Learn about the security threats power plants face and discover best practices like remote monitoring, access control, and real-time alerts to protect them.
Practically every industry in the world and every community relies on energy and power. Power stations are critical pieces of infrastructure that drive economies and innovation and contribute to everything from manufacturing to healthcare to the military.
Security breaches can have far-reaching consequences such as outages, vandalism, theft, and threats to safety. As a case in point, two North Carolina electric substations were attacked last year by gunfire, leaving tens of thousands of customers in the dark for several days. One official estimated the cost of the damage to be in the millions.
While it’s easy to see why it’s vital to take security measures seriously, power stations pose unique challenges.
Power stations are typically located on sprawling campuses in remote areas. One reason for this is the need for ample space to accommodate critical infrastructure. Another is to keep stations away from heavily populated areas for safety.
The sheer geographic size of power plants makes them extremely difficult to monitor effectively. There is more ground to secure, more areas that need to be monitored, and more places where people can escape detection. In addition, the large size and remote location of these plants make it challenging to fence the facility and keep unauthorized personnel out.
The buildings themselves can also be especially vulnerable to intruders. They are often a labyrinth of electrical rooms, hallways, and stairways that add to the places that need to be secured and protected. When you factor in the multiple access points where people can enter and breach security measures, security quickly becomes a nightmare.
Remote areas have less infrastructure in place which can lead to more dimly lit areas. This is exacerbated once night falls and bad actors can take cover in the shadows and easily escape detection.
Beyond the heightened risks of theft and vandalism, poor lighting can endanger employees and undermine their sense of security. Working in potentially hazardous environments, they need to feel safe to perform at their best. If safety concerns go unaddressed, it can erode trust in management, causing employees to question leadership’s ability to protect them and the company’s commitment to their well-being.
Power stations are not just valuable for what they generate; they are also valuable for what they have on-site. Many plants are prime targets for criminals because they’re home to expensive machinery and raw materials. Copper wiring, metals, and other industrial materials are prime targets for thieves looking for a financial score.
Not only is theft a problem in that stolen goods represent a financial loss, but it can also mean a disruption in service or even create a serious safety risk.
Keeping power plants far from communities and civilians enhances safety by reducing the risk of harm if an incident occurs at the facility. While remoteness provides a safety buffer for the public, it also delays emergency response times, making it harder for emergency services or law enforcement to address security threats.
This can embolden criminals who look to exploit this gap, knowing that they have generous time to operate and still make an escape.
It’s clear why strong security measures and proper investments are essential to controlling access and keeping bad actors out.
Here are some strategies to help fortify your security systems.
It’s important to physically secure the perimeter of the facility with high-security fencing when possible. However, when putting in a physical perimeter is challenging, not all is lost. Security cameras can fill the gaps and create a virtual fence by establishing a network that provides comprehensive coverage of the facility, including entry points and potential hot spots.
Other technological advances such as thermal cameras, motion detection, and artificial intelligence can help identify suspicious activities.
Limiting the number of entry points and verifying authorized personnel is critical to keeping facilities safe. This can be done effectively through security staff stationed in these areas, along with keycard access, biometric systems, and surveillance cameras.
Access control measures should also be in place in other high-security areas, whether it be a high-value building, floor, or room, to create another layer of friction for access.
Remote monitoring allows you to monitor security camera feeds from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a smart device and internet connectivity. This allows for 24/7 surveillance of the power plant grounds, buildings, and perimeter. This always-on security approach can help teams differentiate false alarms from credible threats, and improve situational awareness for security teams on the ground.
Immediate alerts are crucial for preventing security threats from escalating. Modern security systems use motion detection, thermal imaging, and AI-powered tools to instantly detect suspicious activity and trigger real-time notifications.
These alerts enable security teams to respond quickly—whether by investigating the situation, mobilizing personnel, or contacting emergency services—ultimately improving response times and preventing incidents before they escalate.
Protecting any business is paramount, but when it comes to critical infrastructure, the stakes are even higher. A comprehensive security system can help keep employees and communities safe while ensuring critical services keep running.
LiveView Technologies® can be a partner in fortifying power stations. Using solar power and cellular connectivity, our mobile security units are self-reliant and perfect for remote areas where WiFi and infrastructure are hard to come by. They can be set up quickly and moved easily to meet evolving security needs.
As you look to further enhance your overall security plan, reach out to see how we can help.
