The U.S. electric grid delivers power to millions of end users from a vast array of resources, electricity generators, power distribution and substations across the country. Recently, several occurrences of suspicious activities at electrical facilities around the country have highlighted the grid's susceptibility to sabotage or terrorist attack. While there is no one simple fix for the numerous security challenges that confront the safety of the grid, this whitepaper examines how utilities can significantly reduce their risk and vulnerabilities through the deployment of thermal imaging systems.