The Threats of Infrastructure Obsolescence to Smart Grid: A Case Study

The advancement of information and communication technologies in the energy sector in recent times continues to transform the industry; concerning how power (electricity) is generated, distributed and sold to the consuming public. This convergence of information and communicating technology with the power grid technologies is driven by the quest to reduce cost, improve operational efficiencies and meet the ever-increasing global energy needs. Nonetheless, the convergence is also exposing the very existing ageing power infrastructures to a new wave of threats, which were relatively unknown in the hardwired analogue systems. Using a case study, this paper investigates the threats digital convergence poses to power grid infrastructure systems. It illustrates how the threats of digital convergence grow quietly and steadily into national emergencies, on par with the catastrophic events encountered in the context of critical infrastructure protection.