Since the energy sector is uniquely critical, securing it and ensuring resiliency is an important aspect of homeland defense. The Energy Sector-Specific Plan (SSP) is closely aligned with the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) which establishes goals for the energy sector. The goals are aimed at keeping the sector ahead of new threats and challenges. Some of the key tasks include strengthening resiliency of supply chains, enhancing cyber and physical security, and addressing the risks presented by aging infrastructure and workforce (“Energy Sector”, 2015). When considering budget goals for the year ahead, these goals should be taken into consideration along with the goals associated with maintaining and securing the power grid. Budget allocations should then align with the power grid priorities. National energy goals are categorized into initiatives designed to strengthen the Department of Energy’s efforts to enhance program management and accelerate the progress of key national priorities …show more content…
The government and utility partners have taken steps to toward a broader and more integrated vision for making the grid more reliable and efficient. The Smart Grid vision is an electrical supply network that uses digital communications to detect and react to local changes in usage. The networks carry electricity from the plants to consumers, thus, it requires more IT systems, networks, and two-way communication (“Smart Grid, n.d.). The grid assets that would be affected in this transformation include network systems operations, power generation, and transmission substations. Smart grids yield many benefits including improved reliability with fewer outages and the improved ability to detect and respond to potential attacks on the grid (“Challenges In Securing”,