Providing extra security for power facilities is the cost of doing business during events such as the 2010 Winter Olympics, BC Hydro says. (CBC)BC Hydro will beef up security during the Olympics at its dams and transmission facilities — and it won't be cheap.

Protecting its assets will cost the provincial utility about $7 million, BC Hydro spokeswoman Susan Danard said Monday.

"I mean, it is a reality of doing business [in] the world today," she said, recalling the utility had to make security improvements when the Commonwealth Games and an Asian Pacific Economic Co-operation conference were held in British Columbia.

"If you have a international event you have to enhance your security. Obviously, this is a global event and we're being vigilant."

The Hugh Keenleyside Dam near Castlegar may be a long day's drive from the Olympic venues, but Olympic security will be right there. A road to the dam will close, new gates are going up and security guards will be posted 24 hours a day, according to BC Hydro.

Security expert David Harris said he's not surprised at the cost to protect BC Hydro's facilities from terrorists.

Murderous attacks at the 1972 Games in Munich changed the Olympics — and the Sept. 11 terrorism changed the world, Harris said.

"We see there the beginnings of a trend and, unfortunately, we see the rabidity of our enemies has become so pronounced, awareness and action is more or less imposed on us," Harris said.

Since BC Hydro is publicly owned, the cost for additional security will eventually be shouldered by taxpayers.