Computer Network Security Strategy for Coordinated Distribution System Operations

Cyber-security for computer networks has become a fairly serious concern for electricity utilities due to recent deregulations and distributed generations (DGs) launched in the power system. This paper proposes a new computer network security strategy for coordinated distribution system operations with open access electricity generations. A novel utility computer network security management and authentication for action or command requests in power-grid operations is presented. It covers security management for multiple security domains in the recently developed power-grid network security architecture. This paper illustrates the significance of the proposed strategy and procedure of security checks and authentications for action or command requests for operations in both host area electric power system (AEPS) and interconnected multiple foreign AEPS.