Presentation: Managing Cybersecurity Risk in an Increasingly Interconnected Energy Grid

Synopsis

As solar inverters and energy storage systems become increasingly integrated into the U.S. power grid, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical component of system reliability and national infrastructure protection. These technologies operate within complex, interconnected environments where risk can arise from hardware, software, communications pathways, and supply chain dependencies.

Effective oversight requires a risk-based approach that evaluates system architecture, control effectiveness, and verifiable security practices rather than relying on assumptions about individual components or origin. Cybersecurity risk in modern grid infrastructure is often driven by interactions across system layers, reinforcing the need for holistic assessment and secure-by-design engineering principles.

This discussion outlines key considerations for regulators, operators, and manufacturers, including the role of transparency, traceability, and independent verification in strengthening trust and accountability. It also highlights the importance of consistent standards, ongoing due diligence, and industry collaboration as the energy sector continues to evolve toward more digital and interconnected systems.