ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today announced that it will provide Idaho Falls Power with cyber security support for their utility smart grid operations.

As an initial project, Lockheed Martin will support Idaho Falls Power as they implement a city-wide, two-way communications Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. The system will allow the utility to securely collect and analyze energy readings from advanced energy meters. The project is part of the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project that spans five states, including Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.

Lockheed Martin is responsible for assessing the Idaho Falls Power AMI network architecture to perform a risk assessment, identify security requirements, and provide recommendations for design elements and controls to mitigate vulnerabilities. Once the network is in place, the team will perform penetration testing and establish operational controls for the operations and maintenance of the systems.

"We have experience building and securing enterprise-wide cyber security programs for many of our customers, and we have tailored and implemented our security approach specifically for the unique environment of the U.S. utility sector," said Ken Van Meter, Principal, Lockheed Martin Energy Solutions. "We're proud to help Idaho Falls Power as they build this capability and secure such an important part of their smart grid infrastructure." 

Lockheed Martin will not only assess and support the AMI network architecture, but also the systems integration for the utility-wide network smart grid network architecture.

"Lockheed Martin's experience, and expertise in energy systems and cyber security, will allow us to roll out and implement our AMI system and smart grid infrastructure as safely and securely as possible," said Mark Reed, Smart Grid Project Manager, Idaho Falls Power.

In addition to smart grid cyber security projects, Lockheed Martin is working with its customers to address the nation's challenges in the areas of cyber security, energy efficiency, management and storage, next-generation alternative energy generation and climate monitoring. The Corporation provides a full range of energy solutions to the government and industry, including the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, state and regional energy organizations, utilities and businesses.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 132,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com

SOURCE Lockheed Martin