Black Sky Hazards
A Black Sky Hazard
is a catastrophic event that severely disrupts the normal functioning of our critical infrastructures in multiple regions for long durations.
Manmade Hazard
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EMP – High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse
A nuclear detonation in the upper atmosphere creates an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), a powerful, damaging electromagnetic field covering a subcontinent-scale region. > Read More
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IEMI - Intentional Electromagnetic Interference
An IEMI device creates an electromagnetic pulse, potentially far higher in magnitude than EMP, though over very short ranges. Use of such devices on multiple, critical elements of critical infrastructures could create Black Sky Hazard level impacts. > Read More
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Cyber Terrorism
While utilities and government agencies have made progress in strengthening security against cyber threats, the destructiveness and sophistication of cyber weapons are growing. A successful, severe cyber-attack could cause serious damage to critical infrastructures, on national scales. > Read More
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Coordinated Physical Assault
Coordinated physical attacks on key elements of power grids or other critical infrastructures could cause power outages of exceptionally wide geographic scope and long durations. > Read More
Natural Hazards
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Seismic Event – High Magnitude Earthquake
In many regions of the United States and other nations, serious earthquakes in large regional seismic zones could cause power outages far larger and of longer duration than those experienced in previous events. > Read More
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GMD – Geomagnetic Disturbance (Severe Space Weather)
Typically many times each year, the sun ejects a portion of its coronal mass into space. If this highly- energetic, electrically and magnetically charged matter (Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)) encounters the Earth it distorts the Earth’s geomagnetic field. When the CME’s strength and earth-interaction is unusually strong, it can induce damaging GIC (Geomagnetically Induced Current) in long transmission lines and transformers. > Read More
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Hurricanes and Other Severe Weather Events
Edison Electric Institute’s report, “Before and After the Storm,” documents the nationwide array of investments and emerging best practices that investor-owned utilities are making in response to lessons learned from Superstorm Sandy, and in anticipation of possibly more severe events in the future. > Read More