ST. LOUIS, MO — The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) issued its response following the release of Executive Order 14420:
The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) supports the goal of securing America’s power grid from proliferating threats and supply-chain vulnerabilities. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration as it develops the rules needed to implement the order.
“A secure and reliable electric grid is fundamental to our national defense, economic growth and way of life,” NAED President and CEO Wes Smith said. “President Trump’s order recognizes the potential risks created by today’s networked critical equipment and systems. As the Administration implements the order, we will work to make sure it preserves access to the products needed to maintain the grid and build the additional capacity our growing economy demands.”
Electrical distributors connect manufacturers with the utilities, contractors and other customers that build and maintain America’s electrical infrastructure. That position gives distributors specific insight into product availability, approved alternatives and the consequences that procurement restrictions may have on material already installed or projects that are currently underway.
“Our distributors are at the center of a secure and efficient supply chain,” Smith said. “Our members, given clear and consistent standards and reasonable implementation timelines, will continue to deliver for our suppliers, our customers and for the American people. We will do our part to ensure security requirements target genuine risks and avoid unnecessary product shortages, project delays or costs that ultimately fall on American businesses and consumers.
“NAED and its members stand ready to help the Department of Energy and other federal agencies understand the electrical supply chain as they identify covered equipment and vendors, develop procurement standards and consider secure replacement options,” Smith said. “Protecting the bulk-power system and expanding the nation’s electrical infrastructure are dual imperatives that cannot work in isolation. America needs both to remain secure, reliable and globally competitive. NAED will continue to do our part.”
For more information, contact Bud DeFlaviis, NAED Director of Government Relations, at bud@naed.org
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