Moniz calls for increased energy emergency response
U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz called for enhanced energy emergency response against increased threats during his testimony on Tuesday at a hearing held by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA).
“The Department of Energy (DOE) uses its expertise in transformative science and technology solutions to support and enhance our Nation’s emergency response capabilities,” Moniz said. “Through our private and public partnerships, we apply these solutions to prepare for emergencies, mitigate risks, and expedite restoration and recovery from incidents impacting the energy sector. Looking ahead, Congress will be a key partner in ensuring that we strengthen our prevention and response capabilities.”
Due to advanced grid technology and connectivity, the risk of a cybersecurity attack on the nation’s grid is increased. In an effort to protect energy systems across the country, the DOE announced $34 million in funding, subject to appropriations, to fund 12 energy sector organizations in nine states through the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability’s Cybersecurity of Energy Delivery Systems (CEDS) program.
Moniz added that the DOE is working to strengthen natural disaster emergency responses. To support the initiative, the DOE holds an annual natural disaster emergency response simulation exercise called Clear Path. During Clear Path, public and private energy stakeholders learn disaster response in the event of a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami across the 700-mile long Cascadia Subduction Zone between Washington State and Oregon.
