SB 1501
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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature
First Regular Session
Senate: NR DPA 5-2-1-0 | 3
rd
Read 17-11-2-0-0
House: NREW DP 5-4-0-1
SB1501: grid security; cybersecurity; reviews; commission
Sponsor: Senator Farnsworth, LD 10
Caucus & COW
Overview
Instructs the Arizona Corporation Commission (Commission) to conduct an annual grid
security review that will evaluate the technologies and securities of the grid system.
History
The Commission is a statewide agency and public utility commission that is responsible for
ensuring safe, reliable and affordable utility services. The Commission regulates investor-
owned or privately-owned utilities that provide utility services (ACC).
The Commission's Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee (Committee) has
jurisdiction over proposed electrical generating plants and above ground transmission lines
that meet certain criteria. When a utility plans to build one of these facilities it must apply
for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) and after review of designated
criteria, public hearings and a vote by the Committee the utility may be granted the CEC for
their proposed facility. The plans are reviewed biennially by the commission and the
commission then issues a written decision regarding the functionality of the facility (A.R.S.
Title 40, Chapter 2, article 6.2).
Generation, transmission and distribution are the main functions of the grid which provide
power to residents of the state of Arizona. Utility owners and operators are often the entities
responsible for improvements that help secure electricity grids (DOE).
Provisions
1. Requires the Commission to conduct an annual grid security review and directs the
Commission to:
a) research and evaluate the generation and grid management technologies that
accommodate two-way flow of electricity and that will protect against a physical
attack and cyberattack;
b) evaluate the dangers associated with an electromagnetic pulse and the steps
necessary to secure a continuous supply of electricity to residents of this state;
c) evaluate new information technology systems and how protections are implemented;
d) encourage investor-owned utilities to rectify deficiencies identified in the grid security
review and develop security plans that evaluate and consider the time and cost
associated with the changes. This provision does not apply to public power entities or
electric cooperatives.
e) review cybersecurity and grid protection protocols every two years. (Sec.1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note
SB 1501
Initials CW/TM Page 2 Caucus & COW
2. Contains a legislative findings and intent clause that addresses grid reliability and the
effects of electromagnetic pulses. (Sec. 2)