Paris, France 15:00 CET 29 November 2023 – The European Network for Cyber Security (ENCS) and the EU DSO Entity today sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop state of the art cyber security regulation, practices and standards for the electricity distribution system.
This tighter collaboration between ENCS & EU DSO Entity is an important step towards increasing the resilience of Europe’s power system against cyber-attacks.
Under the MoU, ENCS and EU DSO Entity will share knowledge as well as best practices in the field of cyber security. Both organizations will combine strengths with the intention of supporting the deployment of secure European distribution grids.
The cooperation will allow EU DSO Entity to utilise the expertise of ENCS and bind it with its workstreams to strengthen the development of good practices and security solutions for all European DSOs. The agreement will also enable ENCS to expand its expert knowledge pool and enlarge the community for trusted information and knowledge sharing.
Announcing the agreement at Enlit Europe in Paris, Anjos Nijk, Managing Director, ENCS, said:
“From the very start in 2012 ENCS worked closely with the DSO domain due to the unprecedented cybersecurity challenges imposed by the roll-out of smart meters at a European scale. Now cybersecurity has developed into an integral challenge for the grid as a whole. In light of the energy transition and geo-political tensions, the need to cope with grid security at the European level working with the best grid security expertise available has become evident.”
Also commenting on the announcement, Peter Vermaat, Secretary General, DSO Entity, added:
“As a very knowledgeable, independent, non-profit organisation, ENCS is a natural partner to us. Building on our existing relationships, we look forward to jointly work on good practices and pragmatic security solutions for all European DSOs.”
About the DSO Entity
DSO Entity was established by the European Commission as part of its Clean Energy Package to help drive Europe’s energy transition. Launched in 2021, we represent almost 900 DSOs (small, medium, and large firms) connecting more than 250 million electricity customers, servicing over 500 million consumers, across all 27 EU Member States. We provide expertise on electricity distribution grids, which are the final, low-voltage part of the electrical grid, distributing electricity to homes, industry, and other end-users. The DSO network is the vital backbone that will support the transition from a centralised to a decentralised energy system, integrating renewable energy sources. Our legal mandate allows DSOs to contribute to developing and drafting network codes and other EU regulations.
About the European Network for Cyber Security
The European Network for Cyber Security (ENCS) is a non-profit organisation that brings together critical infrastructure stakeholders and security experts to deploy secure European critical energy grids and infrastructure. Founded in 2012, ENCS has dedicated researchers and test specialists who work with members and partners on applied research, defining technical security requirements, component and end-to-end testing, as well as education & training. ENCS uses its network in academia, government and business to provide cyber security solutions and counsel dedicated to the needs of national Distribution System Operators (DSO) and regulators.
Media contacts:
Stefania Facco, Head of Communication, DSO Entity
Maartje Knottenbelt, Office Manager, ENCS
