Securing the Nation’s Energy Future

As the U.S. electric energy infrastructure grows more complex, it faces an increasing number of risks, including supply disruptions, cyber security challenges, extreme weather, natural disasters and deliberate acts of sabotage. These pose serious economic and health risks for states and consumers, since energy supply is critical to providing fresh water, emergency response, telecommunications, food supply and many other essential services. State policies play an integral and critical role in providing energy security by ensuring adequate responses to shortages, disruptions and emergencies. Policies also can encourage strengthening infrastructure to be more resilient in emergencies and disasters. Improved responses and more resilient infrastructure can lessen the impact during extreme events, protecting consumers and reducing economic losses.