A group of U.S. Senators introduced legislation that incentivizes electric utilities to make cybersecurity investments to protect the grid.
The Protecting Resources On The Electric grid with Cybersecurity Technology (PROTECT) Act (S. 1400) would direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue a rulemaking on rate incentives for advanced cybersecurity technology. This, in turn, will enable and incentivize utilities to invest in new technologies that improve their cybersecurity defenses.
It would also establish a Department of Energy (DOE) grant and technical assistance program to deploy advanced cybersecurity technology for utilities that are not regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This would include cooperatives and municipal utilities, as well as small investor-owned utilities that sell less than four million megawatt-hours of electricity per year.
“The threat of cyberattacks by foreign adversaries and other sophisticated entities is real and growing, and COVID-19 has not helped reduce the threat of cyberattacks on America’s networks, including our energy infrastructure. In Alaska, where energy prices are already amongst the nation’s highest, the cost for small co-ops to properly secure their cybersecurity needs is continuing to rise. The federal government and industry have a shared responsibility to enhance the cybersecurity posture of electric utilities, municipal utilities, and electric utility systems owned by electric cooperatives to protect our electric grid from cyberthreats,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski, one of the bill’s sponsors, said.
The bill was also sponsored by Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV), James Risch (R-ID), Angus King (I-ME), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).
After 20 years, Ameren Missouri will upgrade natural gas meters throughout Jefferson City, Mo., this spring, switching to modules that…
In a joint effort, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Labor (DOL) released National Guideline Standards for the Battery…
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) released a report to help state commissions on their roles related to…
Entergy Louisiana has developed a strategic blueprint for building new electric infrastructure that meets the needs of its service territory.…
In collaboration with Wabash Valley Power Alliance (WVPA), Ameren Transmission finished work on the Limestone Ridge Project at the end…
Beginning in April, Consumers Energy of Michigan, the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center, and Moorland Township will work together to…
This website uses cookies.