The SECURE Grid Act aims to make local energy systems safer by requiring states to plan for physical and cybersecurity threats. This is important to ensure reliable electricity for communities.
Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid Act or the SECURE Grid Act This bill extends through FY2031 and modifies requirements for state energy security plans. Under current law, states are required to submit to the Department of Energy (DOE) state energy security plans that meet certain requirements in order to be eligible to receive federal financial assistance for state energy conservation programs. The bill specifies that DOE is not required to approve the plans. The bill requires DOE to provide information, technical assistance, and other assistance in the development, implementation, or revision of a state energy security plan upon the request of a state. The bill also requires states to address additional factors in their energy security plans, such as (1) weather-related threats and vulnerabilities; (2) supply chain risks for equipment for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity; and (3) the security of local distribution systems and the bulk-power system. A local distribution system is energy infrastructure owned and operated by an electric utility at a voltage of 100 kilovolts or less. In addition, the bill directs the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the efficacy of state energy security plans.