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NERC Actions Regarding Drones Over BES Assets

by William White, Senior NERC Reliability Specialist

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is a nonprofit organization responsible for ensuring the reliability and security of the bulk electric system (BES) in North America. NERC’s mission is to establish and enforce reliability standards, monitor compliance, and provide education and training to improve the operation of the BES.

In the context of drones being used over BES assets, NERC has taken steps to address safety, security, and regulatory concerns due to the increasing use of drone technology for monitoring, inspection, and maintenance of critical infrastructure.

NERC Actions Regarding Drones Over BES Assets:

  1. Security Concerns and Risk Mitigation: NERC’s primary concern regarding drones over BES assets is the security risks they pose, especially when used by unauthorized individuals or malicious actors. Drones could potentially be used for:
    • Surveillance of sensitive infrastructure.
    • Disruption of operations through electronic interference or physical damage.
    • Transporting contraband or harmful payloads.

To mitigate these risks, NERC emphasizes the need for utilities and asset owners to monitor drone activity and ensure their systems are secure against drone-based attacks or disruptions.

  1. Compliance with FAA Regulations: NERC encourages utilities and operators to ensure that drone operations comply with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, particularly concerning drones operating near critical infrastructure like power plants, substations, and transmission lines. The FAA has regulations regarding drone flights over restricted airspace and safety requirements for operators.
  1. Operational Guidelines for Drone Use:
    • Permitted Uses: Drones can be used for routine inspection and maintenance tasks like checking transmission lines, substations, and solar or wind generation facilities. These operations can provide efficient and cost-effective alternatives to traditional inspection methods (e.g., helicopters or manual inspections).
    • Safety Protocols: NERC urges entities to establish clear protocols for drone use over BES assets to minimize the risk of operational disruptions and safety hazards. This includes no-fly zones around critical infrastructure or sensitive areas.
    • Data Privacy and Security: Given that drones may capture images, videos, or other sensitive data, NERC emphasizes the importance of securing such data and ensuring that it is not exposed to unauthorized access or misuse.
  1. Collaboration with Other Agencies: NERC often works with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FBI, and local law enforcement agencies to respond to potential drone security threats to BES assets. There are also inter-agency efforts to develop counter-drone technology and strategies to prevent or neutralize unauthorized drone activity near critical infrastructure.
  1. NERC’s Reliability Standards: While NERC’s standards primarily focus on system reliability and security, some may be relevant to drone usage, including those related to physical security, infrastructure protection, and emergency response. For example:
    • Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Standards: These standards address physical security controls, including the protection of cyber and physical assets that could be targeted or disrupted by drones.
    • Threat Mitigation: NERC provides guidance on how utilities can mitigate risks posed by emerging threats like drones through risk assessments and implementation of security measures.

Key Considerations for Drone Operations Over BES Assets:

  • Training: Operators of drones should be trained and certified, both for flying the drone safely and understanding the specific risks posed by flying over BES assets.
  • Coordination: Drone operators must coordinate with local authorities and BES asset owners to ensure that their operations do not interfere with normal operations or security protocols.
  • Technology: Many utilities are exploring drone-based inspection technologies, such as those equipped with thermal cameras or LiDAR systems for advanced monitoring, but these must be integrated into broader security frameworks.

In conclusion, while drones can offer valuable tools for inspecting and maintaining BES assets, NERC’s guidelines stress the importance of balancing these benefits with robust security, compliance with regulations, and risk management measures to safeguard critical infrastructure.