What role does hardening play in managing risks for substation assets?

Hardening is a critical practice in managing risks for substation assets, primarily focused on enhancing resiliency against various threats. This involves taking measures to protect equipment from physical attacks, natural disasters, and environmental factors. By reinforcing physical structures, employing more robust materials, and implementing security features, substations are better prepared to withstand potential disruptions.

These hardening strategies help ensure that essential infrastructure continues to function reliably even under adverse conditions, contributing to overall grid stability. By improving resiliency, substations can minimize the risk of prolonged outages and ensure a more reliable energy supply to consumers, ultimately supporting the integrity of the entire electrical grid.

While implementing safety protocols is important for protecting personnel, increasing equipment lifespan relates more to maintenance and usage rather than hardening, and lowering operational costs typically concerns efficiency improvements rather than risk management directly.