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Today, the House of Representatives passed the Security Community Upgrades for a Resilient (SECURE) Grid Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-7). This bipartisan bill would empower states to fully assess risks to the electric grid from extreme weather, physical and cyber threats, and other vulnerabilities. Congressman Latta is the co-chair of the Grid Innovation Caucus. 

"America's electric grid must be secure and resilient to ensure families and businesses have reliable access to affordable energy. From extreme weather to physical and cyber threats posed by our adversaries, protecting our nation's energy infrastructure is a matter of national security. That's why I was proud to lead the SECURE Grid Act with Rep. Matsui. I thank Rep. Matsui for her partnership in advancing this bipartisan legislation through the House. Together, we are taking an important step to strengthen the resilience of our electric grid, helping Ohioans and Americans across the country access reliable, affordable energy and ensuring they can count on keeping the lights on,” said Latta.   

"Americans depend on reliable and affordable electricity for every aspect of their lives. Today's passage of the bipartisan SECURE Grid Act is a major step toward building a stronger, more reliable power grid that prevents blackouts, protects communities from extreme weather, and keeps electricity affordable. Californians know all too well the dangers and challenges posed by extreme weather, and we can't afford to wait until the next emergency to act. This bill takes a smarter approach by planning ahead, strengthening our energy infrastructure before problems occur, and helping ensure families across America have affordable power for years to come,” said Matsui.  

Congressman Latta spoke on the House floor today in support of his bill. To watch his remarks, click here. 

Background on the SECURE Grid Act: 

States must submit a State Energy Security Plan (SESP) annually to receive funds from the State Energy Program. State Energy Offices use these funds to implement energy security and resiliency plans, invest in domestic energy resources, reduce energy waste, pilot innovative energy projects, and more. A state's SESP allows it to recognize, respond to, and mitigate weaknesses in its energy infrastructure. 

While SESPs are currently required to consider broad vulnerabilities, including physical and cyber-attacks, the SECURE Grid Act adds necessary detailed data to these reports, requiring states to consider: 

• threats posed to local distribution facilities and supporting grid infrastructure, like distribution substations; 
• the risks posed by increasing grid demand; 
• available technologies to mitigate threats to energy distribution and rising grid demand; 
• the distinctions between weather-related threats and threats from a physical act of violence; 
• the utility of public-private partnerships in meeting energy security needs; 
• the availability of innovative financing models that may save taxpayer dollars and increase access to digital grid technology; and 
• the role of vendors in maintaining a secure, reliable, and resilient energy distribution system.