With the growing importance and challenges of cyber security on the electric grid, Florida Public Service Commissioner Andrew Giles Fay was invited to address this topic at the Harvard Electricity Policy Group (HEPG) meeting on Thursday, December 6, in West Palm Beach.
“Cyber security has been, and continues to be, one of my main areas of interest,” Commissioner Fay said. “I was honored to be a part of such a prestigious group of experts to discuss the challenges that lie ahead.”
Commissioner Fay said the reliability and stability of the electric grid are at the core of any analysis in relation to cyber security protections. “Participating in this discussion on emerging cyber security policy, standards, and oversight and the possible effects on the design and operation of electricity systems is timely and vitally important,” he continued.
Commissioner Fay addressed how risk-based security design strategies require expert knowledge of both electricity operations and complex IT systems. The discussion explored policy issues and challenges regarding the monitoring, oversight, and analysis of implementing cyber security designs.
Part of the Harvard Kennedy School, the HEPG serves as a vehicle for exploring the many pressing policy issues surrounding electricity restructuring. Joining Commissioner Fay on the panel were Ryan Ellis, Assistant Professor of Communications at Northeastern University, and Thomas O’Brien, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at PJM Interconnection.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
