Energy Networks Association has published an independent report by respected international consultants KEMA into Smart Grid Cyber Security. The report, commissioned by ENA for the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) considered how government and networks should develop a strategy to secure the future UK electricity infrastructure together.

The report comes just weeks before a newly formed taskforce will bring together the energy networks’ and government’s security advisers to discuss how the future influx of IT and communications on the grid will be protected.

The report found that although plans for distribution network operators and Government are rigorous, a more coherent and joined-up approach is needed to meet concerns of the future.

Energy Minister Charles Hendry said, "The UK is taking action now, investing in smart grid development and planning for the future. I am grateful to the ENA for this report which I am sure will prove to be an important contribution to making sure our electricity grid infrastructure remains secure. We will study its recommendations carefully. The Government will shortly publish a high level strategy for the development of the smart grid as part of the forthcoming White Paper on electricity market reform.”

Energy Networks Association Chief Executive David Smith said, "In the future, our energy networks will be ‘smarter’ and more complex to ensure we provide for the diverse nature of our energy generation and consumption. However, this presents additional vulnerability. Through a coordinated approach to cyber security we can ensure the lower carbon future of our energy networks, with their greater communication, is secure and robust.

“As well as addressing risk assessments with government, the networks will deliver improved technology and have dedicated resource as part of the development of a Smart Grid. This cannot sit in isolation, however, and we are keen to work with government and Ofgem so that cyber security is not a sub-project but reflects the risks posed to critical infrastructure we depend upon so much.”