Power utility substations face a variety of risks, ranging from theft to overgrowth of vegetation. To protect across such a wide scope of threats, the utilities sector can embrace modern security solutions.

Here, we talk with Kaitlyn Albertoli, CEO of Buzz Solutions, about the importance of security for power utility substations.

Security magazine: Tell us about your background and career.

Albertoli: My experience in the energy sector has given me a deep understanding of the critical intersection of technology, infrastructure and security. But my passion for building a resilient and sustainable grid started long before that. I grew up in a small beach town in Southern California, where my environment nurtured my love for nature. In 2013, when the San Onofre Power Plant was shut down because of defects, my nearby community felt the impact. This was the first time I realized the environmental and economic risks of major breakdowns like this one.  

I earned my undergraduate degree at Stanford University where I met my co-founder, Vik Chaudhry. We bonded over our shared passion for sustainability and recognized a gap in the utility sector during a course where we built companies from scratch. This led to the creation of Buzz Solutions, where we use AI to address inefficiencies in utility inspections and enhance the reliability of power infrastructure.

Over the years, I’ve worked closely with both the technical and operational sides of utility infrastructure, helping utilities integrate advanced technologies like AI to safeguard substations and improve grid resilience. My team and I are committed to advancing security standards to match the growing complexity of power infrastructure and the increasing sophistication of threats we face today.

Security magazine: Why is security for power utility substations so important?

Albertoli: We’ve seen an uptick in targeted substation attacks that leave customers without power for days and put vulnerable populations who rely on power for their life-saving devices at risk. Beyond the direct threat to our communities, substations are critical components of the energy grid. They ensure the safe and efficient distribution of electricity. If compromised, whether due to natural disasters or intentional attacks, the impact can be far-reaching — causing widespread outages, economic losses, and safety concerns. Given the increasing reliance on reliable energy infrastructure and more demand for power from electric vehicles and AI model training, ensuring substation security — both cyberattacks and physical breaches — is essential to protect both the grid and the communities it serves. 

Security magazine: What spectrum of risks do power utility substations face?

Albertoli: Substations, which many of us pass on our daily commutes, are unassuming but vulnerable to a litany of physical and cyber risks. Natural disasters can impact substations in the same way as they do for transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure. Risks where real-time security monitoring and alerts come into play more involve man-made threats including vandalism, terrorism, copper theft, and cyber-physical attacks. Even animals that encroach into substations can cause direct damage to infrastructure, leading to service outages and significant repair costs. As substations become “smarter” or more digital, they face threats from hackers trying to infiltrate control systems and manipulate equipment. Substation security (both physical and cyber) is critical for any utility regardless of locality. 

Security magazine: How can technology help to mitigate substation security issues?

Albertoli: On the physical security side, we’re seeing the implementation of advanced surveillance systems like AI-powered video cameras, drones, and motion sensors that provide real-time monitoring of substations and quick detection of suspicious activity. Machine learning models are used to analyze patterns and identify potential threats before they escalate. On the cybersecurity side, tools for detecting intrusions, firewalls, and secure communications protocols can lessen the likelihood of catastrophic damage, but the risk is never zero. Technologies like blockchain are also starting to be explored to ensure the integrity and authentication of critical data within substation networks.

Security magazine: Anything else you’d like to add?

Albertoli: Substation security is an ongoing challenge that requires constant vigilance, innovation, and collaboration between utilities, technology providers, and regulators. It’s not just about protecting assets, It’s about safeguarding the communities that rely on these critical infrastructures. As we move toward a more digitized, interconnected power grid, I believe security will continue to be the core of operational success.