Wildfire and Energy Issues in the Forefront During Summer Months

CLFP is following a variety of wildfire, energy and utility issues on behalf of its CLFP members, as well as cybersecurity issues that have been drawing increased scrutiny in recent months by California utilities.

Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) for 2021
According to reports, the wildfire season is beginning weeks earlier than usual due to drought conditions. As a result, CLFP member facilities will face another processing season of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) protocols. CLFP continues to have weekly meetings with PG&E and other utilities to gather the latest information on potential shutdowns due to wildfire events. PG&E has completed its 2021 PSPS customer education efforts, as well as updated its site-level contact information in advance of the PSPS season. However, CLFP members concerned with potential PSPS events should make sure PG&E has your most up-to-date contact information in order for you to receive timely alerts on potential PSPS events. Contact your local utility representative for more information.

Cybersecurity Shares Top Priority with Wildfires and Reliability for CA Utilities
In the wake of the Colonial Pipeline ransomware hack, cybersecurity is drawing increased scrutiny from California utilities. Joining reliability and wildfire risks, cyber and physical security are now a top priority at PG&E.

PG&E recently briefed CLFP on its participation in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (US DOE) Cybersecurity Risk Information Sharing Program or CRISP. CRISP is a public-private data sharing and analysis platform that provides automated threat identification analytics and timely alerts based on classified threat analyses to participating utility companies. Essentially, CRISP enhances the participating utilities’ ability to identify, prioritize and rapidly mitigate threats. CRISP operates by providing the tools to identify malicious traffic then directly alert affected utilities. US DOE also contributes by integrating classified threat analysis with existing utility resources.

Utilities Roll Out Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP)
In a recent rulemaking, the CA Public Utilities Commission approved financial incentives for reducing energy use during times of high grid stress and emergencies. The goal of the five-year program is to help the state avoid rotating power outages. Participating industrial facilities can earn $1/kWh for load reduction during program events. The ELRP runs between May and October each year and participation in events is voluntary. There is no penalty if you are not able to participate in an event. Non-residential commercial, industrial and agricultural customers are eligible. Click here for more information or contact John Larrea at CLFP.

By John Larrea, CLFP Government Affairs Director