Securing Digital Transformation and Enhancing Operational Resilience 

Strengthening PG&E’s Cybersecurity Framework

Client Overview

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is one of the largest energy providers in the U.S., supplying millions of customers with electricity and natural gas. As PG&E expanded its digital infrastructure, the company faced heightened cyber risks and increasing regulatory requirements, necessitating a comprehensive security strategy to protect critical infrastructure. 

Challenges

Increased Regulatory Pressure

PG&E needed to comply with NERC CIP, ISO 27001, and new regulations such as California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which posed challenges for data protection and operational security.

Complexity of Legacy Systems

With a mix of legacy and modern systems, PG&E’s infrastructure required an adaptive approach to integrate cybersecurity measures seamlessly.

Cloud and Digital Transformation

As PG&E transitioned to cloud-based systems, it needed to ensure the security of sensitive operational data and maintain compliance across its digital ecosystem.

Operational Downtime Risks

Cyber incidents posed significant risks to service continuity, making it critical to adopt measures that minimized downtime.

VE3’s Solutions

VE3 conducted an in-depth assessment of PG&E’s security posture, identifying gaps in the alignment with NERC CIP, CCPA, and ISO 27001. This included evaluating network vulnerabilities, cloud infrastructure, and data protection mechanisms, followed by detailed compliance recommendations. 

To secure PG&E’s cloud infrastructure, VE3 implemented advanced identity and access management (IAM) and data encryption solutions, ensuring that all cloud resources were protected against unauthorized access and data breaches. 

VE3 worked closely with PG&E’s IT team to develop tailored security solutions that could be smoothly integrated with legacy systems without disrupting ongoing operations. 

VE3 helped PG&E strengthen its incident response plan, focusing on minimizing downtime through real-time monitoring, threat intelligence integration, and rapid recovery protocols. 

VE3 maintained a balance of remote advisory services with on-site collaboration during critical project phases, such as compliance audits and cloud migration milestones, ensuring timely project execution. 

Outcomes

  • Improved Regulatory Compliance: PG&E successfully achieved compliance with CCPA, NERC CIP, and ISO 27001, ensuring adherence to data privacy and infrastructure protection standards. 
  • Enhanced Cloud Security: PG&E’s cloud infrastructure now benefits from advanced security controls, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches. 
  • Operational Efficiency: Security measures were implemented across legacy and modern systems with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. 
  • Resilience and Business Continuity: PG&E’s incident response and disaster recovery plans were optimized, reducing potential downtime and ensuring faster recovery from potential cyber incidents. 

Conclusion

VE3’s partnership with PG&E resulted in a strengthened cybersecurity framework that balances regulatory compliance, cloud security, and operational resilience. With tailored solutions and a hybrid collaboration model, PG&E is now better equipped to face evolving cyber threats and maintain the security of its vast energy infrastructure.