Moniz: Energy Department needs new 'national security' powers

President Obama’s energy chief recommended Friday that the Energy Department be given a new “national security” role in protecting the nation’s electricity grid against cyberattacks from terrorist groups and hostile countries.

Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz made the recommendations as one of his final actions before President-elect Trump’s inauguration Jan. 20. The policy suggestions were outlined in the Quadrennial Energy Review released Friday, underscoring the heightened threats posed to the U.S. electricity grid.