Utility Resilience Workshop: Safeguarding against physical and digital threats workshop

Minnesota cities and local utility companies face an imposing array of physical and cyber risks that are very real and increasing by the day.

Like all businesses, public power and other hometown utilities are potentially exposed to vandalism, theft, and data breaches involving personal information of employees, customers, and vendors. However, utilities face an even greater risk when they are exposed to cyber espionage, cyber extortion, and cyber-attacks that manipulate or destroy utility control systems and the equipment they operate and rely on. Whether bad actors try to break into a substation or hack your IT system, you want to be ready—and this workshop will help you prepare.

Please bring your laptop for the interactive activities.

Join MMUA and a host of state and national experts who will offer valuable insights that can help you identify and mitigate these imposing threats. You will learn how to protect your vital systems, infrastructure, and reputation.

Topics to be covered include:

Littleton Electric, Light, and Water Hack: Pitfalls and lessons learned

Nick Lawler
General Manager, Littleton Electric Light and Water Departments, Littleton, Massachusetts

National Security Report: Insights 

Michael P. Coe
Vice President, Physical and Cyber Security Programs, American Public Power Association

Matt Whiting
Security Program Specialist, American Public Power Association

Minnesota Security Threats: Statewide assessment and case studies

Chris Watkins 
Energy Security Advisor, Office of Energy Modernization, Resilience, and Security, Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources

Angela Hary
Cyber Navigator, Security Operations Center, Minnesota IT Services (MNIT), Partners in Performance

Carter Oster
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Intelligence Coordinator

AJ Carlson
Special Agent, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

Simulation: Understanding your digital footprint

Live demonstration of likely scenarios

Table Top Exercise: Crisis at a municipal electric/water utility

Participants will engage in this hands-on practice event that will test readiness, decision-making, and resource coordination under realistic pressure.