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Category: Electricity Energy and Utilities / Defence and National Security

Signals Directorate put on backup generators during heatwave

Wednesday, 1 Mar 2017 17:10:02

The Defence Department was asked to assist with load shedding during the heatwave.

The Australian Signals Directorate was placed on diesel generators during a heatwave last month because authorities were concerned about the reliability of the energy grid.

The minister responsible for cyber security, Dan Tehan, told Parliament the precautionary decision was "significant" and "rare" and showed the need to prioritise energy security.

The directorate is responsible for the collection and analysis of all foreign signals intelligence and providing cyber security advice.

Mr Tehan said the Defence Department was asked to assist with load shedding on February 10 by Canberra's energy provider Actew-AGL and the New South Wales Environment Department.

The request to lower power usage is common when the demand for electricity is greater than the amount of power available.

Why was South Australia's power shut off during the heatwave?


We take a look at the process of load shedding and why it takes place.

"The Australian Signals Directorate was placed onto diesel generators as a precaution — it had concerns with the reliability of the grid," Mr Tehan said.

"This meant that our agency responsible for critical infrastructure was on backup power to pre-empt a cut.

"Having the Department of Defence being put onto generators is a rare and significant event."

Mr Tehan revealed the event during Question Time on Wednesday while attacking the Federal Opposition, claiming it did not have a plan to ensure energy security.

"Energy security is equally critical to our cybersecurity capabilities and to the security of Australians," he said.

"We must deal with this issue."

The Canberra Airport was also asked to assist with load shedding on February 10 along with a number of Government departments.

AustraliaPlus


 

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