Press Release

PUC Partners with State, Federal Departments; Hosts Workshop on Cybersecurity Issues

Published on 5/16/2013

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today partnered with the U. S. Department of Homeland Security and the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of Homeland Security to host a Cyber Resiliency Workshop for private sector utility information security professionals.

“We all have a responsibility to help prevent cyber attacks.  Any computer or network can become both a target for and an instrument of a cyber-terrorist,” said Commissioner Pamela Witmer in a video news release.  “Today it seems that a computer and a computer network are behind everything we do – from banking to watching television to getting our food at the grocery store. Utilities are no different – computers determine when and where electricity is needed; monitor and control the flow of natural gas through our pipelines; and calculate and add the amount of substances needed to ensure our water is safe to drink.”

As part of Commission regulations, the PUC conducts audits of utilities’ emergency preparedness plans, including physical security, emergency response, business continuity and cybersecurity.

“The PUC works to be a conduit of information between the utility industries broadly and state and federal government agencies so that silos can be broken down and important information can be shared,” said Commissioner Witmer.  “The PUC is not only concerned about what happens within our state borders. Understanding that if there is a widespread cybersecurity attack, it may not stay within our political boundaries, we are actively working with the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, as well as the state utility commissions of New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia, and recently hosted the first multi-state cybersecurity meeting.”

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. 

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov.  Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov