by Yana A. St. Clair, Esq.
As you may have noticed, as of late we have chosen to tailor each legal article to the topic of the latest PACWorld issue.
That being said, this time around we will be discussing what the relevant laws or legal concerns pertaining to communications for power systems protection and control are. So please enjoy the following in-depth discussion on the topic
The communications systems that support electric power protection and control have become one of the most legally and operationally significant parts of modern infrastructure. In the past, protection systems were largely isolated and mechanical, relying on direct wiring and localized relay operations. Today, however, electric utilities depend heavily on digital communications networks to monitor substations, coordinate relays, transmit operational data, and maintain grid reliability across enormous geographic areas. As these systems have evolved, so too have the legal and regulatory issues surrounding them.
One of the primary legal concerns involves reliability standards established for the electric grid. In the United States, organizations such as the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversee mandatory standards designed to protect the reliability of the bulk power system. These regulations apply not only to power generation and transmission equipment, but also to the communications systems that allow protection and control devices to function correctly. If a communication failure causes relays to mis-operate or prevents operators from responding to grid disturbances, utilities may face investigations, financial penalties, or enforcement actions.
Cybersecurity has also become a major legal issue in power system communications. Modern substations increasingly rely on Ethernet networks, fiber optics, wireless systems, and internet-connected technologies. While these advances improve efficiency and automation, they also expose critical infrastructure to cyber threats. Utilities are now expected to implement extensive cybersecurity protections, including access controls, encryption, monitoring systems, and incident reporting procedures. Failure to adequately secure operational technology networks can create not only engineering risks, but also legal liability if a cyberattack disrupts electric service or compromises critical infrastructure.
Another important area involves federal communications law. Many utilities operate licensed microwave radio systems, power line carrier systems, and other telecommunications equipment regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These systems must comply with spectrum licensing requirements, interference regulations, and technical operating standards. Because protection signals often depend on extremely fast and reliable communication channels, interference or misuse of regulated frequencies can have serious operational consequences.
The growing dependence on digital communications has also blurred the traditional line between information technology and electrical engineering. Protection engineers now work closely with cybersecurity specialists, telecommunications experts, and compliance personnel. Standards such as IEC 61850 and DNP3 have transformed substations into highly networked environments where communications infrastructure is considered an essential component of the protection system itself. As a result, legal accountability increasingly extends beyond physical equipment failures to include network architecture, software vulnerabilities, remote access policies, and supply chain security.
Ultimately, communications systems in power protection and control are no longer viewed as secondary support tools. They are recognized as critical infrastructure whose failure could contribute to blackouts, economic disruption, or even national security concerns. For that reason, utilities, regulators, and engineers must navigate a complex intersection of engineering reliability, cybersecurity, telecommunications law, and public safety obligations in order to maintain the stability of the modern electric grid.
We hope that you look forward to our next issue, and our fun discourse on the thrilling issue at hand.
Disclosure: Please note that none of the information contained within the above column is to be considered legal advice.
Biography
Yana is an American attorney licensed to practice in all State and Federal courts of California. Yana holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science specializing in International Relations from UCLA, the Degree of Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Ashford University. Since the beginning of her undergraduate studies, Yana has been involved in various aspects of the field of Electrical Engineering, where she employs her business and legal knowledge to consulting and advising businesses and individuals on relevant topics of concern. Yana also serves as Editor for PAC World magazine, having been with the publication since its inception. As an attorney, Yana specializes in criminal defense, where she devotes her talents and expertise to fighting for her clients’ rights and freedom.
