ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved amended emergency preparedness plans that are designed for the prompt restoration of service involving widespread power outages due to storms or other major events.  The action stems from legislation signed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in 2013 to incorporate lessons learned following Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

“An emergency plan is integral to ensuring that an electric utility is prepared to respond promptly and safely to a storm or emergency event,” said Commission Chair Audrey Zibelman. “Prior to an event, having an effective plan, and the tools needed to implement it, structures the electric utility’s restoration efforts, and facilitates efficacious interaction and communication among local officials and customers. We expect that the utilities will properly execute these emergency plans and will continually strive to update and strengthen them to ensure the safety of customers and rapid restoration of essential electric service.”

After Superstorm Sandy, the State amended Commission statutes to address electric emergency plans and to increase the Commission’s oversight and enforcement role with respect to the plans. The amended rules specify subject areas to be included in the electric emergency plans; require utilities to file electric emergency plans with the Commission on or before December 15 of each year; and requires the Commission to review and approve those plans.

The emergency preparedness plans strive to develop a strategy to restore outages with the safety of employees, contractors, and the public as a primary concern. The plans identify concise chains of command to clarify reporting relationships, maintain transparency of information, and improve communication before, during, and after an emergency event. The plans are meant to ensure effective communications with customers, particularly those that provide essential services, those with medical needs, and local officials that require the information for emergency response planning. The plans also include procedures for deploying company and mutual assistance crews; identifying and obtaining additional supplies and equipment needed; procedures for annual exercises or drills; and procedures for promptly securing downed wires.

The investor-owned electric utilities consist of Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, New York State Electric & Gas Corporation, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation d/b/a National Grid, Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation, and Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc. PSEG Long Island is also required to submit annual emergency preparedness plans to the Department of Public Service, and has done so for the current year.

Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 14-E-0524 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.