Skip to content

Cybersecurity, AI, and Grid Security Highlighted at 13th Annual GridSecCon

MRO President and CEO Sara Patrick speaking at GridSecCon (Photo by Justin Cox Photography, LLC (www.jcoxphotography.com)

The 13th annual GridSecCon, cohosted by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC), and the Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO), brought together nearly 700 cybersecurity and grid security professionals from industry and government. The sold-out, three-day event took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and focused on critical issues facing the North American electric grid, including cybersecurity, physical security, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and grid resilience.

Keynote speakers included Sunny Wescott, Chief Meteorologist at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and Shaun Marion, Chief Security Officer at Xcel Energy. These experts, among others, shared valuable insights on the latest security challenges and trends, particularly in the areas of cyber and physical threats, violent extremism, and software supply chain vulnerabilities.

Sara Patrick, President and CEO of MRO, kicked off the conference by warmly welcoming attendees to Minnesota, the home state of MRO. In her opening remarks, she emphasized the critical need for collaboration and innovation to address the rapidly evolving security challenges facing the energy sector. Quoting author April Rinne, Patrick highlighted the urgency of the moment: “The pace of change has never been as fast as it is today. And yet it is likely to never again be this slow.” She concluded her speech by honoring the state’s legacy of visionary leaders and, in a nod to Minnesota’s rich cultural heritage, shared that MRO staff had created a “Hot Dish” cookbook featuring favorite recipes as a token of appreciation for the opportunity to host such a significant event. This special gesture paid tribute to Garrison Keillor, beloved author and host of A Prairie Home Companion on Minnesota Public Radio.

Attendees also had the opportunity to engage in 36 breakout sessions on a range of different topics. The sessions fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange among security professionals, helping to advance shared efforts to help protect North America’s power grid.

During the event, E-ISAC CEO Manny Cancel announced the recipients of the 2024 E-ISAC Electricity Security Service Award. Named in honor of Michael J. Assante, a founding member of the E-ISAC, the award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the electric industry and demonstrate the leadership and innovation that Assante exemplified. This year’s recipients were Michele Guido, Director of Strategic Security Policy at Southern Company, and Carter Manucy, Director of Cybersecurity at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

At the conclusion of the conference, NERC President and CEO Jim Robb presented Manny Cancel with a Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his contributions to the sector and his leadership at E-ISAC. Robb highlighted Cancel’s role in refocusing the organization on its core priorities, strengthening partnerships with critical infrastructure sectors, and building trust with both industry stakeholders and government entities.

Visit this page for updates on information about GridSecCon 2025. Please reach out to E-ISAC Events for questions about GridSecCon 2025 or upcoming E-ISAC events.

– Shawn Keller, MRO Outreach Coordinator