The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), an association that represents the interests of state public utility commissions before the three branches of the federal government, have launched a new partnership to mitigate cybersecurity risks and consequences in solar energy developments.
With support from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, the project will leverage state, federal and private-sector expertise on cybersecurity, grid and photovoltaic to identify model solar-cybersecurity programs and actions for states to take in partnership with utilities and the solar industry.
The rapid growth and importance of solar energy has elevated the critical need among state-level decision-makers to evaluate the potential cybersecurity implications of solar deployment and work with federal and private-sector stakeholders to mitigate those risks. Newer two-way communication technologies and remote grid support are revolutionizing how the grid operates, but also result in a system more exposed to cyber vulnerabilities. NASEO and NARUC seek to proactively address cyber threats in all energy areas, including solar infrastructure.
“As energy systems become more integrated and cyber-connected, their vulnerability to malicious actions grows,” says Andrew McAllister, commissioner of the California Energy Commission and chairman of the NASEO board of directors.
“Solar technologies are no exception; new tools and a dedicated, multi-stakeholder approach should strengthen solar cybersecurity, and by doing so, enable states to make meaningful progress on climate and resilience goals,” he adds.
The project will use a state-led advisory group and dialogue with solar and cybersecurity experts to advance education, tools and access to technical assistance. The project seeks to develop actionable solar cybersecurity strategies and roadmaps, as well as create stronger public-private partnerships and intra- and interstate cooperation for greater consumer and utility solar cybersecurity.