Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) would require states to include more detailed data on the physical security, cybersecurity, and resilience of local distribution systems in their energy security plans.
Rep. Latta on Jan. 27 sponsored the bipartisan Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid Act, also known as the SECURE Grid Act, H.R. 7257, alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) to ensure states more fully assess risks to the electric grid from extreme weather, physical and cyber threats, and other vulnerabilities.
“From extreme weather to physical and cyberattacks by adversaries that could disrupt our power supply, protecting the grid is a national priority,” said Rep. Latta, co-chair of the Grid Innovation Caucus. “That’s why I introduced the SECURE Grid Act, to make sure the right steps are taken to strengthen and safeguard our energy infrastructure.”
Currently, states must submit a State Energy Security Plan (SESP) annually to receive funds from the State Energy Program. A state’s SESP allows it to recognize, respond to, and mitigate weaknesses in its energy infrastructure.
The allotted funds are used by State Energy Offices to implement energy security and resiliency plans, invest in domestic energy resources, reduce energy waste, and pilot innovative energy projects, among other uses.
While SESPs are currently required to consider broad vulnerabilities, including physical and cyber-attacks, H.R. 7257 would also require states to consider threats posed to local distribution facilities and supporting grid infrastructure; the risks posed by increasing grid demand; available technologies to mitigate threats to energy distribution and rising grid demand; and the distinctions between weather-related threats and threats from a physical act of violence.
States also would have to consider the utility of public-private partnerships in meeting energy security needs; the availability of innovative financing models that may save taxpayer dollars and increase access to digital grid technology; and the role of vendors in maintaining a secure, reliable, and resilient energy distribution system, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Latta’s office.
“The threat of cyber-attacks continues to grow as more and more of our infrastructure becomes digitally interconnected,” said Rep. Matsui. “That’s why I’m introducing the SECURE Grid Act to provide state officials with the support and funding they need to anticipate and respond to any and all threats to our electric grid.”
Schneider Electric, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and the National Association of State Energy Officials have endorsed H.R. 7257, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.