PROTECT the Grid Act

S 2593, the PROTECT the Grid Act, requires the Secretary of Commerce to report on national security risks posed by smart home appliances (like EV chargers and smart thermostats) controlled by foreign adversaries. The bill focuses on devices exceeding 500 watts that could be remotely manipulated via foreign-controlled applications to disrupt the electric grid. The report must assess deployment levels, vulnerabilities, and recommend security measures - such as restricting federal procurement of affected devices or requiring safety certifications. It does not ban specific products but mandates a government assessment to prevent grid instability from coordinated attacks.