PUC Highlights National Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month with Focus on Energy Systems

PUC Highlights National Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month with Focus on Energy Systems

Published on 11/10/2025

Filed under: Electric Gas Pipeline Rails Telecommunications Water and Wastewater

Protecting Pennsylvania's Future: PUC Underscores the Importance of Reliable, Resilient, and Modern Utility Infrastructure

HARRISBURG - Marking the start of National Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month - observed every November - the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is emphasizing the importance of modernizing and protecting the state's critical utility systems to meet rising energy demands and withstand growing physical, cyber, and weather-related threats.

"Across the country, we are seeing new challenges for utility systems that must deliver more power to more customers in more complex ways," said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. "As we work to meet these rising demands, our focus remains clear - to keep the lights on, strengthen the systems that sustain our communities, and ensure that every Pennsylvanian can rely on safe, affordable, and resilient utility service."

The PUC is continuing to spotlight these vital issues at the state level - underscoring the ongoing work of Pennsylvania utilities, local governments, and emergency responders to protect and strengthen critical systems across the Commonwealth - in conjunction with the national observance led by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Modernizing Pennsylvania's Utility Systems

From electricity and natural gas to water, wastewater, steam, and broadband, Pennsylvania's infrastructure is the foundation of daily life and economic opportunity. The PUC continues to support and oversee long-term investments by utilities across the state aimed at modernizing critical systems, replacing aging equipment, expanding capacity, and enhancing the reliability of service.

Chairman DeFrank noted that these investments are essential not only to sustain existing customers but also to prepare for future growth.

"We are in a period of transformation," Chairman DeFrank noted. "As new industries like data centers and advanced manufacturing emerge, the infrastructure we build today will determine how well we can compete, grow, and protect our citizens tomorrow."

Building Resilience for a Changing Climate and New Threats

The increasing tempo of severe weather events continues to test Pennsylvania's utility systems - with strong storms, flooding, and high winds posing risks to energy and communications networks. At the same time, utilities face an evolving landscape of cyber and physical security threats that require constant vigilance.

The PUC works closely with utilities and state partners to ensure readiness before, during, and after emergencies - including proactive inspections, vegetation management, grid modernization projects, and joint training exercises. These collaborative efforts strengthen both prevention and response, helping communities recover more quickly when disruptions occur.

Working Together for a Stronger Pennsylvania

Protecting critical infrastructure is a shared responsibility. The PUC continues to coordinate with utilities, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and other public and private partners to enhance resilience planning and information sharing. These partnerships help ensure that Pennsylvania's systems remain safe, reliable, and capable of adapting to new challenges.

"Every investment in modernization and preparedness is an investment in Pennsylvania's future," Chairman DeFrank said. "By working together, we can build stronger, smarter, and more secure utility systems - and keep power flowing to homes and businesses across the Commonwealth."

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC's website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the "Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission" or "PA PUC" on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen Press Secretary 717-418-2701 [email protected]