Grid Terror Attacks: U.S. Government Is Urged to Take Steps for Protection

Groups Say Industry Response to Potential Threats Is Insufficient

Two research groups urged the federal government to take action to protect the electric grid from physical attacks, rather than leave security decisions in the hands of the utility industry.

The Congressional Research Service recommended that Congress examine whether a national-level analysis of the grid’s vulnerabilities is needed or if individual power companies’ internal security assessments are sufficient.

Separately, a nonprofit research group said efforts proposed by utilities to harden the grid fall short because they don’t account for how one region might depend on others. The report from the Battelle Memorial Institute, which operates six of the U.S. Energy Department’s laboratories, said attacks could occur across more than one electric system, destabilizing large areas.

Read more at the Wall Street Journal