DHS has reportedly urged energy companies to ramp up security amid potential Iranian retaliation. (Utility Dive)
State of play: Most drone incidents near grid infrastructure appear to involve surveillance rather than direct attacks, but that recon can enable coordinated assaults in the future.
NERC's latest grid security exercise reveals a deeper problem: Utilities can detect drones over critical infrastructure, but they’re legally barred from engaging them in flight. Since FAA regulations treat them the same as any aircraft, utilities can only respond after a drone has landed (which is often too late).
Federal guidance on detection and countermeasures is fragmented across agencies, and grid asset owners report "growing concern" about their ability to protect critical assets.