This bill mandates that owners or operators of solar energy facilities with a capacity of one megawatt or larger must conduct inspections of their infrastructure, specifically focusing on power inverters and other relevant components, to identify any remote-access devices that could enable unauthorized disruptions. These inspections must be completed within six months of the bill's enactment, and any components found to be vulnerable must be replaced with secure alternatives. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that no new solar energy facilities of this size can commence operations unless they have undergone the required inspection and component replacement.
The legislation aims to enhance the security of solar energy facilities in response to concerns about the presence of unauthorized communication devices that could compromise the integrity of power grids. The bill empowers the Board of Public Utilities to establish necessary rules and regulations for its implementation, ensuring that the inspections and security measures are effectively enforced. The intent behind the bill is to mitigate risks posed by potential threats from domestic or foreign entities that could exploit vulnerabilities in energy infrastructure.