Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery for the Energy Industry

Why You Should Have A Continuity Solution for Your Energy Business

Energy companies are big targets for advanced attacks and threats, which is why they are required to comply with generally accepted standards and practices set forth by the industry’s national, regional, and state regulatory overseers.

The “Mandiant 2013 Security Report” found that 14% of advanced attacks in 2012 targeted energy, oil, and gas companies – a 40% increase over the previous year in 2011. Due to increased attacks on the energy industry, the U.S. government has incorporated a number of mandatory regulations requiring energy companies to have a set business continuity in place. Failure to follow these mandatory rules and regulations could account for large penalty fees and fines.

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Energy Company Rules And Regulations That Require Business Continuity Plans

Examples of rules and regulations that require business continuity plans for energy and utility companies:

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) RM01-12-00 (Appendix G), 2003:

Mandates recovery plans for energy companies.

RUS 7 CFR Part 1730, 2005:

Emergency restoration plan required as condition of continued borrowing – applied to all rural utility borrowers.

Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 34, June 1999:

Requires a BCP to ensure that agency mission continues in times of crisis – Applies to all government entities that operate utilities.

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What Benefits Do A Business Continuity Solution Provider Offer My Energy Company

In the event of a disaster or data breach, energy companies can continue to access uncompromised data and maintain a high level of security over highly sensitive information, not to mention the security of the entire organization.

During a disaster, individuals look to their energy companies to restore energy not just to their homes and community, but to themselves. Make sure your energy company has a proper business continuity plan in place so you can be a beacon of hope for those communities stricken by disaster.

How to Find the Energy Business Continuity Solution That’s Right For You

Within energy companies, it is important to consider the functions that occur on-site such as record keeping and business management. This can help energy and utility companies determine which business continuity solutions best suit their needs. Even for small utilities, pre-established facilities are best practice for call centers that facilitate communication between the utility company and its customers.