Electricity and Grid Security

In 2006, government researchers discovered the potentially devastating “Aurora” vulnerability – through which hackers could use communications networks to physically destroy the electricity grid. This could cause billions of dollars of economic damages and render systems inoperable for months or even years. Since the utility industry has failed to take the necessary steps to protect against this and other grid security challenges, Rep. Markey has led efforts to craft bipartisan legislation to require the needed upgrades.  The “GRID Act” passed the House of Representatives overwhelmingly in the last Congress, but the new Republican Majority has not acted on it yet.