DOE - Fossil Energy Techline - Issued on:  September 18, 2006

DOE Report Analyzes E-Commerce Standards for Energy Sector


Second in a Series of Assessments Conducted for North American Energy Standards Board

Washington, DC - A report addressing the security issues involving proposed standards for use in the energy sector has recently been released, the U.S. Department of Energy announced today.


MORE INFO
Prepared by DOE's Sandia National Laboratories, at the request of the Office of Fossil Energy, the report is titled, "Wholesale Electric Quadrant Draft Technical Standards for Public Key Infrastructure."  The paper provides an independent analysis of the draft standards developed by the North American Energy Standards Board related to its Public Key Infrastructure activities for the wholesale electric quadrant.

The arrival of the Internet resulted in electronic bidding and purchasing of fossil fuels and opened the door for potential security breaches of information.  Recognizing NAESB's broad mandate to develop standards for electricity and natural gas, FE is taking a proactive role and ensuring that potential issues are addressed before implementation.  The report found some vulnerability within transactions and offered mitigation strategies.  These measures will result in higher standards for the future.

Earlier assessments targeted the Electronic Delivery Mechanism for wholesale gas distribution (2000) and recommended technology updates (2005) that were immediately implemented by NAESB. 

NAESB is an independent and voluntary North American Organization that develops and promotes the use of business practices and electronic communications standards for the wholesale and retail natural gas and electricity industries.  Its members include more than 300 companies and organizations that participate actively in the retail and wholesale natural gas and electricity markets.

- End of Techline -

For more information, contact:

  • Mike Jacobs, FE Office of Communications, 202-586-0507
  • John Grasser, FE Office of Communications, 202-586-6803