Substation attacks focus attention on grid's vulnerabilities

A string of attacks with at least two involving gunfire occurred at substations and other power
facilities since mid-October in the U.S. South and Pacific. (Photo by Claudine Hellmuth, E&E News)

Last week's disruptive shooting attacks on two substations in North Carolina, have focused attention on the vulnerabilities of the electric grid. "The incidents in the Carolinas followed attacks at six substations in Oregon and Washington in October and November," reports Miranda Willson of Energy Wire. "Grid security experts said it’s too early to tell whether the incidents were related or unusual in number, but said they showcase a need for the energy industry to be vigilant and prepared."

“It remains troubling and highlights how vulnerable is our critical infrastructure,” Richard Mroz, a senior adviser at the grid security advocacy group Protect Our Power, told Willson in an email. Ross Johnson, a security and intelligence specialist at Bridgehead Security Consulting, told Willson, "It’s a signal-to-noise problem: substation incidents are common, gunfire less so but not unheard of, and until arrests are made we are unlikely to know the motivation."

Willson reports, "There are more than 55,000 substations nationwide ... a key component of the power grid. The incidents come at a time when energy regulators and others say that threats to the power system — be they physical or cyber in nature — are becoming more serious and common."

There have been no identified motives or suspects for the recent attacks. "While some of the incidents involved gunfire," Wilson notes. "It’s unclear if guns were involved in all of the events.

In Oregon, two substations near Portland were targeted in what utilities described as deliberate attacks," Willson reports. "At least four substations in Washington have also been vandalized or targeted."