Why would they hack the controls when destroying the tower line supports along a cross country transmission line would work? Mischief done-then hustle on down the line and wait. When repairs are done and power comes back, rinse-and-repeat.
They may be over-thinking the methods of an adversary to monkey-wrench the various energy wires and pipe systems. Then again, the Russians were allowed to steal purposely defective pipeline control software. Results visible with weather satellites.
Computers control processes, etc. So they can be cracked remotely. Bring down the Eastern regional grid and it will wreak havoc with other grids due to the inter connectivity....At least that is what I have read/seen on YouTube presentations. Rinse and repeat unless coordinated multi area attacks...
My point is could be EMP or terrorist attack (by destroying power stations,lines, etc. or by cracking the grid)...poster said EMP attack is bull. The article was not focused on EMP and did not even mention it...