News Release: September 17, 2020
Docket No. RM20-19-000
Item No. E-2
NOI
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is seeking comments on the potential risks to the bulk electric system posed by using equipment and services produced or provided by entities identified as risks to national security.
Today’s Notice of Inquiry seeks comments on:
- the extent to which equipment and services provided by such entities are used in the operation of the bulk electric system;
- the risks to bulk electric system reliability and security posed by the use of equipment and services;
- whether the current Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Reliability Standards adequately mitigate the identified risks; and
- possible actions the Commission could consider to further address the identified risks.
Since the Commission approved the existing CIP Reliability Standards on supply chain risk management in Order No. 850, there have been significant developments in the form of Executive Orders, legislation and federal agency actions that raise concerns over the potential risks posed by the use of equipment and services provided by entities identified as risks to national security.
Huawei Technologies Company and ZTE Corporation have been identified as examples of such entities because they provide communication systems and other equipment and services that are critical to bulk electric system reliability.
Comments on the Notice of Inquiry are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, and reply comments are due 90 days after publication in the Federal Register.
R-20-37
(30)