Small Power Sites Get Beefed-Up Cyber Defenses from FERC
Published Date: 9/23/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is updating a cyber security rule called CIP-003-11 to better protect smaller electric facilities from coordinated cyberattacks. This change affects companies running low-impact electric sites and aims to stop small problems from turning into big blackouts. The new rules will roll out soon, helping keep our power safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Reduces risk of cascading blackouts
You — as an electricity customer — are expected to benefit because the proposed CIP-003-11 changes are intended to better protect smaller electric facilities from coordinated cyberattacks whose combined effects could cause larger blackouts. The Commission says the changes aim to stop small problems from turning into big blackouts and will roll out soon to help keep power safe without breaking the bank.
New cyber rules for low‑impact sites
If you run a low‑impact electric site, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission proposes approving changes to Reliability Standard CIP-003-11 that specifically affect companies operating low‑impact electric facilities to mitigate risks from coordinated cyberattacks. The proposal is aimed at those operators and the new requirements are expected to roll out soon.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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