Phoenix, Ariz. — Arizona Corporation Commission Vice Chair Nick Myers has initiated a formal inquiry into the potential cybersecurity risks posed by Chinese-manufactured inverters used in solar, wind, and battery systems across the state.

Prompted by recent media reports alleging the presence of unauthorized communications hardware and potential “backdoor” or “kill switch” capabilities embedded in some Chinese inverter technologies, Vice Chairman Myers docketed a formal letter requesting detailed information from ACC-regulated electric utilities.

“As our grid continues to embrace inverter-based resources, we must ensure that our critical infrastructure is secure, resilient, and free from hidden vulnerabilities,” said Vice Chairman Myers. “These media reports raise serious concerns about supply chain integrity and grid security, and we owe it to Arizonans to investigate fully.”

The Vice Chairman’s information request includes over 50 targeted questions to better understand:

• The extent of Chinese inverter deployment in Arizona electric utilities
• Existing cybersecurity protocols, firmware controls, and supply chain oversight
• Detection and mitigation strategies for unauthorized access or embedded hardware
• Contingency planning in the event of a mass inverter failure or remote deactivation
• Future procurement safeguards and vendor risk assessments

“As Commissioners, we have the responsibility to ensure Arizona’s electric utilities are taking the necessary steps to defend the grid from foreign cyber threats,” Vice Chairman Myers emphasized. “A transparent and thorough accounting of these inverter components is critical to maintaining public trust and grid reliability.”

Utilities have been asked to respond by June 30, 2025, in Docket No. ACC-00000A-20-0008.  

For more information, please see Vice Chairman Myers’ letter or contact Vice Chairman Myers at myers-web@azcc.gov.