Virginia FERC Standards for Energy and Utilities: A Cybersecurity Guide

 

As a cybersecurity expert working with Virginia's energy sector, I understand that navigating FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) standards can be challenging. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of Virginia-specific FERC cybersecurity requirements for energy and utilities.

 

Virginia's Regional Electric Grid Structure

 

• Virginia falls within the PJM Interconnection territory, one of the largest Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) in the United States
• Virginia utilities must comply with both federal FERC regulations and Virginia-specific State Corporation Commission (SCC) requirements
• The Virginia Electric Utility Regulation Act establishes additional state-level oversight for cybersecurity practices

 

Key Virginia-Specific FERC Requirements

 

• Virginia Critical Infrastructure Protection (VA-CIP) supplements federal NERC CIP standards with state-specific requirements
• Virginia Grid Transformation and Security Act mandates specific cybersecurity controls for utility modernization projects
• Virginia Utility Damage Prevention Act includes cybersecurity provisions for protecting underground utility infrastructure information
• Virginia Data Breach Notification Requirements have stricter timelines for energy utilities than standard federal guidelines

 

PJM Virginia-Specific Requirements

 

• PJM Manual 13-Virginia outlines emergency operations procedures specific to Virginia's interconnection points
• Virginia Energy Assurance Plan requires utilities to maintain specific cybersecurity controls for natural gas and electric transmission
• Virginia Load Curtailment Plan includes cybersecurity requirements for systems that manage load shedding
• PJM Virginia Regional Interface Processes have specific security controls for data exchange with neighboring regions

 

Virginia SCC Cybersecurity Regulations

 

• The Virginia SCC Case PUR-2018-00198 established cybersecurity assessment requirements for electric utilities
• Virginia Utility Information Security Program (VUISP) mandates annual security audits with state-specific criteria
• Virginia Critical Electric Infrastructure Information (VA-CEII) rules govern how sensitive grid information must be protected
• Commonwealth Energy Emergency Response Plan includes specific cybersecurity incident response requirements

 

Virginia's CIP Standards Implementation

 

• Virginia Low-Impact BES Cyber System Requirements exceed federal standards for smaller facilities
• Virginia Electronic Security Perimeter (VA-ESP) requirements add additional controls for network security
• Virginia Cyber Vulnerability Assessment Program requires more frequent testing than federal standards
• Virginia Physical Security Standards for electric substations exceed federal requirements in urban areas

 

Virginia-Specific Supply Chain Requirements

 

• Virginia Secure Vendor Management Program includes state-specific verification requirements
• Virginia Energy Infrastructure Vendor Certification requires additional background checks for vendors working on critical systems
• Virginia Software Integrity Requirements mandate specific code verification procedures
• Virginia-Prohibited Technology List restricts certain equipment and software beyond federal prohibitions

 

Virginia Renewable Energy Cybersecurity Standards

 

• Virginia Clean Economy Act includes specific cybersecurity provisions for renewable energy integration
• Virginia Solar and Wind Generation Security Standards establish controls for distributed energy resources
• Virginia Grid Modernization Security Requirements apply to smart grid implementations
• Virginia Energy Storage Security Framework addresses specific risks for battery and other storage systems

 

Virginia Nuclear Facility Requirements

 

• Virginia Nuclear Facility Cybersecurity Rules complement federal NRC requirements
• North Anna and Surry Power Stations have Virginia-specific security requirements beyond federal standards
• Virginia Radiological Emergency Response includes specific cyber incident protocols
• Virginia Nuclear Materials Transportation Security requirements add extra data protection measures

 

Virginia Natural Gas Cybersecurity Standards

 

• Virginia Natural Gas Infrastructure Security Directive sets state-specific controls
• Virginia Underground Natural Gas Storage Security requirements exceed federal baseline
• Virginia LNG Facility Cybersecurity Requirements address specific regional threats
• Virginia Gas Control Systems Protection Standards provide detailed implementation guidance

 

Virginia Compliance Reporting Requirements

 

• Virginia Annual Cybersecurity Attestation must be filed with the Virginia SCC
• Virginia Quarterly Security Metrics reporting is required for large utilities
• Virginia Cyber Incident Notification has a 24-hour requirement (stricter than federal 72-hour timeline)
• Virginia Security Exercise Documentation must be maintained according to state-specific formats

 

Virginia Energy Emergency Cybersecurity Response

 

• Virginia Energy Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (VA-ECIRT) coordination requirements
• Virginia Multi-Utility Cyber Mutual Assistance Program participation requirements
• Virginia Utility Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing mandates
• Virginia Power Restoration Priority systems require specific protection measures

 

Virginia Smart Grid Security Standards

 

• Virginia Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Security Requirements exceed federal guidelines
• Virginia Distribution Automation Security Controls address specific regional threats
• Virginia Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) Security standards
• Virginia Customer Data Protection Requirements for smart grid applications

 

Virginia Small Utility Security Requirements

 

• Virginia Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Program requirements
• Virginia Rural Electric Cooperative Security Standards address unique regional needs
• Virginia Small Generator Interconnection Security Requirements
• Virginia Community Aggregation Security Controls for local energy programs

 

Compliance Assistance for Virginia Utilities

 

• The Virginia Utility Cybersecurity Assessment Program offers compliance assistance
• The Virginia Energy Workforce Development Consortium provides security training
• The Virginia Grid Resilience Grant Program helps fund security improvements
• The Virginia Critical Infrastructure Security Information Sharing Forum facilitates best practices exchange

 

If you need help understanding how these standards apply to your specific utility or energy facility in Virginia, contact the Virginia State Corporation Commission's Division of Public Utility Regulation or consult with a cybersecurity expert familiar with Virginia's specific energy regulatory environment.