On this episode of The Current, we connected with Kregg Arntson, Executive Director of the Portland General Electric Foundation. He leads Project Zero, an initiative to inspire the next generation to explore clean energy challenges in the greater Portland community. Since 2020, they have shown more than 175K students how to combat climate change, earning them the EEI’s 2024 Corporate Citizen Program award.

Participants:

• Kristine Telford, Executive Director of External Affairs, EEI – Moderator
• Kregg Arntson, Executive Director Portland General Electric Foundation

In this episode of The Current, we delve into the vital topic of cybersecurity in the energy sector. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to explore how electric utilities are safeguarding the nation's electric grid from cyber threats. Our guests will share insights into the evolving threat landscape, the steps companies are taking to secure their systems, and how these efforts ultimately protect electric customers.

Participants:

• Kristine Telford, Executive Director of External Affairs, EEI – Moderator
• Eileen Figone, Chief Information Security Officer and Director of Security, Risk and Compliance for Puget Sound Energy
• Sharla Artz, Security and Resilience Policy Area Vice President, Xcel Energy

Notes:

• The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Threat Analysis Center (ETAC) pilot led by the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), is a public-private partnership that convenes experts from the federal government and the U.S. energy sector, joining analytic capabilities from the national laboratories with real-world threat insights to secure critical infrastructure and support the nation’s response to energy system threats. (Energy Threat Analysis Center | Department of Energy)
• The Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC) reduces cyber and physical security risk to the electric industry across North America by providing unique insights, leadership, and collaboration. (About the E-ISAC)
• The National Laboratories conduct research and development that addresses the Department of Energy’s core missions in energy, science, national security, and environmental stewardship. (What We Do - The National LaboratoriesThe National Laboratories)
• The CEO-led Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) serves as the principal liaison between the federal government and the electric power industry on efforts to prepare for, and respond to, national-level disasters or threats to critical infrastructure. The ESCC works across the sector, and with the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC), to develop actions and strategies that help protect the North American energy grid and prevent a spectrum of threats from disrupting electricity service. (ESCC - Home)

August is LIHEAP Action Month, which recognizes the importance of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This federally funded program provides qualifying customers with bill payment and energy assistance options.

Veronica Stober, a seasoned Customer Care Advocate at Alliant Energy, joins us to spread awareness about LIHEAP, how the program works for customers, and why you should support this critical assistance program. She has over 25 years of experience in the energy sector. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to supporting low-income customers, ensuring they can access essential energy services in their area.