Statement on FERC’s December Open Meeting Action

WASHINGTON, D.C. At its monthly open meeting, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) took action on a key reliability item, directing an informational filing regarding virtualization and cloud computing services. The order addresses comments received in response to FERC’s February 20, 2020 Notice of Inquiry regarding the potential benefits and risks associated with the use of virtualization and cloud computing services in association with Bulk Electric System (BES) operations. The order directs NERC to submit an informational filing that evaluates possible modifications to the Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Reliability Standards to facilitate the voluntary use of cloud computing to perform BES operations by the end of 2021.

NERC previously provided comments in this proceeding in a July 2020 filing. Work is currently underway, through NERC’s standard development process and through ERO Enterprise outreach to industry groups, to continue to identify the potential risks and effective mitigation strategies, taking into account all relevant considerations. NERC appreciates today’s action and will continue its efforts to support a strong cyber security posture among stakeholders, including evaluating methods to facilitate the voluntary use of cloud computing where feasible.

 
Posted On: 12/17/2020