Pre-Planning:
Before The Storm
We monitor weather forecasts and pre-position crews and resources around the state to respond more efficiently. In some cases, crews are brought in from other states ahead of the storm. We send out advance notice to customers letting them know that outages could last several days.
Assess Damage
We assess the scope and severity of damage and identify potential safety hazards (e.g. downed power lines).
We also work with first responders and state storm management to assess major transportation infrastructure to allow travel to emergency situations.
Prioritize Restoration Efforts
We prioritize restoration efforts based on factors such as:
- The size and density of affected areas.
- The number of customers impacted.
- Importance of certain facilities such as hospitals and emergency services.
- Severity of the damage.
- Availability and current location of mobilized resources and crews.
Repair Equipment and Restore Power
Crews are dispatched to the location of issues. Working in shifts 24/7, crews repair or replace damaged power lines, transformers, and other equipment.
This is done in phases, starting with power transmission facilities (1), and then working outward to distribution lines (2), tap lines (3), then finally individual service lines (4).
Follow Up
After power has been restored, we follow up with customers to ensure that their power is fully restored, and if needed, resolve any remaining issues.
We also evaluate our response to the outage event identifying areas we can make the restoration process faster, safer, and more efficient.
