NERC launches initiative to improve security outreach and education in electric sector

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is launching an initiative to focus on security outreach and education.

“It is clear to me that cyber and physical demands on the electric sector continue to challenge the reliability of the North American grid,” Jim Robb, president and CEO of NERC, said. “Therefore, I am asking Vice President Bill Lawrence to take the lead in working with the Regional Entities to engage stakeholders in more meaningful education in this challenging arena.”

The initiative – a complement to NERC’s Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center — will focus on sharing best practices and developing security training and participation in regional and continent-wide security exercises. Further, it will focus on risk mitigation priorities recommended by the Reliability Issues Steering Committee (RISC).

“I am pleased to accept this new opportunity in which I will continue to focus on security and reliability matters,” Lawrence said. “I enjoyed the opportunity to direct the E-ISAC and am proud of the foundation the team has built there. I know the E-ISAC will continue to grow under Manny Cancel’s leadership. I look forward to working with my NERC and regional colleagues to address physical and cybersecurity matters.” Lawrence will report to Mark Lauby, senior vice president and chief engineer at NERC.