Press Release

PUC Adopts Recommendations for Improvements in Response of Electric Utilities to Large-Scale Service Outages after Statewide Evaluation

Published on 4/30/2009

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – As the result of a statewide evaluation of electric distribution company (EDC) storm responses, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to adopt recommendations that should lead to improvements in the response of EDCs to large-scale service outages.

“We believe that the consideration of these policies and procedures will result in a more effective response to unscheduled service outages,” said Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy and Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli in their joint motion.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the motion, which makes the report on the evaluation public and begins the process of changing the regulations governing service outages and reportable incidents. The Commission also will open proceedings to develop a policy statement that provides guidelines for how the EDCs should communicate with the public during outages.

The report summarizes the finding of the evaluation and includes recommendations for future action. The recommendations include:

• Utilities should apply the principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and its Incident Command System when managing widespread service outages. Application of NIMS would involve:
  • Development of written crisis communication plans consistent with national NIMS standards.
  • Establishment of a Joint Information System/Joint Information Center to coordinate responses when multiple utilities in the same region are affected by an incident.

Utility personnel should communicate with the news media and public in a consistent fashion.  Common talking points should be distributed to all utility employees who may be in contact with the public and news media.

• During incident management, utilities should establish a schedule for the regular release of information to the news media.
• Utilities should strive to use the best available technology to facilitate the sharing of information, including automated dialing systems, electronic mail and text messaging.

Utilities should provide a greater level of detail in their notices to the Commission on unscheduled service interruptions, including the level of damage to utility facilities, the number of personnel utilized through mutual aid agreements, etc.

• The Commission should establish a more uniform approach to reportable incidents involving accidents relating to utility facilities and operations.

On Sept. 25, 2008, the Commission initiated a statewide evaluation of EDC storm response tactics, including their power restoration practices and customer communications. The action followed residual storms from Hurricane Ike on Sept. 14 and 15, 2008, that mixed with a cold front to produce winds up to 80 mph in Western Pennsylvania that caused damage to the area’s electric distribution system and left more than 450,000 customers without power. For some, power was not restored until Sept. 22, 2008.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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M-2008-2065532

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