Nearly 300 companies in Estonia must continue operations during a crisis or war. These include water, heating, electricity, or gas companies. Russia's activities across the border create new expectations for them.
Aare Palmsalu, CEO of AS Rakvere Vesi, said that water companies are focusing on cybersecurity. Some have also purchased helmets and bulletproof vests. Investments have been made to mitigate power outages, such as backup generators and fuel. These costs are already included in water prices.
Vadim Nogtev, development manager of SW Energia, which manages about 60 district heating networks, said they focus on preventing electricity, communication, and water disruptions. They also need to learn drone surveillance and physical protection. District heating operators believe drone surveillance should be handled by defense forces.
Companies must decide for themselves which investments to make. The Government Office said cities and municipalities should oversee this. The Competition Authority also does this if a company wants to add security costs to the price.
Heating companies plan to invest in drone surveillance and moving pipelines underground. Water companies are also investing in cybersecurity. Evelin Pärn-Lee, head of the Competition Authority, said if a company can justify the costs well, it can add them to the price. However, assessment is difficult.
Pärn-Lee noted that the bigger concern is companies that are not preparing for a crisis or war. She believes that Estonia's critical service providers are not yet ready to make the necessary investments.