Sniper attack on Utah substation highlights grid vulnerability

USA, Utah: Last month someone with a high-powered rifle fired several shots and successfully disabled a substation owned by Garkane Energy Cooperative, leading to a day-long power outage for about 13,000 Utah residents.

 


USA, Utah: Last month someone with a high-powered rifle fired several shots and successfully disabled a substation owned by Garkane Energy Cooperative, leading to a day-long power outage for about 13,000 Utah residents.

The attack on Garkane succeeded when bullets disabled the transformer’s oil-cooled radiator, incurring damage that will take months to repair and could cost up to $1 million, reports Utility Dive.

U.S. media report that the incident is a reminder that large portions of the United States’ grid remain vulnerable to attack, potentially from either cyber intrusions or being physically disabled.

Lloyd’s of London last year issued a report finding a widespread attack on the United States grid could lead to a total economic loss ranging from $243 billion, reports Utility Dive.

Source: Utility Dive