The security of Arizona's energy grid is under scrutiny as Nick Myers, Vice Chair of the Arizona Corporation Commission, has launched an inquiry into the cybersecurity risks associated with Chinese-manufactured inverters. These devices, integral to solar, wind, and battery systems, have recently been implicated in media reports for potentially harboring unauthorized hardware that might be used to remotely deactivate parts of the grid, as reported by the Arizona Corporation Commission.
To quickly respond to these concerns, Myers has formally docketed a letter requesting a comprehensive rundown from regulated utilities in the state. The inquiry seeks to ascertain the deployment scope of these inverters and understand the cybersecurity measures currently in place to protect Arizona's power systems. According to a statement made by the Arizona Corporation Commission's website, Myers affirmed, "As our grid continues to embrace inverter-based resources, we must ensure that our critical infrastructure is secure, resilient, and free from hidden vulnerabilities."
Myers has extended over 50 targeted questions to electric utilities, with a response deadline set for June 30. The inquiry prioritizes identifying the potential risks and strategies for mitigation, as well as understanding the cybersecurity protocols in place. "As Commissioners, we have the responsibility to ensure Arizona's electric utilities are taking the necessary steps to defend the grid from foreign cyber threats," Vice Chairman Myers stated, as per the Arizona Corporation Commission.
For details on the development of this story and more information about the inquiry, interested parties are encouraged to reference Vice Chairman Myers' letter on the ACC's official website.
