LPPC members view cyber security as an important electric power industry issue, due to its critical role in bulk power system reliability.

RELIABILITY AND SECURITY OF THE ELECTRIC GRID from LPPC Power on Vimeo.

Principle: PRESERVING RELIABILITY

Maintenance of a Reliable Electric Grid Must Be a Key Consideration in Establishing New Federal Policy

A reliable electric grid is essential for economic growth in our communities. For these purposes reliability includes both Operating Reliability1 and System Adequacy.2 Federal regulators should be required to conduct a “reliability impact assessment” prior to the adoption of any significant federal rule affecting the electricity sector, to ensure that new regulations are not inadvertently undermining reliable electricity service.

Continue to pursue inclusion in energy legislation as energy legislation is considered in the next session of Congress

Principle: ENHANCING GRID RESILIENCE

The Electric Industry and Government Should Partner to Better Understand and Seek to Enhance the Resilience of the Electric Grid

Resilience refers to the ability of the electric grid to adapt to changing conditions and withstand and rapidly recover from disruptions, whether resulting from a deliberate attack, an accident, or an act of nature.
The electric industry, government and academia should work together to better understand and seek to enhance the resilience of the nation’s electric grid, particularly in face of evolving threats.

Begin educating policy makers and regulators regarding the difference between reliability and resilience and seek a seat at the table as the discussions advance in any new legislation or regulation

Principle: CYBER AND PHYSICAL SECURITY

Policy to Establish a Resilient Security Posture

To protect against cyber and physical security threats, and enable effective response to, and recovery from, any incidents that might affect the reliable operation of the grid, government policy should focus on implementation of a risk-based security framework. Such a risk-based framework should be adaptable to changing threats and technologies, recognize existing regulatory requirements, encourage best-practice sharing among utilities, and promote information sharing and collaboration between industry and government.

Continue to build upon a risk-based framework and seek opportunities for collaboration and liability reduction