Access Control for Electricity Grid and Substations – CER & NIS2 Ready
Secure access to transformer stations, grid components, and technical rooms. Meet CER and NIS2 with battery-free, offline access control from SnapKey.
The electricity grid is critical infrastructure of the highest importance. With the CER Directive and NIS2, there are now requirements for documented access control to all components in the power supply.
SnapKey delivers battery-free, offline access control that's perfect for transformer stations and grid components without power supply or internet.
Special Requirements for the Energy Sector
The energy sector faces unique challenges:
- High voltage: Safety-critical zones require documented access
- Many distributed locations: From substations to cable cabinets
- Off-grid installations: No power = traditional locks don't work
- Compliance pressure: Energy regulators, NIS2, CER, energy legislation
- External suppliers: Many contractors need access
SnapKey + iLOQ for Electricity Grid
Battery-free Locks
iLOQ S5 is powered by smartphone NFC. Perfect for installations without power supply.
Works offline
The cylinder validates the key itself, without network. A phone key works offline within its offline validity period; cards and fobs work directly on the cylinder.
Traceability
Document who has been in each substation. Ready for regulatory inspections.
eID for Critical Zones
Require eID verification for high-risk areas. Extra security where it matters.
Typical Installations
| Location | Risk | SnapKey Solution |
|---|---|---|
| High voltage stations | High | eID + time-limited access |
| Transformer kiosks | Medium | Battery-free lock + traceability |
| Cable cabinets | Medium | Key via QR code or NFC |
| Pole-mounted stations | Low-medium | Offline iLOQ access |
| Control rooms | High | Role-based + 2FA |
Compliance: CER, NIS2, and Energy Regulations
CER Directive (EU 2022/2557)
- Requires documentation of physical security
- SnapKey provides automatic access logs
NIS2
- Requires risk assessment and access control
- SnapKey supports role separation and audit
Energy Legislation
- Specific national legislation for the energy sector
- SnapKey is built to meet the requirements
How Offline Access Works
Technician at substation without network:
1. Key downloaded to phone (when online)
2. At station: Hold phone to lock
3. NFC delivers power to the lock
4. Lock validates key locally (cryptographic)
5. Access granted/denied
6. Event stored in the lock
7. Log uploaded at next sync
Result: the openings the lock system reports are logged with the key and the person – also at remote sites, once the log has been uploaded.
Handling External Contractors
The energy sector often uses externals for:
- Cable laying
- Transformer maintenance
- Cleaning and grass cutting
- Meter replacement
Traditional:
- Coordination of key handover
- Risk of copying
- No traceability
- Keys returned (hopefully)
With SnapKey:
- Send time-limited access via SMS
- Contractor lets themselves in
- Access expires automatically
- Log of the openings the lock system reports
Example: a grid company with 500+ substations
An illustrative example, not a named customer.
Starting point:
- 540 transformer kiosks and pole stations
- 80 own technicians
- 15+ contractor companies
- Physical keys in circulation
Challenges:
- No knowledge of who was where
- Keys were copied
- Manual documentation for inspections
- Coordination with externals took days
With SnapKey:
- All locations secured with iLOQ
- Technicians have personal digital keys
- Externals get time-limited access via SMS
- Automatic compliance reporting
Results:
- Openings reported by the lock system, logged with key and person
- Compliance reports generated from the dashboard
Integration with SCADA and Operations Systems
SnapKey can integrate access data with:
- SCADA systems – Link physical access with system events
- DMS (Distribution Management) – View access in operations picture
- HR systems – Automatic onboarding/offboarding
- Work order systems – Access follows assigned tasks
FAQ
Can the locks handle outdoor conditions?
Yes. iLOQ S5 locks are IP68 certified and work from -40°C to +85°C. They are designed for harsh outdoor environments.
What if the phone runs out of power?
A phone key needs a working phone. As a backup, technicians can carry an iLOQ card or fob.
How is emergency access handled?
SnapKey supports emergency protocols with escalation and audit trail. Specific setup is agreed during implementation.
Can we see if someone attempts unauthorized access?
Yes. Refused attempts on the iLOQ locks are logged with key, lock and time. You can set up alarms for when a critical lock or key is used.
Get Started
Is your grid company ready for modern access control – and the new compliance requirements?
Related articles
Access Control for District Heating – Secure Access to Substations and Cabinets
Digital access control for district heating companies. Replace lockboxes with traceable access to heat substations, exchanger stations, and technical rooms.
Access Control for Water Utilities – Secure Access to Pump Stations and Facilities
Meet NIS2 and CER requirements with digital access control for water utilities. Traceable access to pump stations, reservoirs, and technical rooms.
Access Control for Utilities – Electricity, Water, Heat, and Gas
Battery-free, offline access control for critical infrastructure. Perfect for substations, pump stations, and off-grid locations with iLOQ and SnapKey.