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Electric Systems Vulnerabilities

NCJ Number
130644
Journal
Terrorism Volume: 13 Issue: 3 Dated: (May-June 1990) Pages: 183-188
Author(s)
J J Easton Jr
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The Department of Energy (DOE) has implemented nonnuclear energy emergency preparedness programs at both the Federal and industry levels to identify vulnerabilities of electric systems to sabotage and natural disaster and to develop plans of action.
Abstract
The Policy Coordinating Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Mobilization Planning (PCC-EPMP), successor to the DOE-chaired Interagency Group on Energy Vulnerabilities (IG-EV), works to assess energy vulnerabilities, evaluate energy emergency data, consider response options, and analyze the possible outcomes of various scenarios. DOE has instigated the implementation of physical security, operating strategies, and facility engineering in the electric utility industry. The department has conducted a major natural disaster afteraction assessment and has agreed to serve as Federal sponsor of the Telecommunications Services Priority (TSP) system. Studies are being conducted in the areas of telecommunications/energy interdependence, electromagnetic pulse (EMP), and solar magnetic disturbances (SMD). Three electric power emergency simulations, which test emergency plans and expand cooperation between industry and government representatives, have been held across the U.S. DOE also conducts an outreach program to enhance State energy emergency preparedness. Much of the work being done by DOE in this area emanates from the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) report on "Physical Vulnerabilities of Electric Systems to National Disasters and Sabotage."