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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIR 04-22 Report to Executive Committee Report Number: FIR 04-22 Date: September 6, 2022 From: Steve Boyd Fire Chief Subject: Power Outage Event -Debrief, Action Plan & Next Steps with Elexicon Energy -File: A-1440-22 Recommendation: 1.That Report FIR 04-22, regarding a summary of key findings, recommendations, and strategies from a debrief meeting with Elexicon Energy highlighting an Action Plan and Next Steps following the power outage event of May 2022 , be received for information. Executive Summary: This report is intended to provide Council with a summary of the key findings from the collaborative debrief meeting between officials at Elexicon Energy and the City of Pickering Fire Chief in response to the May 22, 2022 power outage that impacted the City and other parts of Durham Region. Included in the summary are discussions around the wide spread power outages, along with findings, recommendations, and strategies implemented with respect to communications, procedures, resources, and external stakeholders. Financial Implications: The recommendations of this report do not present any financial implications for the City. Discussion: On May 22, 2022, Durham Region experienced a severe weather event classified later as a derecho (long-lived windstorm that is widespread and associated with a line of thunderstorms), which caused extensive damage to public and private property, along with multiple widespread power outages totaling 47,014 customers throughout Pickering, as well as further outages to other parts of Durham Region. During the timeline of the storm, and for the days following, efforts to restore power were hampered by downed trees and limbs, communication issues between Elexicon Energy and City staff, and a general absence of clarity as to when and where their restoration efforts were taking place and how they were reported. As a result of these challenges, it was agreed that City staff would meet with Elexicon Energy staff on August 17, 2022 to discuss how to better manage future incidents where outages occur, with a focus on communication, roles and responsibilities, and alignment of priorities. FIR 04-22 September 6, 2022 Subject: Power Outage Event Page 2 Lessons Learned /Future Opportunities: A collaborative approach was taken by the City of Pickering and Elexicon Energy staff to identify the gaps in communication and response to the outages. From this, the following lessons learned and opportunities have been identified along with strategies to ensure future events are managed more effectively: Communication protocols require refinement for Level 3 (larger) outages. Additional administrative support is required for dedicated phone communication with emergency services. Triaging of outage email notifications to prioritize outages of most significance . Overhaul the damage assessment process to include triaging 95% of total damage within 24 hours to ensure prioritization of repairs in the order of municipal importance (critical infrastructure, emergency response, etc.). Clarify Elexicon Energy’s internal responsibilities of coordination with Emergency Services. Explore supplementary communication methods, including push notifications (RAVE) to the public through cell phones in the outage area, eliminating the incidence of duplicate calls for outages to system control. Explore the addition of Elexicon on the Durham Next Gen rad io system to replace their current radio system that is at end of life. Work in collaboration with Durham Emergency Management (DEMO) to: Develop a formal engagement process to escalate Level 3 outages to involve the Regional Emergency Operations Centre (REOC). Participate in municipal and regional emergency operations exercises, including occupying a position within the City’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) or REOC. Facilitate and deliver education sessions to regional and municipal governments, including other stakeholders within Elexicon’s service area, with an emphasis on storm response protocols, communications, triaging, and other complexities involved in power restoration. Share data with respect to critical infrastructure and the electrical grid. Update and share emergency contact lists on a regular basis. Develop additional protocols for Level 3 outages to include social media messaging. Summary: The recommendations and suggestions contained in this report are the first steps in the process of creating a more robust and organized approach to the City of Pickering and Elexicon Energy’s response to power outages. Both parties are firmly committed to an ongo ing FIR 04-22 September 6, 2022 Subject: Power Outage Event Page 3 dialogue and annual review to refine these suggestions, and explore new strategies that will enhance our collective response to future power outages and other community emergencies . Approved/Endorsed By: Original Signed By Steve Boyd Fire Chief SB:jm Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council Original Signed By Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer