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Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), also called High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP), refers to the detonation of a thermonuclear device above the earth’s atmosphere. It can present a threat across very large portions of the bulk electric system by causing simultaneous flashover faults (short circuits) on low voltage (distribution) portions of the power system. It can also destroy or damage unprotected electronic equipment resulting in the failure to sense, control, communicate and respond to power system conditions properly, as well as by preventing remote manual operation of the power system.
Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI) results from the intentional transmission of high energy radio frequency energy in an attempt to remotely disable, damage or destroy a facility or asset by assaulting its electronics. This threat is similar to EMP in the sense that it attempts to degrade electronic assets, but it is more local in scope and does not require nuclear technology.
ITC will lead and participate with others in industry and government to appropriately mitigate the potentially severe adverse consequences of EMP or IEMI attack, consistent with other high impact low frequency threats.
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