All utility providers are responsible for the security of critical infrastructure – generation and distribution plant, buildings and equipment distributed throughout the utility's service area. The physical protection of these facilities equipment is extremely important from both a commercial as well as national security perspectives. Threats range widely, from potential terrorist activities to daily vandalism and graffitti.

Video surveillance and access control can now be delivered on an unprecedented scale over the same metro-scale IP wireless infrastructure used for AMI, SCADA and other Smart Grid applications. The market leading award winning GridCom architecture provided by Technology Partners delivers the coverage, bandwidth and flexibility to deliver a comprehensive utility infrastructure security system:

• IP video cameras mounted at each remote site monitor perimeters, building access and interior locations.
  
  
• Access control systems, integrated with the video, monitor and log all site access. Swiped card, fingerprint and other biometric detectors control access. Video recording of access control events prevents borrowed or stolen card access.
  
  
• Intelligent video analytic monitoring of video streams identifies "tailgating" events through access controllers and automatically monitors sensitive graffiti areas and other perimeters. Video analytics can eliminate the need for manual video screen monitoring.
  
  
• Totally digital, computer-based security command and control centres can be integrated with network and security operations, reducing operational costs.