Hardening electric utility systems is critical to protecting the nation’s energy grid. Providing the electric utility workforce with relevant cybersecurity training to help them meet the constantly evolving threats facing electric utilities is essential.

Later this month, DOE’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), in partnership with Idaho National Laboratory (INL), will launch its first event in a series of unique cybersecurity training sessions for electric utility staff. 

This is not your average cybersecurity training event. It is a training program that was designed to quickly train utility staff to defend against cyber-attacks in areas of conflict. All electric utility employees in U.S. based utilities, including investor-owned, cooperative, public power, and tribal utilities are encouraged to attend. The 3-day training curricula is designed for technical practitioners in electric utilities that require a hybrid set of skills across information technology (IT), industrial control systems and operational technology (ICS/OT), cybersecurity, and electric grid operations. 

Registration for these training events is free.  Funding is provided through the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), that appropriates more than $62 billion to DOE to invest in American manufacturing and workers; expand access to energy efficiency and clean energy; deliver secure, reliable, clean, and affordable power to more Americans; and demonstrate and deploy the technologies of tomorrow through clean energy demonstrations.  

Where can you find out more about the cybersecurity training series and to register? Cybersecurity Training for the Utility Workforce (eventleaf.com)

What else should interested parties know? This training is for staff from an electric utility. Participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and meal costs.  

Cyber adversaries will exploit vulnerabilities. Training opportunities like this provide electric utilities with knowledge and hands-on experience to help them protect their systems.  

For more information about this Cybersecurity Trainings series, please click visit Cybersecurity Training for the Utility Workforce | Department of Energy.