What has Exelon done to prevent and prepare for possible terrorist attacks?
Exelon has spent a considerable amount of time and money since September 11, 2001 to protect itself from and prepare itself for a terrorist attack. The company has increased the security of its systems and facilities along with training its employees to handle emergency situations. Exelon has also increased its coordination and communication with local, state, and federal emergency response agencies and industry organizations. Exelon commits itself to operating safely and keeping the lights on and gas flowing for its customers.
Is Exelon prepared to cope with possible disruptions from terrorist attacks?
Exelon has developed disaster recovery plans and designed business continuity plans to support rapid business resumption after a crisis like a terrorist attack or other operational emergency. Emergency response is an inherent part of Exelon’s business, and the company is used to dealing with sudden events that cause power outages. Its emergency preparedness and response plans can ensure that critical utility services are restored as quickly as possible.
Has Exelon increased the security of its power plants?
Yes. Exelon cannot reveal all of the details, but the company has significantly increased the security of all its power plants since September 11, 2001. Exelon Nuclear alone spent more than $10 million on capital modifications in 2002 to improve plant security. Exelon extended security perimeters around its plants and tightened security at all office locations and operating facilities that are critical to gas and electric delivery. System operators at ComEd, PECO, and all Exelon Generation plants continuously monitor conditions around the clock every day.
How secure are Exelon’s nuclear plants?
Exelon’s nuclear plants are some of the most secure industrial facilities in the world. Armed security guards constantly patrol Exelon’s nuclear plants, with the help of sophisticated electronic surveillance equipment, to protect the plants from external attack. Internally, Exelon has instituted multiple layers of employee background verification and implemented tighter restrictions on access to the plants.
Are Exelon’s nuclear plants vulnerable to terrorist attacks, especially from aircraft?
Nuclear power plants are some of the strongest man-made structures in the world. They contain multiple layers of protection and are designed to withstand natural disasters and nuclear accidents. A recent Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) study has shown that nuclear power plants are likely to withstand a full-force impact from a wide-bodied jet that is fully loaded with fuel. Additionally, the critical structures of a nuclear power plant are relatively small and would be extremely difficult to hit with an airplane.
Who is responsible for ensuring nuclear plant safety and security?
Exelon is coordinating its own security measures with local and state emergency response operations and law authorities to protect its nuclear plants. Exelon is also working closely with the FBI and other federal agencies to enhance its emergency preparedness and plant security.
What has Exelon done to protect its employees in the event of an accident or attack?
Exelon is committed to protecting its employees in the event of an accident or attack. For example, Exelon developed office evacuation plans, particularly for the high-rise office towers in Chicago and Philadelphia, with training and actual full-scale evacuation exercises for employees. The company also provided security training for employees in high-risk positions like mail handlers. The company also employs private security firms to restrict access only to authorized individuals at all offices, plants, and other facilities. Ensuring employee communication during and after a crisis is also an important priority for Exelon. The company recently instituted an employee accountability system for increased communications.
What kind of drills or tests has Exelon conducted to ensure the security of its facilities and employees?
Exelon Nuclear employees participate in the annual drills and training sessions required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Office employees participate in a number of evacuation drills each year. Exelon also trains and drills crisis management and emergency response teams several times annually for its utility operations at ComEd and PECO.
What has Exelon done to protect itself from cyber terrorists?
Exelon highly values the protection of information and its computer systems. Exelon has added additional levels of cyber security throughout the company, including improved firewalls and monitoring to prevent hackers or cyber terrorists from breaking into the systems. Exelon also hired third party security firms to conduct both internal and external security audits that included intrusion detection, for increased confidence in its program. In addition, Exelon has exchanged best practices in cyber security with other large corporations, leading universities, and government agencies.