Physical security plans for utilities have generally focused on keeping unauthorized individuals from gaining access to critical infrastructure, and preventing theft and bodily injury.  In recent years, however, many utilities are experiencing threats never seen before and attempts to compromise critical infrastructure that have potentially serious impact on customers.  These events have changed the perspective and focus of physical security plans and forced the industry to reexamine and redouble their efforts.  Utilities are quickly evaluating their security posture and designing new protective measures to better protect and mitigate security risks.  The efforts of utilities alone are not enough, however, and partnerships with local, state and federal authorities are an essential part of any effective physical security plan.

The Utility Physical Security Plan webinar will discuss the benefits of a well-designed physical security plan and examine some of the factors utility companies should consider when classifying assets for protection, developing a design basis threat (DBT), designing protective measures to protect against DBT identified risks, and weighing cost benefit vs risk reduction.  The webinar will discuss proactive measures identified, designed and implemented to protect a critical substation, utilizing a high probability of detection, high probability of assessment, high probability of communication and added security measures with delay/denial capability. 

The presentation will be made by Ronald Lum, Manager Asset Protection and Physical Security, within the Corporate Security Department of Pacific Gas & Electric.  Ron joined PG&E in 2012 when the physical security team significantly expanded, and has helped develop security standards, and assess critical infrastructure components and facilities.  He has played a key role in the assessment, design, project management, methodology and application of equipment and technology associated with the protection of critical assets related to dams, hydroelectric generation, gas pipelines, power transmission, office buildings and campus environments.