On August 14, 2003, New York City and much of New England experienced a blackout. No lights, no air conditioning, no electricity. In all, one quarter of the nation was without power for several days because of an energy grid malfunction. Though it was not the product of a terrorist attack, thankfully, the blackout demonstrated what could happen if the nation's energy systems are assaulted. It was because of instances like the blackout, and other threats to the energy system that energy distribution companies like Kansas City-based Aquila began searching for a comprehensive access control and security system.
Aquila, an energy resources distributor for seven Midwestern states, owns and manages vast networks of wires and pipes that deliver energy to more than 1.3 million Americans. The company operates hundreds of sites throughout the Midwest, including major gas interconnects, where gas is distributed to individual homes; power substations, which route power to other parts of the country and to homes; power plants, which generate electricity; and administrative facilities.
