President Trump Issues Executive Order on Securing the United States Bulk Power System

On May 1, 2020, President Trump issued Executive Order 13920 addressing the security of the United States bulk power system due to continued concerns regarding the capabilities and intentions of foreign adversaries. Most notably, UtilityDive highlights the executive order aims to:

• halt the installation of bulk-power system (BPS) equipment “designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied, by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary.”
• effectively create a “black list of companies” from which utilities will need to stop purchasing equipment
• address weaknesses in the utility sector supply chain

Furthermore, a task force will be established to develop policies and procedures for the procurement of energy infrastructure. The task force will consult with the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council and the Oil and Natural Gas Subsector Coordinating Council to share risk information and risk management practices to inform such procurement. Industry experts agree this is a step in the right direction; Joe Weiss and Waterfall Security provide additional commentary, assessments, and insights. Read more at UtilityDive