Public power utilities can receive funding and support to implement technology to improve their cybersecurity stance. The Cybersecurity Technology Assistance Program helps public power utilities to find a cybersecurity technology solution, match utilities with providers, and provide partial funding to deploy the technology. The program is administered through the American Public Power Association in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy.
In exchange for the financial and technical support, participants will share their experience with the deployment and use of the technology with the Association over the course of the year.
Why should my utility participate?
- To improve your cybersecurity efforts. As cybersecurity threats evolve, the technologies used to defend against these threats are evolving as well. By participating in the program, your utility will have access to new cybersecurity monitoring and information sharing solutions. The information provided by these technologies will help your organization improve your cybersecurity stance.
- Be part of the community. Participants will become a part of the Association’s technology adoption community and have opportunities to learn from others and share their experiences.
- Get the value of a cybersecurity technology solution provider. In an earlier pilot of this program, members that deployed cybersecurity technology reported improvements in their utility’s cybersecurity awareness and response capabilities.
- Receive funding. Through a cooperative agreement with DOE, the Association is able to provide public power utilities partial funding for cybersecurity technology deployments.
When does the program start?
The Association is collecting applications from interested utilities now. Funding for this program is limited, so apply soon. Applications will be accepted through September 14, 2018, or while funds last.
Participating utilities will select a technology vendor in August through September 2018 and will meet monthly with the Association through June 2019.
Are we eligible?
Any public power utility that has completed the Public Power Cybersecurity Scorecard is eligible to apply for the program. However, space and funding are limited. Participants will be selected based on information provided during an interview with the program team.
How does a utility sign up?
- Complete the Public Power Cybersecurity Scorecard. This will provide your utility with a baseline understanding of your cybersecurity capability and areas for improvement.
- Submit the form below to let us know you are interested.
- Share additional information about your cybersecurity goals via a telephone interview with program staff. Association staff will reach out to set up a time for this interview after you submit the interest form.
Selected utilities will be notified beginning in August 2018. Once selected, utilities will be given a list of approved cybersecurity technology providers. If selected, participating utilities will be asked to meet with the Association’s cybersecurity team once per month throughout the funding period via teleconference. Participating utilities will also provide a report about their experience.