More electric cooperatives can get financial assistance to harden their operations against cyberattacks thanks to an additional $5 million from the Department of Energy for a cybersecurity program run by NRECA. 

DOE’s latest allocation brings the Industrial Control System for Rural Electric Cooperatives (ICS-REC) total pot to $20 million. The department also extended its cooperative agreement with NRECA for the program through September 2028, an additional 18 months. 

“The new tranche of $5 million and extension from DOE will allow more co-ops to rapidly deploy technologies that protect, defend or harden their operational technology systems against cyberthreats,” said Adrian McNamara, NRECA cybersecurity program manager. 

Co-ops must have supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems to participate in the reimbursement program, which runs on a first-come, first serve basis. Since its launch in 2022, about 180 generation and transmission and distribution co-ops of all sizes have signed up and more than $9 million has been awarded.  

Starting in mid-November, NRECA will offer operational technology assessments for co-ops before they deploy the cybersecurity solutions as part of the ICS-REC. Cybersecurity for OT technology largely involves placing sensors in substations or other infrastructure to monitor digital traffic for potential threats to the co-op’s system.   

“Getting visibility into your systems is key to knowing what's there and how to go about mitigating any threat, especially in vital operational technology systems,” said McNamara, who will go into depth on the project in an Oct. 23 webinar.  

“These assessments will give participating co-ops insight on how best to secure their systems through the technologies we fund in the program.”  

Staff from participating co-ops discussed the ICS-REC at NRECA’s Co-op Cyber Tech in June. Jeff Haidet, applications and security manager for Lancaster, Ohio-based South Central Power, called the program a financial “springboard” for improving co-ops’ cybersecurity. 

“Cybersecurity, like the other parts of our business, is something we’re constantly making investments in,” he said. “It's been great to work with the NRECA team. They really walk you through the process.” 

For members at the end of the line, their co-op’s participation in the ICS-REC initiative “ultimately means their power is going to be resilient, reliable, secure,” said McNamara. 

Co-ops interested in participating in the ICS-REC should contact Adrian McNamara.