Bulk-Power System Security (E.O. 13920)

Summary

Stops the purchase and use of electric grid parts from foreign enemies to protect the nation's power supply from attacks and sabotage.

What problem does this solve?

Foreign enemies are creating and using weak spots in the U.S. power grid, which could cause a disaster. This order blocks the use of equipment from these foreign enemies to keep the power grid safe.

What does this order do?

Prohibits risky equipment transactions

Forbids buying, importing, or installing any bulk-power system electric equipment from a foreign adversary if it is deemed a threat to national security.

Declares a national emergency

Declares a national emergency to address the threat that foreign-supplied electric grid equipment poses to the United States.

Creates a national security task force

Establishes a task force to create new government-wide buying policies for energy infrastructure to protect against national security threats.

Grants new powers to the Secretary of Energy

Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to create rules, identify foreign adversaries, and pre-approve certain vendors and equipment for the power grid.

Requires identification and replacement of old equipment

Directs federal agencies to find existing power grid equipment from foreign adversaries and develop plans to isolate, monitor, or replace it.

Who does this affect?

U.S. electric utility companies
Foreign manufacturers of power grid equipment
Federal government agencies

What is the real world impact?

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Protects the nation's power grid

Prevents foreign adversaries from supplying equipment for the U.S. bulk-power system. This reduces the risk of cyber attacks and sabotage that could shut down the nation's electricity.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately on May 1, 2020, and sets several deadlines for government agencies to create new rules and reports.

Rulemaking deadline

Within 150 days (by September 28, 2020), the Secretary of Energy must publish rules for implementing this order.

Task force first report

The new Task Force must submit its first report to the President within one year (by May 1, 2021).

Federal acquisition rule consideration

Within 180 days of receiving the Task Force's recommendations, the FAR Council must consider proposing new rules for how the government buys energy equipment.