Welcome to the Intelligent Utility Network roundup, Digital Digest. As always, your fellow network members are paying close attention to digital utility and mobile workforce trends and sharing their insights. This month’s selection includes information about how IIJA will address EV range anxiety, the importance of utility cyber security, and more. Be sure to like and comment on your favorite posts. Happy reading!
IIJA and the Cure for Range Anxiety
Link to original article: https://energycentral.com/o/esri/iija-and-cure-range-anxiety
In this piece, Bill Meehan, Director, Utility Solutions at Esri describes how the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will reduce range anxiety regarding EVs. IIJA includes three programs — the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula, Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants for community charging, and Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants for corridor charging — that fund development of a national network of electric and alternative fuel charging stations. These efforts will make the ability to charge EVs nearly as ubiquitous as the ability to fill a car tank with gas.
Tactics for the IIJA – 1,200 Billion Reasons To Innovate
Link to original article: https://energycentral.com/o/esri/tactics-iija-1200-billion-reasons-innovate
Here, Pat Hohl, Director – Electric Industry Solutions at Esri interviews Jim Weikert from Power System Engineering, on the innovation that will be required to fulfill the requirements of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Jim addresses the timeline, goal-setting efforts, proposal preparation, innovations for improving collaboration, and suggestions for next steps. He recommends that utilities immediately begin developing their plans with government agencies, regulators, and customers. This item is part of Energy Central’s Innovation in the Electric Power Industry special issue.
Russia Aside, Cyber Security Reckoning Is Overdue
Link to original article: https://energycentral.com/c/iu/russia-aside-cyber-security-reckoning-overdue
In this article, Henry Craver, Small Business Owner points out that, while the topic of possible cyber attacks on utilities has gotten more attention since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it was an area of concern well before the invasion started. He suggests that it should remain one, given that our grid is becoming more vulnerable, the more advanced it becomes. Utilities can and should take steps to mitigate the risks posed by technologies like smart meters, and prepare for potential worst-case scenarios.
Why Would Anyone Want To Bring Down the US Grid?
Link to original article: https://energycentral.com/c/iu/why-would-anyone-want-bring-down-us-grid
In this post, Tom Alrich, Supply Chain Cybersecurity Risk Management and NERC CIP-013 Consultant follows up on previous posts in which he explains that a cyber attack bringing down the U.S. power grid is highly unlikely. In those posts, he gives technical reasons and in this one he gives a political one: an attack on that scale would be considered an act of war, resulting in retaliation from the U.S., possibly involving a nuclear exchange. Tom points out that, no matter what their grievances may be, that level of destruction presents a risk no nation is willing to take.
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