• More than 22,000 customers have been affected by the attacks registered this year

The number of attacks on energy facilities in the United States in 2022 is at its highest level in the last decade, the Politico newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing national statistics. 

Physical and cyber attacks on buildings providing electricity, including 101 cases that were reported through the end of August, are at their highest level since 2012, the newspaper said. 

More than 22,000 customers have been affected by the attacks registered this year, but the vast majority of cases had no interruptions in the operation of energy facilities. 

The main target for attacks is generally small energy facilities, such as substations that supply electricity distribution locally. Large facilities are administered under strict security protocols, while any attack can lead to an extensive regional catastrophe.

Read: 14,000 homes powerless in Tacoma after power stations vandalized

Wind and solar power plants are also often at risk, as they are usually situated in remote areas where it is harder to provide security, the Politico newspaper added. 

The number of critical power grid components vulnerable to attacks is expected to increase in the coming ten years as the US grid expands and as more individuals and businesses buy electric vehicles. 

On Monday, Police have opened investigations into three burglaries at three substations in Tacoma, Washington, which left 14,000 customers without any power on Christmas morning. 

Earlier this month, 45,000 people were hit by a blackout after someone shot at a substation in North Carolina. Police noted that it was a "deliberate" attack and they are still investigating it.