The Nation : Utilities Warned of Sabotage Dangers

The Energy Department has been pressing utilities to fortify their defenses against sabotage since a National Security Council study found a growing danger of terrorist attack on domestic power sources. The Associated Press learned of the report, released to Congress in 1987, which said that “energy-related terrorism . . . would be a particularly significant threat” in the event of a military crisis with the Soviet Union, but that “. . . even in the absence of a superpower confrontation, potential Third World adversaries could sponsor attacks. . . .” It cited incidents of sabotage in Europe in which plastic explosives, hand-held missiles and other advanced methods were used. Officials refused to comment but said the findings remain valid. Edward V. Badolato, deputy assistant secretary for energy emergencies, was to testify this week before the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee on defensive measures.