IB 
Union Calendar No. 391 
116TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 5760 
[Report No. 116–489, Part I] 
To provide for a comprehensive interdisciplinary research, development, and 
demonstration initiative to strengthen the capacity of the energy sector 
to prepare for and withstand cyber and physical attacks, and for other 
purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
FEBRUARY 5, 2020 
Mr. BERA (for himself and Mr. WEBER of Texas) introduced the following bill; 
which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 
and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to 
be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consider-
ation of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee 
concerned 
SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 
Reported from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology with an 
amendment 
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic] 
SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 
Committee on Homeland Security discharged; committed to the Committee of 
the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed 
[For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on February 5, 2020] 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:41 Sep 05, 2020
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6652
E:\BILLS\H5760.RH
H5760
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS
A BILL 
To provide for a comprehensive interdisciplinary research, 
development, and demonstration initiative to strengthen 
the capacity of the energy sector to prepare for and 
withstand cyber and physical attacks, and for other pur-
poses. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:41 Sep 05, 2020
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6652
E:\BILLS\H5760.RH
H5760
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Grid Security Research 
and Development Act’’. 
SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 
Congress finds the following: 
(1) The Nation, and every critical infrastructure 
sector, depends on reliable electricity. 
(2) Intelligent electronic devices, advanced ana-
lytics, and information systems used across the energy 
sector are essential to maintaining reliable operation 
of the electric grid. 
(3) The cybersecurity threat landscape is con-
stantly changing and attacker capabilities are ad-
vancing rapidly, requiring ongoing modifications, ad-
vancements, and investments in technologies and pro-
cedures to maintain security. 
(4) It is in the national interest for Federal 
agencies to invest in cybersecurity research that in-
forms and facilitates private sector investment and 
use of advanced cybersecurity tools and procedures to 
protect information systems. 
(5) The number of devices and systems con-
necting to the electric grid is increasing, and inte-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:41 Sep 05, 2020
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H5760.RH
H5760
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS
grating cybersecurity protections into information 
systems when they are built is more effective than 
modifying 
products 
after 
installation 
to 
meet 
cybersecurity goals. 
(6) An understanding of human factors can be 
leveraged to understand the behavior of cyber threat 
actors, develop strategies to counter threat actors, im-
prove cybersecurity training programs, optimize the 
design of human-machine interfaces and cybersecurity 
tools, and increase the capacity of the energy sector 
workforce to prevent unauthorized access to critical 
systems. 
SEC. 3. AMENDMENT TO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SE-
CURITY ACT OF 2007. 
Title XIII of the Energy Independence and Security 
Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17381 et seq.) is amended by adding 
at the end the following: 
‘‘SEC. 1310. ENERGY SECTOR SECURITY RESEARCH, DEVEL-
OPMENT, AND DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in coordination 
with appropriate Federal agencies, the Electricity Subsector 
Coordinating Council, the Electric Reliability Organiza-
tion, State, tribal, local, and territorial governments, the 
private sector, and other relevant stakeholders, shall carry 
out a research, development, and demonstration program 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:41 Sep 05, 2020
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H5760.RH
H5760
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS
to protect the electric grid and energy systems, including 
assets connected to the distribution grid, from cyber and 
physical attacks by increasing the cyber and physical secu-
rity capabilities of the energy sector and accelerating the 
development of relevant technologies and tools. 
‘‘(b) DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY.—As part of the initia-
tive described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall award 
research, development, and demonstration grants to— 
‘‘(1) identify cybersecurity risks to information 
systems within, and impacting, the electricity sector, 
energy systems, and energy infrastructure; 
‘‘(2) develop methods and tools to rapidly detect 
cyber intrusions and cyber incidents, including 
through the use of data and big data analytics tech-
niques, such as intrusion detection, and security in-
formation and event management systems, to validate 
and verify system behavior; 
‘‘(3) assess emerging cybersecurity capabilities 
that could be applied to energy systems and develop 
technologies that integrate cybersecurity features and 
procedures into the design and development of exist-
ing and emerging grid technologies, including renew-
able energy, storage, and demand-side management 
technologies; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:41 Sep 05, 2020
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H5760.RH
H5760
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(4) identify existing vulnerabilities in intel-
ligent electronic devices, advanced analytics systems, 
and information systems; 
‘‘(5) work with relevant entities to develop tech-
nologies 
or 
concepts 
that 
build 
or 
retrofit 
cybersecurity features and procedures into— 
‘‘(A) information and energy management 
system devices, components, software, firmware, 
and hardware, including distributed control and 
management systems, and building management 
systems; 
‘‘(B) data storage systems, data manage-
ment systems, and data analysis processes; 
‘‘(C) automated- and manually-controlled 
devices and equipment for monitoring and stabi-
lizing the electric grid; 
‘‘(D) technologies used to synchronize time 
and develop guidance for operational contin-
gency plans when time synchronization tech-
nologies, are compromised; 
‘‘(E) power system delivery and end user 
systems and devices that connect to the grid, in-
cluding— 
‘‘(i) meters, phasor measurement units, 
and other sensors; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:41 Sep 05, 2020
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H5760.RH
H5760
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(ii) distribution automation tech-
nologies, smart inverters, and other grid 
control technologies; 
‘‘(iii) distributed generation, energy 
storage, and other distributed energy tech-
nologies; 
‘‘(iv) demand response technologies; 
‘‘(v) home and building energy man-
agement and control systems; 
‘‘(vi) electric and plug-in hybrid vehi-
cles and electric vehicle charging systems; 
and 
‘‘(vii) other relevant devices, software, 
firmware, and hardware; and 
‘‘(F) the supply chain of electric grid man-
agement system components; 
‘‘(6) develop technologies that improve the phys-
ical security of information systems, including remote 
assets; 
‘‘(7) integrate human factors research into the 
design and development of advanced tools and proc-
esses for dynamic monitoring, detection, protection, 
mitigation, response, and cyber situational awareness; 
‘‘(8) evaluate and understand the potential con-
sequences 
of 
practices 
used 
to 
maintain 
the 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:41 Sep 05, 2020
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H5760.RH
H5760
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS
cybersecurity of information systems and intelligent 
electronic devices; 
‘‘(9) develop or expand the capabilities of exist-
ing cybersecurity test beds to simulate impacts of 
cyber attacks and combined cyber-physical attacks on 
information systems and electronic devices, including 
by increasing access to existing and emerging test 
beds for cooperative utilities, utilities owned by a po-
litical subdivision of a State, such as municipally- 
owned electric utilities, and other relevant stake-
holders; and 
‘‘(10) develop technologies that reduce the cost of 
implementing effective cybersecurity technologies and 
tools, including updates to these technologies and 
tools, in the energy sector. 
‘‘(c) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION.—The National 
Science Foundation, in coordination with other Federal 
agencies as appropriate, shall through its cybersecurity re-
search and development programs— 
‘‘(1) support basic research to advance knowl-
edge, applications, technologies, and tools to strength-
en the cybersecurity of information systems, including 
electric grid and energy systems, including inter-
disciplinary research in— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:41 Sep 05, 2020
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H5760.RH
H5760
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(A) evolutionary systems, theories, mathe-
matics, and models; 
‘‘(B) economic and financial theories, math-
ematics, and models; and 
‘‘(C) big data analytical methods, mathe-
matics, computer coding, and algorithms; and 
‘‘(2) support cybersecurity education and train-
ing focused on information systems for the electric 
grid and energy workforce, including through the Ad-
vanced 
Technological 
Education 
program, 
the 
Cybercorps program, graduate research fellowships, 
and other appropriate programs. 
‘‘(d) DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SCIENCE 
AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE.—The Science and Tech-
nology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security 
shall coordinate with the Department of Energy, the private 
sector, and other relevant stakeholders, to research existing 
cybersecurity technologies and tools used in the defense in-
dustry in order to— 
‘‘(1) identify technologies and tools that may 
meet civilian energy sector cybersecurity needs; 
‘‘(2) develop a research strategy that incor-
porates human factors research findings to guide the 
modification of defense industry cybersecurity tools 
for use in the civilian sector; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:41 Sep 05, 2020
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H5760.RH
H5760
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(3) develop a strategy to accelerate efforts to 
bring modified defense industry cybersecurity tools to 
the civilian market; and 
‘‘(4) carry out other activities the Secretary of 
Homeland Security considers appropriate to meet the 
goals of this subsection. 
‘‘SEC. 1311. GRID RESILIENCE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
enactment of the Grid Security Research and Development 
Act, the Secretary shall establish a research, development, 
and demonstration program to enhance resilience and 
strengthen emergency response and management pertaining 
to the energy sector. 
‘‘(b) GRANTS.—The Secretary shall award grants to 
eligible entities under subsection (c) on a competitive basis 
to conduct research and development with the purpose of 
improving the resilience and reliability of electric grid by— 
‘‘(1) developing methods to improve community 
and governmental preparation for and emergency re-
sponse to large-area, long-duration electricity inter-
ruptions, including through the use of energy effi-
ciency, storage, and distributed generation tech-
nologies; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:41 Sep 05, 2020
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H5760.RH
H5760
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(2) developing tools to help utilities and com-
munities ensure the continuous delivery of electricity 
to critical facilities; 
‘‘(3) developing tools to improve coordination be-
tween utilities and relevant Federal agencies to enable 
communication, information-sharing, and situational 
awareness in the event of a physical or cyber-attack 
on the electric grid; 
‘‘(4) developing technologies and capabilities to 
withstand and address the current and projected im-
pact of the changing climate on energy sector infra-
structure, including extreme weather events and other 
natural disasters; 
‘‘(5) developing technologies capable of early de-
tection of malfunctioning electrical equipment on the 
transmission and distribution grid, including detec-
tion of spark ignition causing wildfires and risks of 
vegetation contact; 
‘‘(6) assessing upgrades and additions needed to 
energy sector infrastructure due to projected changes 
in the energy generation mix and energy demand; 
and 
‘‘(7) upgrading tools used to estimate the costs of 
outages longer than 24 hours. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:41 Sep 05, 2020
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H5760.RH
H5760
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(8) developing tools and technologies to assist 
with the planning, safe execution of, and safe and 
timely restoration of power after emergency power 
shut offs, such as those conducted to reduce risks of 
wildfires started by grid infrastructure. 
‘‘(c) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—The entities eligible to re-
ceive grants under this section include— 
‘‘(1) an institution of higher education; 
‘‘(2) a nonprofit organization; 
‘‘(3) a National Laboratory; 
‘‘(4) a unit of State, local, or tribal government; 
‘‘(5) an electric utility or electric cooperative; 
‘‘(6) a retail service provider of electricity; 
‘‘(7) a private commercial entity; 
‘‘(8) a partnership or consortium of 2 or more 
entities described in subparagraphs (1) through (7); 
and 
‘‘(9) any other entities the Secretary deems ap-
propriate. 
‘‘(d) RELEVANT ACTIVITIES.—Grants awarded under 
subsection (b) shall include funding for research and devel-
opment activities related to the purpose described in sub-
section (b), such as— 
‘‘(1) development of technologies to use distrib-
uted energy resources, such as solar photovoltaics, en-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:41 Sep 05, 2020
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H5760.RH
H5760
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS
ergy storage systems, electric vehicles, and microgrids, 
to improve grid and critical end-user resilience; 
‘‘(2) analysis of non-technical barriers to greater 
integration and use of technologies on the distribution 
grid; 
‘‘(3) analysis of past large-area, long-duration 
electricity interruptions to identify common elements 
and best practices for electricity restoration, mitiga-
tion, and prevention of future disruptions; 
‘‘(4) development of advanced monitoring, ana-
lytics, operation, and controls of electric grid systems 
to improve electric grid resilience; 
‘‘(5) analysis of technologies, methods, and con-
cepts that can improve community resilience and sur-
vivability of frequent or long-duration power outages; 
‘‘(6) development of methodologies to maintain 
cybersecurity during restoration of energy sector in-
frastructure and operation; 
‘‘(7) development of advanced power flow control 
systems and components to improve electric grid resil-
ience; and 
‘‘(8) any other relevant activities determined by 
the Secretary. 
‘‘(e) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:41 Sep 05, 2020
Jkt 099200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6203
E:\BILLS\H5760.RH
H5760
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS