# Senate Advances Utility Cybersecurity Funding

The Senate has introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and fund the Department of Energy's Rural and Municipal Utility Advanced Cybersecurity (RMUC) Grant and Technical Assistance Program through 2031, allocating **$250 million over five years**. This program supports rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities by providing grants, technical assistance, workforce development, and vulnerability assessments aimed at strengthening the cybersecurity resilience of the electric grid against evolving cyber threats.

- The legislation directly impacts procurement professionals by expanding federal funding opportunities for cybersecurity solutions tailored to rural and municipal utilities.
- Companies specializing in cybersecurity services, technical assistance, and workforce training should evaluate this program for potential contract and grant participation.
- Utilities and contractors should prepare for increased demand in vulnerability assessments and cybersecurity upgrades funded through this program.
- This initiative underscores the federal commitment to securing critical infrastructure, signaling sustained investment in utility cybersecurity through 2031.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Cybersecurity
**Published:** September 25, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- Senate
- House of Representatives

### Key Quotes
> America’s electric grid is a critical piece of our national security, and every utility—regardless of size or location—must have the resources to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
> — Dave McCormick, Senator

> Our rural and municipal utilities are increasingly on the front lines of protecting the electric grid from cyber threats.
> — John Curtis, Senator

### Sources
- [Curtis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Rural and Municipal Utilities - Senator John Curtis](https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/curtis-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-cybersecurity-for-rural-and-municipal-utilities/) - Curtis Senate