When it comes to securing power facilities, one standardized solution does not fit all. And to secure your facilities properly, meeting or exceeding local and national guidelines and codes, you’ll need an experienced, expert systems integration partner who can handle all related systems and bring them into a unified securer solution.
Critical infrastructure facilities, like power generation, transmission, and distribution locations, require a variety of systems to be applied including perimeter protection, access control, visitor management, video surveillance, and other systems.
Every facility has unique security requirements based on size, location, facility type, and surrounding environmental conditions. In addition, the facility must meet or exceed requirements and guidelines as set forth by the North American Electric reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards as well as the federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) standards. Compliance with NERC and FERC standards is a baseline requirement for power companies as related to a wide range of topics including nearly every physical and operational aspect of the facility, including minimum security measure requirements.
In order to assist utility companies with their security planning, FERC offers a Security Plan Example which includes several important sections including:
- Purpose of the security plan
- Site maps of the location
- Recommended security systems
- Perimeter fences and gates
- Exterior lighting
- Video surveillance
- Access control
- Intrusion detection
- Security guards
- Law enforcement support
- Maintenance
- Lock and key control
- Visitor management
- Security policies
- Sabotage
- Threat alert guidelines
- Emergency response
- Suspicious packages
- Evacuation
- Voice communication
- Cyber security
Likewise, NERC offers resources, like the Physical Security Working Group, to assist the industry with recommended best practices for security implementation. And NERC provides guidelines related to cyber security, which is a growing concern for physical and electronic security professionals, as more security devices are attached to the IP network.
After reviewing the FERC example document as well as other resources, it becomes clear that the security system integrator working on these types of projects must have an intimate knowledge of the rules and regulations set forth by NERC, FERC, and other authorities that govern and guide power utility companies across the country.
Integrated security solutions can be complicated to plan and deploy, particularly when related to regulated industries within the 16 critical infrastructure sectors as outlined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A variety of variables are commonly encountered, requiring an experienced, professional team to navigate the technical details and requirements.
Professional Security Partner
The Vision team can survey your building, coordinate a design, and professionally install and integrate hardware and software. Vision can also create a custom Managed and Hosted Services plan, freeing up your staff to perform their core responsibilities of providing a safe working environment, and making system updates a breeze.
The Vision Investment Protection plan, like your system, can grow and change with your organization. Together, you’ll uncover potential problems before they arise. Additionally, Vision Investment Protection provides onsite and remote response, safeguarding your staff and securing your facility.
Vision has a full-time AutoCAD engineer on staff. Our engineering team can provide planned drawings, riser diagrams, and as-built diagrams in both electronic and hard copy formats for every project. We provide complete network installations, maintenance, database conversions, software installations, and upgrades. Our engineering team has both Cisco and Microsoft certifications.
