What are common causes of energy and utilities data breaches?

Common causes include cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, third-party vendor vulnerabilities, and inadequate data protection measures.

How can I protect myself from energy and utilities data breaches?

To protect yourself, monitor your utility accounts for unusual activity, use strong passwords, and be cautious of phishing attempts.

What should I do if I believe my data was compromised in an energy or utilities data breach?

If you believe your data was compromised, contact your utility provider immediately, monitor your accounts for suspicious activity, and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze.

Energy and Utilities Data Breaches

Every day, millions of Americans flip a switch, turn on a faucet, or adjust the thermostat without realizing that the systems that power our homes are under growing threat. Energy and utilities companies, from gas and electricity providers to water systems, have become prime targets for cybercriminals. A data breach in this sector can erode consumer trust, expose sensitive personal information, and even disrupt essential services.

Home • What is a Data Breach • Industries • Energy and Utilities Data Breaches

Last Modified date: October 6, 2025

Key Takeaways

As our reliance on digital infrastructure grows, so does the risk. Let’s break down why this industry is such a target, what to do if your data is exposed, and what legal options are available if you’re ever involved in a data breach through your energy or utility provider.

Understanding Energy and Utilities Data Breaches

Unlike retail or entertainment companies, energy and utilities companies hold a dual responsibility: keeping critical infrastructure running and protecting the personal data of millions of customers.

With smart grids, cloud-based systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices increasingly woven into daily operations, utilities have become more efficient but also more vulnerable. Because operational and customer information systems increasingly interconnect, a single compromise can cascade—exposing personal data while disrupting service. That means everything from Social Security numbers and billing details to addresses and account information can end up in the wrong hands.

Disruptions don’t just hit the bottom line. They can interrupt power supply, impact gas distribution, or interfere with water delivery—all things consumers depend on daily. It’s no wonder regulators, cybersecurity experts, and even the federal government have their eyes glued to this sector.

Why Energy and Utilities Are Prime Targets for Data Breaches

Hackers go where the stakes are high and the payoff is bigger. Energy and utilities companies check both boxes.

First, they store valuable consumer data—names, financial information, Social Security numbers, and in some cases, detailed records of energy use. That kind of information isn’t just useful for billing; in the wrong hands, it fuels identity theft, credit fraud, and even black-market sales of personal data.

Second, these companies are deeply tied to national infrastructure. A successful breach can cause chaos well beyond lost data. Think fuel shortages, blackouts, or water service interruptions. As utilities adopt more connected technologies, their attack surface expands—creating more entry points for threat actors.

Notable Data Breaches in the Energy and Utilities Sector

The past few years have seen headline-making incidents highlighting just how vulnerable utilities can be. Let’s look at some of the most significant breaches that rattled the industry.

2021 Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack

On May 7, 2021, a ransomware attack forced the Colonial Pipeline Company offline. As a result, fuel shortages plagued gas stations along the East Coast for weeks, forcing long lines at the pump. The Department of Energy moved to coordinate a whole-of-government response, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards and highlighting the national security risks associated with compromised utilities.

Duke Energy Data Breach (2024)

A class action lawsuit against Duke Energy confirmed a data breach across several states, compromising customer details such as account credentials and financial data. This mishandling of personal information, such as names, Social Security numbers, and birthdates, opened the door for identity theft, fraudulent charges, and other risks. By 2025, settlements began to roll out, compensating customers for damages.

Experienced a BREACH?

Risks and Consequences of Data Breaches in Energy and Utilities

The risks of a utility or energy hack reach far beyond reputational damage, financial loss, and operational disruption. Here’s what else is at stake:

Consumer Data Theft and Identity Fraud

Once personal information is leaked, it can be sold on the dark web, used for fraudulent credit card charges, or exploited to open new accounts in a victim’s name. For consumers, this means months or even years of cleanup.

Exposure of Personal and Financial Information

Utility providers will typically require sensitive personal information to set up accounts, such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and payment methods. A breach makes this information vulnerable, putting customers at risk of fraud.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Having their information exposed and placed in nefarious hands has many victims of data breaches reporting heightened anxiety, sleepless nights, and a constant fear of what might happen next. Trust, in both the company and digital systems overall, takes a huge hit.

The damage to businesses is equally severe: lawsuits, loss of customer confidence, regulatory fines, and years of reputation repair.

What to Do if You Are Affected by a Data Breach

If your utility company notifies you of a breach, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But there are concrete steps you can take right away to reduce the risks:

Use strong, unique passwords for every account.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
Monitor your financial statements and credit reports regularly.
Freeze your credit if sensitive data, like Social Security numbers, may have been exposed, or consider long-term monitoring.
Stay updated on recent breaches and take immediate action when your provider sends a notice.

The FTC’s Data Breach Response Guide also offers useful tips on what consumers should do next.

Legal Options for Victims of Data Breaches

Energy and utility data breach lawsuits are designed to hold negligent companies accountable and can help victims recover compensation. If your personal or financial information was exposed in a breach, you may have the legal option to join a class action lawsuit and receive compensation in the form of:

Identity theft protection costs
Reimbursement for unauthorized charges
Damages for emotional distress
Time and expenses spent on fraud prevention

ClassActionU has resources on what evidence you may need for a data breach lawsuit. If you are unsure of what you need to do to proceed with a claim, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to explore next steps.

Speak With a Data Breach Lawyer

If your personal information was exposed in an energy or utility data breach, you may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure where to turn. You are not alone, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

ClassActionU.org is here to help. Our team can connect you with experienced attorneys specializing in data breach class action lawsuits. Together, you can take action to hold negligent companies accountable and seek compensation for the harm caused.

Contact us today to get started on your free, no obligation case review, or fill out this secure form to connect with an attorney.

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