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Background
Butchko, Inc. was engaged by a Fortune 500 utility provider to design a security system for two existing 345KV electrical substations. These substations were characterized as R-1 asset facilities, in accordance with NERC CIP-014-1 Physical Security requirements and standards. When Butchko was engaged we had to swiftly come onboard and prepare a detailed design package within three weeks. An existing risk assessment was available to provide some guidance, but the information contained in the assessment report was incomplete and the recommended protection countermeasures were not appropriate for the operational environment. As a result, we had to create a completely new design.
Quick Turnaround
Drawing on our experience and technical depth, Butchko delivered a Concept Design Narrative and drawing package within five days. We contrasted the levels of protection, system performance, and cost expectations from the risk assessment report with our recommended approach. Critical elements of the design incorporated delay systems, intrusion detection, data communications, alarm assessment, security response, minimization of downtime impact (both in time and cost), and system maintenance.
Coordination is Key
Another critical item in the Concept Design Narrative and Drawings was the detailed support and coordination of infrastructure elements (mounting locations, cabling, lighting, power, and communications) which allowed other design teams already moving to final construction documents to accommodate the new security provisions. Following detailed discussions with the client, the Butchko approach was accepted and codified into a detailed design specification and drawing package. The end result was a higher preforming security solution implemented at a 48% cost savings over the original design.
Lasting Results
By taking a holistic view of design that considered the life-cycle cost, the final design provided superior protection, ease of use, and reduced design, implementation, operations and maintenance costs. These sites are becoming the company’s internal benchmark for upgrades across the enterprise.