A new proposal from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is raising concerns from power sector leaders, who say it could compromise the ability of utilities employees to communicate with each other and their customers during power outages and other times of grid stress. 

The FCC on Tuesday proposed to move forward with a rulemaking agenda to open up spectrum availability to unlicensed users on its 6 GHz band, which is shared, in part, by 65 utilities across the country.

Groups representing utilities, including the Utility Technology Council (UTC) and Edison Electric Institute, last year opposed the FCC's notice of inquiry,which sought comment on how to expand spectrum accessibility.

"The way policy has developed at the FCC has been there hasn't been a focus on critical infrastructure sectors."

Earlier this month, UTC CEO Joy Ditto testified in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. She highlighted the importance of communication not only on the grid but between federal agencies serving different sectors.