Recent confirmation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that Russian hackers targeted the control rooms of the nation’s public utilities underscores the vulnerability of our critical infrastructure and the urgency to address this susceptibility in a coordinated and comprehensive way.
Securing the bulk electric system, and in particular the high voltage interstate transmission systems, is an issue that has garnered a great deal of attention. However, we cannot forget the electric distribution system.
The increasingly networked and interconnected local electrical distribution system and the critical services that depend on it — such as our water delivery systems, financial institutions, hospitals, food and fuel distribution, and public safety — require national standards and a collaborative effort between federal and state regulators to prevent disruption and strengthen resiliency.
Brien J. Sheahan and Robert F. Powelson – Utility Dive – September 4, 2018.
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