nCircle, the leader in information risk and security performance management, today announced the results of a survey of 104 security professionals in the energy and utility industry. The survey was sponsored by nCircle and EnergySec, a DOE-funded public-private partnership that works to enhance the cyber security of the electric infrastructure. The online survey was conducted between March 12 and March 31, 2012.

When asked, “Should regulatory oversight for smart grid distribution be transitioned to the Federal government,” 40% said “yes” and 60% said “no”.

According to Patrick Miller, CEO of EnergySec, "The modernized grid encompasses new digital components all the way from the toaster to the turbine. It spans local, state and federal regulatory lines. In an environment where innovation is paramount, a federal one-size-fits-all approach may significantly slow down progress. On the other hand, potential inconsistencies in regulatory approaches may introduce complexity and risk smart grid landscape. Either model, whether state or federally regulated, comes with pros and cons. I see the regulatory oversight of the smart grid as one of our biggest challenges with the least obvious solution."

According to Elizabeth Ireland, vice president of marketing for nCircle, “It’s likely that the division of opinion on this topic reflects, at least to some degree, fundamental political beliefs. Some security professionals probably see government regulation in industry as beneficial, and some feel we should minimize the role of government in industry as much as possible. The majority of energy security professionals believe the energy industry will police itself.”

More information on the nCircle EnergySec Smart Grid survey is available here: www.ncircle.com/index.php?s=resources_surveys_Survey-SmartGrid-2012#oversight.

About EnergySec

EnergySec is a community of information security, physical security, audit, disaster recovery, and business continuity professionals from energy industry utilities. Participation is international, including all regions throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. EnergySec operates many programs, events and technology solutions designed to help improve the security posture of the energy sector. EnergySec is incorporated as a non-profit organization and is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. For more information, visit http://www.energysec.org

About nCircle

nCircle is the leading provider of information risk and security performance management solutions to more than 6,500 businesses and government agencies worldwide. nCircle solutions enable enterprises of all sizes to (1) automate compliance and reduce risk, and (2) measure and compare the performance of their IT security program with their own goals and industry peers. nCircle solutions may be deployed on a customer’s premises, as a cloud-based service, or in combination, for maximum flexibility and value.

nCircle has won numerous awards for growth, innovation, customer satisfaction and technology leadership and has been ranked among the top 100 best places to work in the San Francisco Bay Area. nCircle is headquartered in San Francisco, CA, with regional offices throughout the United States and in London and Toronto. To learn how you can more effectively protect your company visit us at http://www.ncircle.com.

nCircle is a registered trademark of nCircle Network Security, Inc. All other registered or unregistered trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.