user name    password remember me? login help

• disaster planning • mutual assistance • pandemic planning

• pandemic planning resources electric company members only • EEI committees and other resources

Straight Talk About Electric Utilities and Pandemic Planning

Pandemic Preparedness

Electric utilities are committed to providing a reliable supply of electricity to American consumers. The electric utility industry has a successful record of planning for—and responding to—a wide-range of emergency events. Now, the industry is faced with another threat—the possibility of an influenza pandemic.

Leading experts agree that the question is not if, but when, an influenza pandemic will occur. Electric utilities already prepare for many kinds of emergencies. This planning generally assumes that damage to utility infrastructure will necessitate restoration of electric service. However, the unique nature of an influenza pandemic requires additional planning considerations—such as how to function if nearly half of your employees cannot report to work. 

Developing a comprehensive pandemic response plan is essential for all organizations in the United States. However, critical industries—such as the electric utility industry—carry an additional responsibility to provide the services that will help our nation’s first-responders during a pandemic. A critical component of the industry’s efforts is well-planned coordination with federal, state, and local governments.

With the threat of an influenza pandemic in mind, the electric utility industry will continue to work with federal government agencies, including the Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Transportation, as well as state and local authorities, to identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness of the industry’s response to disasters and other emergencies.

Influenza Pandemic Resources

• Find out about electric utility planning efforts in Straight Talk About Electric Utilities and Pandemic Planning.
• View online resources for Understanding the Avian Flu, Health and Safety, and Business Continuity Planning.

EEI Staff Contact

Laura Hussey, or 202-508-5064.

© 2008 Edison Electric Institute