Platte River Power Authority’s Post

[Note to Future Self: TL;DR] The Gorilla and Elephant in Our Energy Room: Navigating the Dual Benefits and Threats of Rooftop PV and Cybersecurity In the evolving landscape of distributed energy resources (DER), two forces are making their presence felt, though one much more than the other. The first, a metaphorical noisey 'gorilla' [1], the rapid expansion and influence of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, is reshaping our electricity markets. The second, a deftly quiet 'elephant' [2], represents the burgeoning cybersecurity threats, especially in the context of the diffusion of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) into society. The Gorilla: Rooftop PV's Market Influence Rooftop PV has grown into a formidable player in Australia's energy markets. By 2026, it's projected that Rooftop PV will generate as much power as coal generators during peak daytime hours. This shift is forcing a reevaluation of our reliance on traditional coal and gas power plants. Our transition isn't without its challenges. As Tristan Edis points out in his article, "Beware crude controls on rooftop solar systems" [1], there's a delicate balance to be struck in integrating these systems with existing energy infrastructures. The concern is not just about grid stability, but also about ensuring that investments in solar, batteries, & electric vehicles are not undermined by overly restrictive controls. The Elephant: Cybersecurity in the Age of AGI The second challenge is cybersecurity, a concern highlighted in a recent post [2] about controlling Rooftop PV systems. The diffusion of AGI into society and DER systems presents both opportunities for efficiency gains and risks of system vulnerabilities. As we've seen with initiatives like SA Power Networks Flexible Exports for DER [3], these technologies bring benefits but also expose our energy systems to new kinds of digital threats known & unknown [2]. The key lies in developing containment strategies that mitigate AGI-related cybersecurity threats while acknowledging the challenges in completely preventing them. This calls for a diverse defence approach in DER systems, including varied hardware, communication, and control systems, to build resilience against sophisticated AGI threats. Merging the Metaphors: A Call for Balanced Innovation The "consumer energy resources road map" introduced in the recent communique by Australia's energy ministers is a crucial step towards addressing both the gorilla & the elephant. We all need to work beyond self-interests to harness the benefits of rooftop PV while safeguarding our systems against the emerging system risks and digital threats. 1. Beware crude controls on rooftop solar systems: https://lnkd.in/gtKmcT_Y 2. Initial Currents: AGI Setting Course for a Perfect Cyber Storm in DER: https://lnkd.in/gsNPmW6H 3. SA Islanding: Managing solar on the island: https://lnkd.in/gaYrMfWt #AGI #RooftopPV #EnergySecurity #FutureOfEnergy #Cybersecurity #DER #AEMO

Initial Currents: AGI Setting Course for a Perfect Cyber Storm in DER WattClarity's "SA Islanding: Managing solar on the island" by Blake Ashton [1] spotlights SA Power Networks Flexible Exports for DER, including rooftop PV, and the many benefits it provides to their customers and more importantly traditional SA network security. It also brings to the forefront our thinking on the securing of DER against Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) risks, both known and more importantly, unknown. AGI's Role in DER Systems - AGI integration in DER presents both efficiency gains, and system security benefits and risks. It's crucial to balance AGI's optimisation capabilities with potential vulnerabilities. Containment in AGI-Dominated DER - Containment strategies focus on limiting AGI-related cybersecurity threats in DER. This involves diverse measures to mitigate potential impacts while acknowledging challenges in completely preventing AGI risks. Learning from History, Preparing for Future - Past infrastructure failures, like South Australia's 2016 blackout, show the severity of physical breakdowns. AGI introduces digital threats that could have broader consequences in DER systems. Diverse Defence in DER - To combat AGI threats, DER systems need diverse defence mechanisms, including varied and diversified hardware, communication and control systems. This ensures resilience against sophisticated AGI threats. Regulatory and Collaborative Measures - Addressing AGI in DER requires strict cybersecurity measures, supported by policies promoting technological diversity. Collaborative efforts across sectors are vital for developing effective containment strategies. Proactive Measures and Continuous Innovation - Regular training and understanding AGI's potential risks are essential in DER management. Ongoing research and innovation are necessary to stay as close as possible to AGI advancements and "The Coming Wave" [2]. AGI in DER, highlighted by SA Power Networks initiative, presents challenges and opportunities which they and our industry are addressing. This first step should "wake" us all to educate ourselves on containment strategies encompassing cybersecurity, regulatory and infrastructure diversity. A collaborative effort is crucial for effectively managing these emerging threats. Collective foresight and adaptability are key in leveraging AGI's benefits while securing our energy infrastructure. [1] SA Islanding: Managing solar on the island - Wattclarity (Fri 01 Dec 2023) .. https://lnkd.in/gk9ySJBg [2] The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma by Mustafa Suleyman and Michael Bhaskar (Tue 05 Sep 2023) .. https://lnkd.in/gZV7qTmz #ArtificialGeneralIntelligence #EnergySecurity #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfEnergy #Cybersecurity #DER #SAPN #AEMO

With Energy Ministers agreeing to develop a National Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Roadmap - if we are to actually plan for the future LLM/AGI integration will need to be front and centre.

At our last project meeting in Linz at OÖ Energiesparverband all project partners from six european countries came together to exchange knowledge and experiences regarding #EnergyCommunities 🗣 Ingo Ball (WIP Renewable Energies) summarizes the discussion, focusing on the distinct national contexts for establishing and fostering energy communities, as outlined in the EU’s RED II directive. Partners delve into the opportunities, challenges, and unique characteristics present in each country. The insights gleaned from this Landscape Analysis will prove invaluable in shaping the development of ECTOs (Energy Community Transformation Offices). These ECTOs, envisioned as information hubs for local stakeholders, are slated for launch in target regions by autumn 2024. ✨ https://lnkd.in/d5kyCQ2u #RenewableEnergy  #LIFEprogramme #CleanEnergyEU #Germany LIFE Programme Project Partners: Escan consultoría energética Black Sea Energy Research Centrе WIP Renewable Energies Bürgerstiftung Energiewende Oberland OÖ Energiesparverband Ayuntamiento de Rivas Vaciamadrid Technological University of the Shannon Tipperary Energy Agency #energetsko_podnebna_agencija_za_podravje #chernomorski_izledovateleski_energien_tsentar #municipality_of_selnica_ob_dravi #templederry_renewable_energy_supply #municipality_of_Gabrovo

Join us TODAY for our small business webinar on energy management! Our panel of speakers will highlight opportunities, programs, grants, and actions that small businesses can use to better manage their energy loads. We will also highlight programs and resources your business can start using today. Register here: https://lnkd.in/g3CDw_39 #EnergyManagement #CUBWI #EducationalWebinar

As North America’s bulk power system (BPS) is being transformed to facilitate the energy transition, industry participants continue to balance the rapidly changing pace of the generation mix, increased and more complicated cyber security threats, and the increased need for more transmission and transmission related services. Join us at the New England Energy Summit as I discuss with various industry leaders and others the Northeast Power Coordinating Council’s governance role (related to the energy transition) in helping to ensure a highly reliable and secure North American BPS during the transition, via the effective and efficient identification, mitigation, and reduction of BPS reliability risks in New England and the broader northeastern region of North America.

North America’s bulk power system is facing more challenges as energy producers and providers work to enable the energy transition by balancing the various Federal, Provincial, and State decarbonization policy objectives with the rapidly changing pace of the generation mix, increased and more complicated cyber security threats, and the increased need for more transmission and transmission related services.  Tune in to the New England Energy Summit as Charles Dickerson, our President and Chief Executive Officer, discusses the Northeast Power Coordinating Council’s governance of these various issues through the effective and efficient identification, mitigation, and reduction of reliability risks in New England and the broader northeastern region of North America.

Great to be apart of this (I am the afro on the left 😁) Very useful to me in my work at the Office of Sustainability on Thermal Energy Networks.

We’re thrilled to announce an innovative new partnership with Earth Advantage’s Green Building Registry (GBR). This partnership merges powerful home environmental data from the GBR right into MLS Tax Suite — including energy labels, solar installations, and green building certifications. Reach out with any questions so we can help make sure you’re getting the most out of this new data! Learn more by reading the full press release via RISMedia (https://bit.ly/3SVkADu) or RETechnology (https://bit.ly/3SURyDY) #MLSTaxSuite #CRSData #GreenBuildingRegistry #EarthAdvantage #PropertyData #RealEstateData

How can local building departments foster resilient communities by implementing and enforcing efficiency, energy safety codes? Efficiency, energy and safety codes play a crucial role in fostering resilient communities across the country. Many jurisdictions have implemented effective strategies to enhance resilience in the face of various challenges. These strategies often include the adoption and enforcement of stringent building codes that prioritize energy efficiency and safety. By adhering to current codes, regions can better withstand environmental and safety risks. Additionally, community education and outreach programs play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of resilience and encouraging compliance with established codes. Overall, a comprehensive approach that integrates efficient building practices, energy conservation measures and robust safety codes contributes to the creation of #resilient communities nationwide. For a deeper dive into these topics and more, listen to experts from across the country in this recorded webinar on Efficiency, Energy and Safety Codes: What Is Working Around the County to Foster Resilient Communities ⬇