An assessment of threats to the American power grid

Abstract

Abstract Concern has been raised that the electrical grid of this nation is vulnerable to prolonged collapse. The postulated mechanisms are geomagnetic storms, electromagnetic pulse attacks (EMP) via a high altitude nuclear detonation, cyberattacks, and kinetic attacks. The likelihood of such events and the consequences to the American public of a protracted electric power failure are reviewed.

Keywords

• Electrical power grid failure
• Geomagnetic storms
• Electromagnetic pulse
• Cyberattacks
• Cyberwarfare
• Vulnerability of power grid