The report, released this week is called UK Smart Grid Cyber Security and has been produced by the Energy Networks Association (ENA).

ENA worked with consultants KEMA on the report, commissioned for the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC), to examine how government and networks should develop a strategy to secure the future UK’s electricity infrastructure.

Primarily, the report found while smart grid plans are rigorous, a more coherent and joined-up approach is needed to meet concerns of the future.

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

Energy Networks Association chief executive, David Smith, said in the future our energy networks will be smarter and therefore more ‘vulnerable’ than in the past.

He said: “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 so that cyber security is not a sub-project but reflects the risks posed to critical infrastructure we depend upon so much.”

Energy minister, Charles Hendry, said: “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.”

Luke Walsh

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