Trump’s Grid Order Baffles Utilities Over What They Can Buy
- Directive will restrict imports from foreign adversaries
- Move is intended to secure the nation’s grids from any attacks
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U.S. utilities are scrutinizing their suppliers of transformers and other power-grid equipment for ties to China as they await details on President Donald Trump’s order to crack down on imports from overseas adversaries.
Electric companies are trying to preemptively identify any components and manufacturers that could ultimately be barred once the U.S. Energy Department determines how to enforce Trump’s May 1 order to secure the nation’s grids, according to lawyers and consultants working with utilities. In some cases, lenders are requiring cyber-security audits to head off any scrutiny.