Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

11/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/21/2024 09:28

PUC Highlights National Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month with a Focus on Utility Resilience and Security

PUC Highlights National Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month with a Focus on Utility Resilience and Security

Published on 11/21/2024

Filed under: Electric Gas Telecommunications Water and Wastewater

Resolve to #BeResilient: PUC Urges Utilities, Residents and Businesses to Strengthen Security Against Cyber, Weather and Man-Made Threats

HARRISBURG - As part of National Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is emphasizing the essential role of Pennsylvania's utility infrastructure in maintaining safe, resilient, and reliable services for all residents and businesses. This year's theme, "Resolve to #BeResilient," led by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), encourages all stakeholders to invest today in readiness, preparing to quickly withstand or recover from potential disruptions.

"Utility systems provide the foundation for our communities, but they face a range of challenges from cyber and physical threats to severe weather," said PUC Commissioner Ralph V. Yanora. "As we highlight resilience this month, it is important to remember that safeguarding these systems requires a year-round commitment from utilities, government agencies, and the public alike."

The PUC underscores that resilience means not only responding to emergencies but also enhancing continuity and recovery strategies to minimize downtime and ensure reliable services. Pennsylvania's utilities are actively engaged in efforts to strengthen their infrastructure against a growing range of threats, including cyber-attacks, extreme weather events, and aging infrastructure.

Strengthening Pennsylvania's Resilience to Severe Weather Events

Pennsylvania continues to experience an increasing number of weather-related outages, as noted in the PUC's annual electric service reliability report. Severe storms, marked by heavy rains and high winds that bring down trees and other vegetation, are the leading cause of power outages across the state. To counter these disruptions, Pennsylvania's electric distribution companies (EDCs) have committed to infrastructure improvement plans, strengthened vegetation management efforts, and smarter grid systems aimed at enhancing resilience and reliability.

The PUC continues to emphasize the importance of continued investment in grid resilience to protect against natural and man-made hazards and encourages residents to stay prepared for possible disruptions - especially when severe weather is forecast. More information about what individuals and businesses can do to enhance their infrastructure security is available in CISA's Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month toolkit.

Expanding Cybersecurity Efforts for Utility Protection

The PUC is also focusing on the rising threat of cyber-attacks targeting critical utility infrastructure, which faces an ever-evolving landscape of digital threats that can impact essential services statewide. The PUC remains deeply committed to safeguarding these vital systems through close collaboration with utility providers, industry leaders, and government agencies. By conducting assessments of cybersecurity protocols, engaging in proactive information-sharing, and sharing information about new threats, the PUC helps ensure that Pennsylvania's utilities are better prepared to handle potential cyber risks.

In support of these efforts, the PUC continues to promote industry best practices, providing resources specifically designed to strengthen cybersecurity for small and mid-size utilities. Additionally, through partnerships with organizations like the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), the PUC shares strategies and knowledge nationwide to help bolster cyber defenses across the utility sector.

Collaborative Partnerships to Safeguard Critical Infrastructure

For years, Pennsylvania has been at the forefront of collaborative efforts to safeguard critical utility infrastructure. The PUC regularly partners with utilities, federal, state and local agencies, and nonprofit organizations to conduct statewide exercises simulating potential "Black Sky" incidents - those natural or man-made incidents with the potential to cause long-duration, widespread disruptions. These exercises enhance collective communications and response capabilities and ensure a swift, coordinated approach to emergency preparedness and response.

As Pennsylvania observes National Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, the PUC reaffirms its dedication to supporting ongoing investments in resilience and security, strengthening partnerships, and educating the public on ways to contribute to the safety and continuity of vital utility services.

For more information about Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, visit the CISA website, and join the #BeResilient conversation on social media.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC's website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the "Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission" or "PA PUC" on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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