UTC Expert Speaks Before Illinois Commerce Commission

WASHINGTON and CHICAGO, July 21, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the Illinois Commerce Commission Cybersecurity Policy Session today, UTC expert, Bob Lockhart spoke about the specific roles of UTC and its members in protecting the nation's critical energy infrastructure. The session's panels discussed successes, challenges, strategies, best practices, industry frameworks and opportunities for improving and implementing effective cybersecurity measures.

In his opening remarks, Lockhart stated, "Any requirements or rules that dilute utilities' focus on reliability are counterproductive to why utilities or their regulators exist. I have yet to meet a utility that doesn't want to be secure."

UTC has a substantial presence in advocacy for grid telecommunications and cybersecurity matters. Communication among utilities is essential and UTC provides a peer-to-peer, members-only knowledge-sharing platform for open communication. Technology providers are also members, so UTC gathers the entire technology ecosystem together for communication, learning and partnership. In his role at UTC, Lockhart runs the programs of work for cybersecurity and for IT/OT convergence. "Both are member-driven programs: our member utilities define areas of key interest to them and we enable the utilities to better execute in those areas," said Lockhart. "Additionally, UTC has a substantial presence in advocacy for grid telecommunications and cybersecurity matters."

The session took place at the ICC's Chicago office, located at 160 N. LaSalle Street on the 8th floor. In addition, there was an audio stream of the meeting on the Commission's website (www.icc.illinois.gov). Lockhart's full statement transcript is available on the UTC Cybersecurity Center website (www.utc.org/cybersecurity).

About UTC

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. www.UTC.org