Experts to Study Power Grid Terror Threat

Experts to Study Power Grid Terror Threat

Apr 25 - United Press International

The Department of Homeland Security has commissioned the nation's top experts to find ways of protecting the U.S. power grid against terrorism.

The National Research Council of the National Academies has appointed a committee to study enhancing the resilience of electricity transmission and distribution systems within the United States against potential terrorist attack.

The study, funded by the Department of Homeland Security, will address technical, policy, and institutional factors affecting the grid over the medium- and long-term.

It will write a report identifying priority research and development directions, policy initiatives, and other strategies to help secure the grid.

The massive August 14, 2003, power blackout highlighted the need for an over-the-horizon, 3-ten years outlook at the system's reliability and vulnerability, Ed Badalato, a former federal energy security official and member of the panel told United Press International.

With the threat of terrorist attacks against our power infrastructure, we must use every means at our disposal to enhance the security of this vital form of energy that under girds our entire national well being, Badalato said.

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