US Bans Utilities Supplying Defense Facilities From Buying Bulk-Power System Items From China

Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette on Dec. 17 issued an order prohibiting electric utilities that supply critical defense facilities from procuring certain power system items from China.

It prohibits utilities that supply critical defense facilities from procuring specific BPS electric equipment from China that poses an undue risk to the BPS, the security or resilience of critical infrastructure, the economy, national security, or safety and security of Americans.

It encompasses a large interconnected electrical system made up of generation and transmission facilities and their control systems.

Bulk power equipment consists of items used in bulk power system substations, control rooms, or power plants, including nuclear reactors, capacitors, substation transformers, large generators and backup generators, and other equipment, according to The White House.

"The bulk-power system is the backbone of our Nation's energy infrastructure and is fundamental to our national security, the American economy, and our way of life," Brouillette said.

Specifically, the order prohibits utilities that supply the defense facilities at a service voltage of 69kV or above from acquiring, importing, transferring, or installing bulk power system electric equipment, and is specific to select equipment manufactured or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of the People's Republic of China.

The Department of Energy said it has reason to believe that China is equipped and actively planning to undermine the nation's BPS. In May, President Donald Trump signed a similar executive order seeking to secure America's BPS from foreign adversaries by prohibiting the procurement or installation of BPS equipment sourced abroad if the U.S. government determines it poses an unacceptable risk to national security or the security and safety of American citizens.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/us-bans-utilities-supplying-defense-facilities-from-buying-bulk-power-system-items-from-china_3623969.html