FERC establishes cyber security office

The agency that regulates the transmission of electricity, oil and natural gas in the United States has created a new office to concentrate on cyber security. Announced last week, the Office of Energy Infrastructure Security, part of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), will work in partnership with energy facilities, as well as other government agencies, to offer recommendations and provide assistance in relation to security threats and vulnerabilities. The new office arrives amid rising security concerns around smart grid technology. Several years ago, FERC approved cybersecurity standards developed by the North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC).