In an effort to safeguard U.S. critical infrastructure from persistent and sophisticated threats, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a request for information (RFI), to support its new initiative to enhance the cybersecurity of electric utilities’ industrial control systems, and secure the energy sector supply chain. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) encourages relevant stakeholders to respond by the DOE deadline on June 7, 2021.
The DOE seeks input from electric utilities, energy companies, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders to inform future recommendations for supply chain security in U.S. energy systems. The RFI, "Ensuring the Continued Security of the United States Critical Electric Infrastructure," is part of a 100-day plan—a coordinated effort between DOE, the electricity industry, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The initiative "represents swift, aggressive actions to confront cyber threats from adversaries who seek to compromise critical systems that are essential to U.S. national and economic security," DOE reports.
The RFI also supports a larger coordinated effort, including the recent Executive Order 14017, “America’s Supply Chains,” to develop a strengthened and effective strategy to address the security of the U.S. energy sector.
“The United States faces a well-documented and increasing cyber threat from malicious actors seeking to disrupt the electricity Americans rely on to power our homes and businesses,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “It’s up to both government and industry to prevent possible harms—that’s why we’re working together to take these decisive measures so Americans can rely on a resilient, secure, and clean energy system.”
Access the RFI on the Office of Electricity's webpage. Responses are due by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, June 7, 2021.