Wiktor Wise
California's electrical substations have been the target of extremist attacks in the past, with a notable incident occurring in 2013. Electrical substations are essential components of the power grid, facilitating voltage regulation and the interconnection of transmission lines. Given the critical nature of these facilities, it is important to understand how many substations exist in California and what measures are in place to safeguard them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To step up and step down the voltage of electricity being supplied by transmission lines, or to connect various lines and maintain reliability of supply |
| Location | Surface level within fenced enclosures, within buildings, on rooftops, or underground |
| Mapping database | Started in 1990 by the CEC GIS staff and completed in October 2010 |
| GIS system | Implemented in May 2016 |
| Example substations | Bailey Substation, Eagle Rock Substation, John Day Substation, Lugo Substation, Round Mountain Substation |
| Example transmission lines | Antelope-Magunden #2, COTP transmission line, Southern California Edison Vincent Line, West of Devers Transmission Line |
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What You'll Learn
- California's electrical substations are vulnerable to extremist attacks
- The California Energy Commission (CEC) has a geospatial data layer for substations
- Substations can be located on rooftops, underground, or within buildings
- The Big Creek Hydroelectric System has a transmission line near a substation
- The 2013 attack on a California substation caused widespread disruption
California's electrical substations are vulnerable to extremist attacks
A DHS intelligence memo warned of "credible, specific plans" by domestic violent extremists to target electrical infrastructure. These extremists encourage attacks on the power grid through encrypted messaging apps, making it difficult for authorities to detect their activities. The recent string of attacks on power stations across the US, including the Moore County attack in December, has highlighted the vulnerability of America's electricity infrastructure to extremist groups.
More than 100 incidents were reported in the first eight months of 2022, and there have been at least 18 more publicly reported attacks since then. While not all attacks can be attributed to extremism, extremists are quick to exploit these incidents for their gain. For instance, in 2022, four electrical substations in Puyallup, Washington, were disabled, cutting power to over 15,000 people. Although the motive was robbery, extremists celebrated the incident as a successful attack on infrastructure.
The US power grid, with its vast network of power plants, transmission substations, and high-voltage power lines, is highly vulnerable to determined attackers. The grid's interconnected design means that impairing one part can quickly have a significant impact on larger sections. However, fortifying these substations with ballistic walls, for instance, can be costly, with those costs ultimately passed on to customers in the form of higher electric rates.
California's electrical substations, as part of the larger US power grid, are susceptible to extremist attacks. The state's experience with the 2013 attack and the recent surge in extremist activity targeting electrical infrastructure across the country underscores the need for enhanced security measures to safeguard California's substations and prevent potential disruptions to its power supply.
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The California Energy Commission (CEC) has a geospatial data layer for substations
The California Energy Commission (CEC) has developed a geospatial data layer for substations, providing valuable insights into California's electrical infrastructure. This comprehensive dataset offers a detailed view of the locations of substations across the state, enhancing our understanding of the complex network of electricity distribution.
The CEC's geospatial data layer serves as a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing the state's electrical substations. It includes point features representing transmission substations and select distribution substations. These substations play a critical role in voltage regulation, either stepping up or stepping down the electricity voltage transmitted through power lines. Additionally, substations facilitate the interconnection of various lines, ensuring a reliable supply of electricity to California's communities.
The data layer reveals the diverse nature of substation locations. Some substations are strategically placed within fenced enclosures or purpose-built structures, while others are integrated into urban environments, situated on rooftops or even underground. This flexibility in substation placement allows for efficient utilization of space and ensures a robust electricity distribution network.
The CEC's geospatial data has a rich history, with the initial project commencing in 1990 by the CEC GIS staff. Over the years, the dataset has undergone updates, with the final project completed in October 2010. In 2014, the enterprise GIS system on CEC's critical infrastructure database was led by the GIS Unit, further enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the geospatial information.
The substation data is derived from a combination of sources, including internal CEC data and the Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data (HIFLD). By leveraging a range of data sources and advanced geospatial technologies, the CEC ensures the accuracy and reliability of its dataset. This data layer is not just a tool for reference but also a powerful resource for strategic transmission planning, corridor designation, and enhancing communication between government agencies and emergency management.
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Substations can be located on rooftops, underground, or within buildings
Substations are an integral part of the electricity grid, facilitating the transmission of electricity at varying voltages. They are equipped with transformers that step up or step down voltage, enabling electricity to be distributed to local neighbourhoods, homes, businesses and buildings.
Substations can be located on rooftops, particularly in urban settings, where space is limited. Rooftop substations are also being considered for solar power installations, which can help power auxiliaries and reduce electricity costs for industries.
Underground substations are another option, particularly in densely populated urban areas where land is scarce and expensive. The first underground substation in North America became operational in 2011, located beneath a two-acre park in Anaheim. Underground substations are also in operation or planned for cities like Frankfurt, Tokyo, and Singapore.
While underground substations address space constraints and improve aesthetics, there are health concerns related to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and their potential impact on nearby schools and playgrounds. Scientific studies have not reached a consensus on the health effects of exposure to EMFs, but children are generally considered more vulnerable to environmental exposures.
Substations can also be housed within buildings, in fenced enclosures, or at ground level. These substations are typically owned and maintained by local distribution networks and are crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of electricity transmission and distribution systems.
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The Big Creek Hydroelectric System has a transmission line near a substation
California's power grid has been the target of extremist attacks in recent years, with a string of mysterious attacks on power stations across the state. The Big Creek Hydroelectric System in California has a transmission line that extends 241 miles from the Sierra National Forest in Fresno County to the Eagle Rock Substation in Los Angeles. The system was constructed between 1912 and 1913 and was the primary line for conveying electricity to the Los Angeles region. The transmission line is part of the Big Creek Hydroelectric System Historic District, which was put into service in 1911 and continued to have major features installed until 1929. The Vincent 220kV Transmission Line is another notable feature of the Big Creek Hydroelectric System, stretching 224 miles from Big Creek to the Antelope Substation in Fresno County. This line was constructed between December 1925 and January 1928 as the third 220kV transmission line, accommodating the voltage capacity upgrade at Big Creek.
The Electric Substation geospatial data layer, created by the California Energy Commission (CEC), displays the locations of substations in California. These substations are fed by electric transmission lines and are used to adjust voltage levels or connect different lines to maintain a reliable power supply. Substations can be found in various locations, including fenced enclosures, buildings, rooftops, or underground. The CEC's critical infrastructure database project was completed in October 2010, and the enterprise GIS system was implemented in May 2016.
The Big Creek Hydroelectric System's transmission line to the Eagle Rock Substation has historical significance as an early example of electricity distribution infrastructure. The Vincent 220kV Transmission Line is also notable for being one of the world's longest high-voltage transmission lines upon its completion. These transmission lines played a crucial role in providing electricity to Southern California Edison (SCE) service territories.
The specific number of electrical substations in California is not readily available, but the state's power grid is vulnerable to attacks, as seen in recent years with violent extremist groups targeting electrical infrastructure. The aging state of the nation's electricity infrastructure further highlights the need for enhanced security and maintenance to ensure reliable power supply and protect critical systems from potential disruptions.
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The 2013 attack on a California substation caused widespread disruption
California is home to numerous electrical substations that are crucial for the state's power supply. Unfortunately, these critical infrastructure assets have become targets for those seeking to cause disruption and inflict damage. One notable incident occurred in 2013 when a California substation was attacked, causing widespread concern and highlighting the vulnerability of the state's energy infrastructure.
On April 16, 2013, a sniper attack was carried out on the Metcalf PG&E substation in California. The attackers cut fibre-optic AT&T phone lines, disrupting communication and isolating the substation from nearby neighbourhoods. They then opened fire on the transformers, damaging seventeen of them and causing them to leak oil and overheat. The attack lasted only nineteen minutes but inflicted $15 million worth of damage.
The Metcalf sniper attack was not an isolated incident, and it has been referenced by extremists as a model for causing chaos. Security experts and government officials have expressed concern over the growing threat of domestic violent extremism targeting critical infrastructure, particularly the power grid. The ease of executing such attacks and the slow replacement of certain equipment have further heightened worries.
The 2013 attack on the Metcalf substation in California caused widespread disruption and had significant repercussions. The attack highlighted the physical vulnerabilities of power stations and prompted discussions about the security of the state's energy infrastructure. To prevent similar incidents and enhance security, energy providers have invested in improving the physical security of their facilities.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) has also taken steps to address the issue by creating the Electric Substation geospatial data layer, which helps display the locations of substations in the state. This information can be utilised to implement targeted security measures and protect these critical assets. Additionally, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) mandated the imposition of mandatory physical security standards for substations in 2014, demonstrating a nationwide effort to bolster security.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 55,000 substations across the US, but an exact number for California is unclear.
Substations are used to step up or step down the voltage of electricity being carried by transmission lines.
Substations can be located on the surface within fenced enclosures, within buildings, on rooftops, or underground.
It is a database that displays the locations of substations in California.
Yes, there was an attack on a California substation in 2013, which caused widespread disruption. Extremists have also been targeting power stations across the US, including in North Carolina and Washington.
