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SB 1239

Cybersecurity; electric service by investor-owned electric utilities, report.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan McDougle

Virginia requires investor-owned electric utilities to report cybersecurity measures and vulnerabilities to state regulators, establishing infrastructure protection oversight effective July 1, 2025.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0444)
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Bill Summary · SB 1239

Legislative bill overview

SB 1239 requires Virginia's investor-owned electric utilities to submit a comprehensive cybersecurity report to the State Corporation Commission detailing their security measures, vulnerabilities, incident response protocols, and compliance with federal cybersecurity standards. The bill establishes baseline cybersecurity transparency and accountability requirements for the state's major electric service providers.

Why is this important

Electric grid cybersecurity is critical infrastructure protection—cyberattacks on utilities can disrupt power to hospitals, emergency services, and millions of residents. This legislation creates official oversight mechanisms to ensure utilities are adequately protecting against evolving cyber threats and establishes a public record of security preparedness. The report requirement may also drive utilities to strengthen defenses and identify vulnerabilities before incidents occur.

Potential points of contention

  • Proprietary security information: Utilities may resist detailed disclosure of vulnerabilities and security protocols, citing competitive concerns and the risk that public reporting could aid bad actors seeking to exploit weaknesses
  • Compliance costs: Implementing comprehensive cybersecurity assessments and reporting requirements imposes regulatory and administrative expenses that utilities may seek to pass to ratepayers
  • Federal-state coordination gaps: Utilities already report to federal regulators (NERC, DOE); duplicative state reporting could create conflicting standards or redundant compliance burdens without clear jurisdictional clarity

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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