Electroindustry to Congress: Grid Cybersecurity a Shared Responsibility

Flexible policies, public-private partnerships needed to improve grid
security

ROSSLYN, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#NEMA—National
Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Vice President of
Government Relations Kyle Pitsor testified
in front of the Energy Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives
Energy and Commerce Committee at a hearing on improving the cyber- and
physical-security of the electric grid. As the association representing
the manufacturers of safe, reliable, and efficient electrical equipment,
NEMA is a leader in developing industry best practices for cybersecurity.

“Electroindustry manufacturers have made cybersecurity a top priority.
As the manufacturers of essential grid equipment, NEMA Members are a key
line of defense against both physical- and cyber-attacks on the
electricity transmission and distribution system,” said Pitsor.
“However, the responsibility for protecting our nation’s electric grid
must be shared among the private sector, end-users, and government
agencies.”

NEMA recommended increased public-private collaboration on
cybersecurity, possibly including voluntary cybersecurity evaluation of
products used in the transmission, distribution, and storage of
electricity.

Pitsor’s testimony
highlighted NEMA electrical standards including, “NEMA CPSP 1-2015:
Supply Chain Best Practices” published in 2015 as a best practices
document for electrical manufacturers to improve the security of their
supply chain. In May 2018, NEMA will publish a companion document, “NEMA
CPSP 2-2018: Cyber Hygiene,” detailing cyber hygiene principles and best
practices for electrical manufacturers to implement in their
manufacturing and engineering processes. More information is online at www.nema.org/cybersecurity.

The hearing focused on four bills, one which was the Cyber Sense Act
(H.R. 5239) that establishes a voluntary program to identify and promote
cyber secure products for use in the bulk-power system. Also under
consideration was the Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private
Partnerships Act (H.R. 5240) to require DOE to provide voluntary
physical- and cybersecurity training and technical assistance to
utilities; assess DOE cybersecurity priorities, policies, and
procedures; and update the Interruption Cost Estimate Calculator. Both
bills are co-sponsored by Congressmen Bob Latta (R-Ohio) and Jerry
McNerney (D-California) who co-chair the Congressional Grid Innovation
Caucus.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents
nearly 350 electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers that
make safe, reliable and efficient products and systems. Our combined
industries account for 360,000 American jobs in more than 7,000
facilities covering every state. Our industry produces $106 billion
shipments of electrical equipment and medical imaging technologies per
year with $36 billion exports.

Contacts

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
Tracy Cullen,
703-841-3282
[email protected]