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