That probably isn’t “government surveillance” camera’s. It looks like an external sub-station in the background of at least one of the locations, the camera’s are ESP’s (electronic security perimeters). What they have probably done is stolen the power company’s equipment and that is actionable. Many, many electric companies have these installed at almost all their sub-stations for varying reasons.
Also, I believe in CIP5, electronic surveillance is mandatory at remote site’s (not sure about CIP3). These guys stepped in it.
1). Why would it be concealed?
2). Why would it show up where it wasn’t a few weeks before?
You are probably right, but if these things were installed in the last two weeks, it’s understandable why people might be suspicious. Will be interested to see if the power company asks to get them back. If no one files a criminal complaint against these people for theft, or sues to get them back, that would speak volumes.
If they belong to the power company and the feds convinced the power company to provide video access, they’d need a warrant which at some time would have to be produced.
That is what I was think as well.