BC Hydro to protect critical Olympic power supplies with MIR3

As the electric utility responsible for powering the Games, BC Hydro
has worked closely with the Vancouver intelligence community to conduct
a full assessment of its electrical infrastructure security—focusing
attention on critical infrastructure and iconic BC Hydro targets such
as the dams around the province. 

As thousands of spectators flock to
the city in the next two weeks, MIR3’s intelligent communication
infrastructure will enable BC Hydro to instantly send security updates,
threat advisories, and other important messages to its utility
officials in seconds via e-mail, phone, or Blackberry PIN-to-PIN.

Notifications will also incorporate MIR3’s two-way response technology
that can immediately mobilize employees in the event of a
crisis—replacing BC Hydro’s previous security communication involving
manual phone tree dialing.

“BC Hydro is obligated to power and protect not just Vancouver
residents, but the critical infrastructure around the city regardless
of events taking place,” said Doug Powell, manager of corporate
security for BC Hydro. “The 2010 Olympic Games present a heightened
threat environment. With the help of the Vancouver intelligence
community, we’ve taken precautions to ensure power to Olympic venues is
not disrupted and that critical assets and structures are safe. MIR3’s
inEnterprise is an important tool in this mission in that it allows us
to deliver important messages much more effectively to hundreds of
people in real time, implementing a wide array of advisories despite
events or conditions.”

“The selection of MIR3’s technology to help protect the Olympic
community is a validation of our strategy to be the most dependable
important message delivery platform in the world, trusted by
enterprises of all sizes and industries­—including global energy and
utility companies,” said Amir Moussavian, president and chief executive
officer of MIR3. “We’re honored to support BC Hydro’s efforts in
safeguarding the people of British Columbia, athletes and worldwide
visitors during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games by protecting an
important part of the province’s critical infrastructure.”

In addition to internal efforts to heighten security, BC Hydro has also
worked alongside local and federal police agencies to build new
channels for information sharing during the games. BC Hydro has trained
law enforcement on electric grid operation, while federal agencies have
trained the critical infrastructure owner-operators on counterterrorism
and suspicious activity.