Cybersecurity, Reliability & CIP

“If frequency starts dropping that’s a problem because a lot of motors and adjustable motor drives are all counting on that frequency to operate. Solar panels do not provide frequency, they take frequency from the grid, unless you have grid-forming inverters, and right now we don’t.”

“We’re the only truly independent organization that doesn’t have a financial stake in outcomes. I don’t have to please anybody. My job is to tell the truth as I see it, back that up with facts, and help people interpret what the facts are saying.”

The mission of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. PUF Executive Editor Steve Mitnick discussed achieving that with NERC CEO Jim Robb, Chief Engineer Mark Lauby, General Counsel Sonia Rocha, Senior Vice President of Strategy and External Engagement Camilo Serna, and Senior Vice President of Regulatory Oversight Howard Gugel.

West Virginia PSC modified a request for proposal for a management audit of electric service reliability. The Commission’s aim was to extend deadlines for proposals and the resulting project. The focus is to be that state’s distribution system served by Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power, operating companies of American Electric Power.

“NARUC recognized the need to establish separate rules for small generators that don’t require the same level of engineering analysis to ensure they will maintain grid safety and reliability.”

“Clean capital efficiency, which is leveraging technology to drive higher efficiency and utilization of existing and new system assets, is a valuable part of the picture and an important way to help alleviate rate pressure.”

“CIP-015 acknowledges that adversaries can infiltrate trusted zones and highlights the importance of continuous internal visibility. By implementing Internal Network Security Monitoring, entities will be better equipped to detect an adversary during initial stages of an intrusion and reduce the risk of an adversary establishing a foothold.”

“SEPA held its first-ever Office Hours event showcasing our new Database of Emerging Large-Load Tariffs and Agreements (DELTa) platform, jointly created with the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, drawing in regulators and utilities for a hands-on Q&A.”

“At BGE, a more targeted approach has taken shape through a partnership of Vegetation Management and the Data Science team; one that relies on data to drive decisions, not just following routine.”

“I had the privilege of joining national security leaders, utility executives, cybersecurity experts, and public-private collaborators at the Qrypt-hosted summit on critical infrastructure protection. With cyber threats evolving in stealth, sophistication, and scale, this gathering was a wake-up call, and a roadmap, for utilities and regulators alike.”