NERC

IBM on US Energy Cybersecurity: Keep Calm and Carry On

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For years predictions of the horror show that could happen if the nation’s electricity grid was compromised by hackers proliferated in inverse correlation to the number of attacks; the sector went about its peaceful way, adding security as it added increased interconnectivity and meeting standards that left service reliability levels intact.

That “quiet war” in cyberspace is over. The US energy sector is under attack, and there isn’t any indication the situation is going to improve. Keep reading →

 /  Published February 26, 2013 at 10:20 AM

Cybersecurity and the Power Grid

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The US Senate’s energy panel did a status check Tuesday on actions taken to ensure the electric grid is protected from cyber-attacks. The hearing came as lawmakers are poised to consider yet another round of cybersecurity legislation.

Testimony we heard about cumbersome processes and the inability to react quickly didn’t sound too promising, but you can read the excerpts below or scan the full testimony here and decide for yourself. Keep reading →

 /  Published July 20, 2012 at 2:30 PM

Incorporating Variable Solar: What It Means

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Although solar photovoltaic (PV) panel prices are rapidly dropping, integrating a high quality solar energy into the grid will have added costs, particularly because solar is an intermittent resource with highly variable output and repercussions for transmission grids.

To assess the issue, the US Department of Energy and Nevada’s utility, NV Energy, jointly sponsored a study conducted by Navigant Consulting on what the integration of solar in Nevada will mean for the utility. Download the full study here. Keep reading →

 /  Published January 3, 2012 at 11:00 AM

EPA Utility MACT Rule Released: Coal Plants Set For Closure As Blackout Risks Cited

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Santa arrived a few days early for environmentalists, but the coal industry is getting Scrooge.

The Environmental Protection Agency released its Utility MACT rule on Wednesday, issuing a controversial order to slash mercury and other hazardous emissions from coal-fired power plants. By 2016, all plants must emit as little mercury as the best 12% do today, lowering national emissions 90%. Keep reading →

 /  Published December 21, 2011 at 4:00 PM

Why Does The Grid Fail With Such Regularity?

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Our existing grid is not as reliable as one would expect. What is the cure?

With no warning some 6 million residents across a wide stretch of Southern California, Southwest Arizona and the northern top of Baja California in Mexico lost power on 8 September 2011. It took hours to restore power. Coming a mere 8 years after the much bigger blackout affecting over 50 million people in Northeast US and province of Ontario in Canada in August 2003, it reminded anyone who needed reminding that the US electric grid is not as reliable or dependable as one would expect it to be. Keep reading →

 /  Published November 3, 2011 at 10:00 AM
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