The United States’ electricity system “faces imminent danger” from cyber attacks, according to the U.S. Energy Department. The second part of the department’s Quadrennial Energy Review (QER), a 494-page report seeking to “identify vulnerabilities in the system and propose major policy recommendations and investments,” was released Jan. 6. The advancements in the integration of existing networks also means there are more vulnerabilities when it comes to cyber attacks
“The electricity sector is experiencing rapid changes that are testing traditional regulatory frameworks and creating new and more complex interdependencies,” according to a press release about the report. “Almost every economic sector is reliant on a more interconnected, data-driven, and electricity dependent system. The increased digitization of the electricity sector brings multiple consumer and system benefits, and creates new and more severe vulnerabilities to cyber attacks.”
A power outage caused by a cyber attack could undermine critical defense infrastructure, putting millions of American citizens safety at risk.
“Cyber threats to the electricity system are increasing in sophistication, magnitude, and frequency,” it said in the 494-page report. “The current cybersecurity landscape is characterized by rapidly evolving threats and vulnerabilities, juxtaposed against the slower-moving deployment of defense measures.”
The QER makes 76 recommendations, in hopes of enabling “the electricity sector to manage the risks and opportunities of the 21st century through policy change and R&D investments,” according to a press release about the report.
Here are just a few of the recs:
- Amending the Federal Power Act to affirm that the electricity system is a national security asset that should be protected at the federal level.
- Collect information on a confidential basis to inform the President about emergency actions and imminent threats to the electric grid to meet statutory responsibilities under the FAST Act.
- Adopt integrated electricity security planning and standards on a regional basis through a FERC-rulemaking to assist DOE in carrying out its authorities to address national security imperatives to protect the electricity systems under the FAST Act. • Support grants for small utilities facing cyber, physical and climate threats.
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