Entire United States Power Grid Brought Down In Few Moves
Labels:
electric,
federal commission,
grid,
Power,
power grid,
regulations,
sniper,
substation,
United States
Reports release show the entire United States power grid can be brought down with just a few moves. How can the entire electronic energy grid be knocked out by a few précise hits?
Issue
The United States power grid is divided into three major networks. The three networks are
The United States power grid is divided into three major networks. The three networks are
Requirements
Noting the report, the Federal Regulatory Commission is requiring the industry to provide plans by June 1st in protecting the grid. This will be a costly endeavor. 90% of the power grid was created before computers were invented. A interlocking capability, or failover setup will be needed. What is feared is a domino effect, when one substation goes down, the cascade effect will knock the remaining ones.
Noting the report, the Federal Regulatory Commission is requiring the industry to provide plans by June 1st in protecting the grid. This will be a costly endeavor. 90% of the power grid was created before computers were invented. A interlocking capability, or failover setup will be needed. What is feared is a domino effect, when one substation goes down, the cascade effect will knock the remaining ones.
More bad news
Although 90% or more of the network has been created before computers, the newer substations allow computer connection. This causes additional risk, from cyber-attacks.
Recall last year, snipers shot a electrical substation for 19 minutes. This action effectively knocked out 17 giant transformers. To avoid the blackout, officials rerouted the power grid around the site. This took manual labor in order to bypass the electric grid. Once done, a collective 27 days was needed to make repairs in order to bring the substation back online.
Summary
United States is sitting on a weak grid. The network is based on old technology, weak in security, and does not have risk management compliances in case of an issue.
Although 90% or more of the network has been created before computers, the newer substations allow computer connection. This causes additional risk, from cyber-attacks.
Recall last year, snipers shot a electrical substation for 19 minutes. This action effectively knocked out 17 giant transformers. To avoid the blackout, officials rerouted the power grid around the site. This took manual labor in order to bypass the electric grid. Once done, a collective 27 days was needed to make repairs in order to bring the substation back online.
Summary
United States is sitting on a weak grid. The network is based on old technology, weak in security, and does not have risk management compliances in case of an issue.
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