A 2013 sniper attack on the Metcalf electric power substation in Northern California, which caused more than $15 million in damages and destroyed 17 transformers, led Idaho National Laboratory researchers to develop a novel protective solution.

The solution, the Armored Transformer Barrier system, is made from inexpensive yet rugged military grade steel and creates a formidable barricade to protect high-valued, critical substations from threats including high-power rifles or vehicles laden with explosives. It even remains stable in Category 2 hurricanes without the need for expensive footings or anchors. Each barrier system consists of four components: an A-shaped frame, two armor cassettes that slide into the frame and an optional top-hat armor extension. A separate corner piece locks in to provide seamless 360-degree protection. Each package can be transported unassembled to a substation site on a commercial truck and reassembled on-site with simple hand tools, utility forklifts and lifting cranes. The system has been licensed for production by Michigan-based Waltonen Engineering, a full-service design and engineering company. Although grid damaging events are rare in the U.S., a long-term power outage caused by a physical attack on key parts of the grid would have cascading impacts on other critical infrastructure and widespread societal effects. Read more at INL.