PJM Interconnection, which oversees the power grid to 13 states (including New Jersey) and the District of Columbia, practiced its ability to respond to a system-wide crisis in the recent GridEx exercise, a two-day simulation of emergency events involving grid operators from throughout North America that is held every two years.
The international grid security drill is directed by the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC). E-ISAC, as part of the North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC), is the electricity industry’s primary communications and control channel and works to refine and enhance preparation for and response to threats to the bulk electric system.
“This year’s scenario reflected real-world cyber and physical threats and was designed to stress-test crisis response and recovery plans,” as described on the GridEx website. More than 370 organizations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico participated in the drill from Nov. 18-19, and the exercise concluded on Nov. 20 with a tabletop session, bringing together industry and government executives.
Within the PJM region, about 30 organizations participated in or observed GridEx activities. Representatives from state agencies in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Illinois actively participated in the exercise, and three other states tuned in as observers. Within PJM, the two-day exercise drew participation across operations, security, legal, government affairs and communications.
“GridEx simulations are an essential learning tool to sharpen the necessary response, collaboration and communication skills required to keep the lights on during real events happening in real time,” said Michael Bryson, Sr. vice president of operations. “It is a great opportunity to develop best practices with our member utilities while improving coordination with our state and federal partners.”
Advancing grid defense strategies to combat growing cybersecurity and physical security events is a constantly evolving practice at PJM, which has participated in the biannual GridEx event since its inception in 2011.
