The strength and magnitude of a storm should determine our methods to address it. But long before a significant event occurs, a plan to restore power safely should be made by the host company.
I learned during my early days as a supervisor that a storm evaluation and restoration plan is of great value to prepare everyone for “the big one.” Everyday storms and outages can be handled locally with a single point of command and control from the system operations center. However, when a stronger, more widespread storm occurs, local and area supervision may be a better and more organized method. The area control method with coordination through system controllers is safer for the field personnel working the storm. It reduces radio conversation with system operators, and it also allows operators to manage outages while knowing precisely who is working and their locations.
An Annual Event
At least once a year, management should conduct a planning session to ensure that the details – such as logistics for the materials and personnel involved – are taken care of. If mutual aid may be required, contracts and standby agreements with local hotels or work camp facilities should be made. Agreements should also be made with materials suppliers. Without a supply chain plan, restoration efforts are often extended beyond when customers expect their power to be restored. Additionally, staging areas, meals, laundry and all other considerations for mutual assistance teams should be planned in advance.
At the storm site, damage assessment teams should first evaluate just how bad the damage is, including the number of poles broken, the number of transformers damaged and the spans of conductor down. The host company should have predetermined, local laydown yards to limit traffic at headquarters. Mapping is critical. Crew waiting times will typically be reduced at staging areas when printed and/or electronic maps are made available and when a method has been established to instantly report findings as assessments occur.
Many companies use a storm center during restoration efforts. Working from that storm center, the host company should…
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Article by Dannie Raines with IP Incident Prevention Magazine
