The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and AVANGRID, a sustainable energy company providing services in 24 states, conducted a virtual tabletop exercise to test and identify the safety procedures AVANGRID has implemented since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and identify additional procedures necessary to ensure employee safety operations and business continuity in the out years.  

On November 19 and 20, more than 200 industry and government officials exercised the energy sector’s response and recovery to a Wasatch earthquake during CESER’s Clear Path VIII. This year’s scenario impacted critical energy infrastructure within Utah and the surrounding states with cascading impacts across the Western United States. The regional, all hazards Clear Path Exercise series brings together energy sector partners on an annual basis to update policies and procedures, identify areas for collective improvement, and strengthen relationships and cooperation.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Chairman Neil Chatterjee announced the selection of Mittal Desai to serve as the Commission’s Chief Information Officer, effective June 7, 2020. Desai currently is a Senior Advisor and Risk Analyst in FERC’s Office of the Executive Director.

Organizations in the energy industry face a number of potential threats and risks, and addressing them often poses significant challenges.

Addressing cyber risks in the energy sector is critical not only to energy security, but is also vital for a resilient state and economy, according to a World Energy Council report.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is testing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, to enhance the safety and reliability of its electric and gas service. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized PG&E to use drones to assist with inspections of electric and gas infrastructure.

Europe is emerging as a global leader in national cybersecurity enforcement. The European Union (EU) and countries connected to the Council of Europe and the European Economic Area, including Norway and Switzerland, have been most successful in implementing binding legal instruments in the area of cybercrime and cybersecurity.

As the August recess draws closer, senators are being warned to take action on a cyber security bill for smart grid security before the period is over.

Seventy-five percent of energy security professionals say that smart grid security has not been adequately addressed in smart grid deployment.