critical electric infrastructure vulnerability’ means a 
weakness in defense critical electric infrastructure 
that, in the event of a malicious act using electronic 
communication or an electromagnetic weapon, would 
pose a substantial risk of disruption of those pro-
grammable electronic devices and communications 
networks, including hardware, software, and data, 
that are essential to the reliability of defense critical 
electric infrastructure. 
‘‘(4) ELECTROMAGNETIC WEAPON.—The term 
‘electromagnetic weapon’ means a weapon (other 
than a nuclear device) capable of disabling, dis-
rupting, or destroying electronic equipment by trans-
mitting 1 or more pulses of electromagnetic energy, 
such as high-power radio frequency or microwave en-
ergy. 
‘‘(5) GEOMAGNETIC
STORM.—The term ‘geo-
magnetic storm’ means a temporary disturbance of 
the Earth’s magnetic field resulting from solar activ-
ity. 
‘‘(6) GRID SECURITY THREAT.—The term ‘grid 
security threat’ means a substantial likelihood of— 
‘‘(A)(i) a malicious act using electronic 
communication or an electromagnetic weapon, 
or a geomagnetic storm event, that could dis-
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rupt the operation of those programmable elec-
tronic devices and communications networks, 
including hardware, software, and data, that 
are essential to the reliability of the bulk-power 
system or of defense critical electric infrastruc-
ture; and 
‘‘(ii) disruption of the operation of such 
devices and networks, with significant adverse 
effects on the reliability of the bulk-power sys-
tem or of defense critical electric infrastructure, 
as a result of such act or event; or 
‘‘(B)(i) a direct physical attack on the 
bulk-power system or on defense critical electric 
infrastructure; and 
‘‘(ii) significant adverse effects on the reli-
ability of the bulk-power system or of defense 
critical electric infrastructure as a result of 
such physical attack. 
‘‘(7) GRID
SECURITY
VULNERABILITY.—The 
term ‘grid security vulnerability’ means a weakness 
that, in the event of a malicious act using electronic 
communication or an electromagnetic weapon, would 
pose a substantial risk of disruption to the operation 
of those programmable electronic devices and com-
munications networks, including hardware, software, 
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and data, that are essential to the reliability of the 
bulk-power system. 
‘‘(8) LARGE TRANSFORMER.—The term ‘large 
transformer’ means an electric transformer that is 
part of the bulk-power system. 
‘‘(9) PROTECTED
INFORMATION.—The term 
‘protected information’ means information, other 
than classified national security information, des-
ignated as protected information by the Commission 
under subsection (e)(2)— 
‘‘(A) that was developed or submitted in 
connection with the implementation of this sec-
tion; 
‘‘(B) that specifically discusses grid secu-
rity threats, grid security vulnerabilities, de-
fense 
critical 
electric 
infrastructure 
vulnerabilities, or plans, procedures, or meas-
ures to address such threats or vulnerabilities; 
and 
‘‘(C) the unauthorized disclosure of which 
could be used in a malicious manner to impair 
the reliability of the bulk-power system or of 
defense critical electric infrastructure. 
‘‘(10) 
SECRETARY.—The 
term 
‘Secretary’ 
means the Secretary of Energy. 
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‘‘(11) SECURITY.—For the purposes of this sec-
tion, the definition of ‘security’ in section 3(16) shall 
not apply. 
‘‘(b) EMERGENCY RESPONSE MEASURES.— 
‘‘(1) AUTHORITY TO ADDRESS GRID SECURITY 
THREATS.—Whenever the President issues and pro-
vides to the Commission (either directly or through 
the Secretary) a written directive or determination 
identifying an imminent grid security threat, the 
Commission may, with or without notice, hearing, or 
report, issue such orders for emergency measures as 
are necessary in its judgment to protect the reli-
ability of the bulk-power system or of defense critical 
electric infrastructure against such threat. As soon 
as practicable but not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this section, the Commission 
shall, after notice and opportunity for comment, es-
tablish rules of procedure that ensure that such au-
thority can be exercised expeditiously. 
‘‘(2) CONSULTATION.—Before issuing an order 
for emergency measures under paragraph (1), the 
Commission shall, to the extent practicable in light 
of the nature of the grid security threat and the ur-
gency of the need for such emergency measures, con-
sult with appropriate governmental authorities in 
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