Having some knowledge in this field, let me weigh in. Grids are interconnected - that is their design. In order to prevent a ground fault in one part of the grid from effecting the entire grid, there is protective relaying that will open breakers on undervoltage or overcurrent conditions so that large pieces of the system may still function. In the U.S., for instance, electric utilities have dozens of interconnection points, with metering to detect which way current if flowing, and chargebacks are sent at the end of the month. This way, if a Unit (Coal or Nuclear) trips off line, other parts of the system pick up the load. That way, power is "clean" (i.e., fairly close to 60 cycles per second, so that electronic things are not effected).

This is NOT the problem being discussed. Further, it doesn't really matter whether we take the FOBs off of our own power or not. Providing temporary security for a substation will only mask the problem or temporarily put a band aid on it. The problem is not the grid. All electrical grids are vulnerable and susceptible.

The solution is to go after the problem. Basra is lost to three competing Shi'a factions because coalition forces have in large part left the JAM alone. As long as we leave unrully, violent, arrogant teenagers to run around like Mafiosi in Iraq, taking anything they want and shooting anyone they want and extorting for anything they want, the grid will be vulnerable.

Again, the problem is not the electrical grid. It is the ones who target that grid.

http://www.captainsjournal.com/2007/...se-of-the-jam/