Wednesday 29 June 2011

Smart grid needs to be secure

A report commissioned by the Energy Networks Association has said a joined up approach is needed to make any future smart grid secure from cyber attack. The report written by international consultants KMEA looked at the threats and considered how government and networks should be developing strategies to secure UK electricity infrastructure.

The report found that although plans for distribution network operators and Government are rigorous, a more coherent and joined-up approach is needed to meet concerns of the future.

Responding to the report Energy Minister Charles Hendry said: "The UK is taking action now, investing in smart grid development and planning for the future. I am grateful to the ENA for this report which I am sure will prove to be an important contribution to making sure our electricity grid infrastructure remains secure. The Government will shortly publish a high level strategy for the development of the smart grid as part of the forthcoming White Paper on electricity market reform."

Energy Networks Association Chief Executive David Smith said:"Through a coordinated approach to cyber security we can ensure the lower carbon future of our energy networks with their greater communication is secure and robust. We are keen to work with government so that cyber security is not a sub-project but reflects the risks posed to critical infrastructure we depend upon so much."

Today's report comes just weeks before a newly formed taskforce will bring together the energy networks and government‟s security advisers to discuss how the future influx of IT and communications on the grid will be protected.

Related story: Smart grid will happen but only with global standard