Utility Company Security?? Who Manages?

August 18, 2008 9:05 AM

Who runs physical plant security at utility companies?? Think: cell towers, eletrical utilities, water utlities, etc... any company that has remote locations...

My company has a product that we'd use to provide secure access to these locations; it is a lock, but one that can provide access only at certain times to people who have been given the right code. We're looking at companies who have these remote areas and need to provide access to vendors, contractors, etc. but would prefer not to give out keys or 'static' codes for locks (and would also prefer not to have to go with the contractor to the site...)

posted by dyerfr to work & money (4 answers total)

I would contact the utility companies directly. In my experience, large utility companies either have their own security (for large installations, plants etc) or contract it out to private firms. I guess you could also try and market to the private firms so they, in turn, could "sell" the use of technology when they have to bid on jobs. For remote locations (like substations or cell towers on top of mountains) those places are usually secured by nothing more complicated than a padlock, but you would definately need to contact the local utility office (for starters) if you wanted to market a different security technology.
posted by elendil71 at 9:29 AM on August 18, 2008 [1 favorite]

A lot of companies utilize the Knox Box, a secure rapid entry system that building or property owners purchase (it’s actually a law in many municipalities that protected properties have one installed). The local fire department (and sometimes the police department) has the master key which unlocks the gate or door and allows them access without destroying any property. Any time the Knox Box is accessed, the time and date are automatically recorded at the dispatch office.
posted by Oriole Adams at 9:46 AM on August 18, 2008

Technically, the answer to your question will be: lots of people. Utilities carriers contract. And then those people might subcontract. AT&T uses Gale Co. EMCOR showed up with a few more googles for "WhateverCo facilites managment."

Apart from marketing directly to facility maintenance contractors or security subcontractors, you could also try running ads in engineering trade magazines and newsletters, or by contacting industry groups for marketing opportunities (BOMA, IFMA, etc.).
posted by cowbellemoo at 10:28 AM on August 18, 2008

um, people like me?

My industry is peppered with remote sites that contractors need occasional access to. Advertise in North American Windpower. Exhibit at CanWEA and AWEA.

Need any cold weather tests? We amaze European suppliers by requiring the arctic and tropical environmental package in the same machine.
posted by scruss at 11:17 AM on August 18, 2008