
• Additional enhancements identified from Align releases as needed

Release 4 Functionality

• Enhancements to audits, spot checks, and scheduling functionality

Release 4.5 Functionality

• Inherent Risk Assessment
• Compliance Oversight Plan

To assist in the transition to Align and the SEL, the ERO has developed and planned a range of training resources and events, with more to be introduced as the functionality of Align expands. To receive all Texas RE training updates, subscribe to the Texas RE Information mailing list.

Release 1 Training

Presentation | Recording

On January 28, 2021, an overview of the upcoming Align Release 1 training was provided during a Talk with Texas RE.

On March 23, 2021, an update was provided to prepare registered entities for the Align Release 1 and ERO SEL go live date during a Talk with Texas RE.

On May 11, 2021, an update on the implementation of Align Release 1 and the SEL were provided during a Talk with Texas RE.

Release 2 Training

Align Release 2 PDS Training | Recording
Align Release 2 TFE and Self-Certification Training | Recording

Release 3 Training

Align Release 3 Training | Recording

Release 4 & 4.5 Training

Align Release 4 & 4.5 Training | Recording

Align Training Resources

• Registered Entity Align and ERO SEL Training Materials
• Registered Entity User Guide
• Registered Entity SEL Portal User Guide
• Registered Entity Start Stop Continue Guide
• Registered Entity User Access Guide
• Registered Entity Support Process
• ALL Align R1 Business Process Harmonization Summary
• ALL Process Flows and Reference Guides
• ALL ERO Portal Videos
• ALL MFA User Guide
• ERO Enterprise BES Artifact Submittal Exception Process

Release 2 Training Guides

• Release 2 User Guide
• Release 2 Start, Stop, Continue Guide
• Release 2 Process Harmonization

Release 3 Training Guide

• Release 3 User Guide

Stay Informed

For more information on Align, please visit the Align page and Align FAQs.