Elektrilevi, Estonia's largest network operator with around 475,000 customers, has joined the European Network for Cyber Security (ENCS). Elektrilevi, which maintains a network almost 64,000 kilometres of power lines and more than 24,000 substations, has made the move with the goal of supporting its own efforts to improve cyber resilience.

Elektrilevi, the first Eastern European company to join ENCS, will become part of a community already mitigating against existing threats. It will also join the work to develop a consistent set of security requirements for operational technology, such as distribution automation or smart metering. With this access, Elektrilevi, will be able to run procurement processes for secure components and systems in a more cost-efficient way.

Jaanus Tiisvend, member of the board of Elektrilevi, says:

“As Estonia’s network operator for approximately 90% of the households and businesses in the country, our role is to ensure the security of both our network and our customers’ data. By joining ENCS and becoming part of a pan-European community, we will be able to share best practice and ensure that best in class security requirements are reflected in our procurement processes.”   

ENCS’ Director of Consulting Services, Michael John, adds:

“We’re delighted to welcome Elektrilevi as our newest member. Collaboration between European utilities is fundamental to address cyber security for critical infrastructure. Our role is to enable our members to share information and knowledge in a trusted environment. Through that, we aim to develop protocols and standards to protect both infrastructure and customers across Europe. We’re very pleased that Elektrilevi will be participating in that process and we look forward to working with them.”