U.S. Power Grid Vulnerable to Attack, Says CRS Report Suggesting More Oversight

A coordinated and simultaneous attack on the nation’s electricity grid could have “crippling” effects including widespread extended blackouts and “serious economic and social consequences,” according to a federal report on the physical security of high-voltage transformer substations.

The Congressional Research Service report said Congress “may” want to consider several issues related to oversight of grid security, including the adequacy of current protections in place, and whether voluntary, company-specific security measures are appropriate.

“Despite their great size and internal complexity [high voltage] transformers can be readily disabled or destroyed,” the independent Congressional Research Service said in a report issued last month ...