Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández announced on March 17 a legislative package aimed at using artificial intelligence to improve the security and resilience of electrical grids in the United States and globally. The proposed bills seek to protect critical energy infrastructure from cyber threats while encouraging responsible innovation in artificial intelligence for modernizing grid systems.
The announcement comes as policymakers and experts warn about increasing cyber threats to essential infrastructure, as well as mounting pressure on power systems from extreme weather, rising energy demand, and aging transmission networks. These challenges highlight the need for new tools and strategies to ensure reliable electricity supply.
“Our power grid is essential to everything from hospitals to national security, yet it faces growing risks from cyberattacks and extreme weather,” said Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández. “Artificial intelligence gives us new tools to defend these systems, strengthen its resilience, and modernize how our energy infrastructure operates, but it must be developed responsibly. My legislation ensures the United States leads in developing the technologies needed to protect our grid.”
Hernández introduced the legislation with Representatives Sam Liccardo of California and Adelita Grijalva of Arizona. Liccardo said, “A vulnerable energy grid invites disruption from our adversaries and slows American innovation. Strengthening and modernizing our energy infrastructure will protect our national security and power our innovation economy. As one of Silicon Valley’s representatives in Congress, I proudly support these bills to bolster our grid and help America win the 21st century.” Grijalva added, “America’s power grid faces growing threats—from sophisticated cyberattacks to climate-driven disasters—and we need to stay ahead of the curve. I’m proud to support these efforts and grateful to Congressman Pablo José Hernández for leading this legislation to strengthen grid security, invest in cutting-edge research, and ensure our energy infrastructure is prepared for the challenges ahead.”
The AI Cyber Grid Protection Resilient Development Act (H.R. 7696) would create a grant program within the Department of Homeland Security for universities and national laboratories. This program would fund advanced testing environments that simulate cyberattacks on electrical grids so researchers can safely train artificial intelligence systems designed for cybersecurity purposes. The bill proposes $100 million over five years with annual reporting requirements.
The International AI Energy Grid Modernization Strategy Act (H.R. 7697) would direct the U.S. State Department—working with other federal agencies—to develop an international strategy supporting AI-enabled modernization of electrical grids through joint research projects, technology deployment, cybersecurity cooperation, pilot programs, and workforce training with global partners.
Both bills were developed in consultation with researchers at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, which has expertise in engineering related to energy systems and grid resilience.
