Local Government Energy Assurance Planning
LEAP Resources
We tested our energy assurance information at the Portland LEAP Table Top Exercise on November 9, 2011. We are extremely pleased with the discussion and the attendance of 88 committee members and non-committee members who participated in our exercise using our scenario of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake that impacts Portland at (M) 8.0. The exercise objectives primarily focused on the Oregon Department of Energy’s Fuel Allocation Program.
The Portland LEAP Table Top Exercise After Action Report (AAR) is available at this link.
City of Portland, OR Local Energy Assurance Plan
Video Clips
Send a link 01-09-2012 #125
This guide from the Federal Emergency Management Agency promotes a common understanding of the fundamentals of planning and decisionmaking to help emergency planners examine a hazard and produce integrated, coordinated and synchronized plans.
This guide provides emergency and homeland security managers and other emergency services personnel with FEMA’s recommendations on how to address the entire planning process — from forming a planning team, through writing and maintaining the plan, to executing the plan.
It also encourages emergency and homeland security managers to follow a process that addresses all of the hazards and threats that might impact their jurisdiction through a suite of operations plans (OPLANs) connected to a single, integrated concept plan.
Download this document (Version 2.0, November 2010)
Send a link 01-05-2012 #65
The infrastructure of a local community consists of many elements, including electricity transmission lines and distribution systems, gas pipelines and storage facilities, water and sewer systems, communication lines, transportation systems, medical and emergency facilities, telephone switching stations, and cell towers.
A disruption in any one asset or system — such as the electricity delivery system — could affect the infrastructure of many other critical systems and, in turn, could disrupt numerous essential services, including those that facilitate infrastructure repair and restoration.
When developing energy assurance plans, local governments will want to identify energy interdependencies at the local, State, regional, and national levels and examine how they may affect local critical infrastructures. This publication will support those efforts.
Download this document
Send a link 11-01-2011 #120
PTI presented this webinar October 18, 2011.
Because cyber security concerns are usually handled by Internet-focused industries and IT departments, local governments may not typically consider vulnerabilities of computer systems to unauthorized use or attack.
However, with the increased use of interconnected, Internet-based technology in the energy industry, and with recent attempts to harm energy sector control systems, cyber security is an increasing concern for energy assurance planners.
To mitigate the risk of cyber attack, it is necessary to harden computer and information systems by making them less vulnerable to external influences.
This webinar walked through the new 15-page LEAP guidance document from PTI that outlines cybersecurity standards, practices and concerns relevant to local energy assurance.
PTI created the guidance document and this webinar as part of its efforts to promote cybersecurity during National Cybersecurity month, October 2011.
Facilitator: Ronda Mosley, Assistant Executive Director for Research and Government Services, PTI
Presenter: Mark Lesiw, Associate, The Cadmus Group, Inc.
Play or download webinar
Send a link 10-28-2011 #119
Because cyber security concerns are usually handled by Internet-focused industries and IT departments, local governments may not typically consider vulnerabilities of computer systems to unauthorized use or attack.
However, with the increased use of interconnected, Internet-based technology in the energy industry, and with recent attempts to harm energy sector control systems, cyber security is an increasing concern for energy assurance planners.
To mitigate the risk of cyber attack, it is necessary to harden computer and information systems by making them less vulnerable to external influences. This 15-page LEAP guidance document from PTI outlines cybersecurity standards, practices and concerns relevant to local energy assurance.
Download this document [PDF]
Send a link 10-03-2011 #115
The quarterly Energy Assurance Planning (EAP) Bulletin is a service of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability.
The Bulletin provides information on energy assurance planning resources, upcoming events, training and important deadlines.
In the October 3, 2011 issue:
- Fourth DOE/OE Regional Tabletop Exercise
- DOE to Request Sharing of State EA Plans
- Exercise and Reporting Deadlines
- Energy Assurance Success Stories
- Midwest Regional Exercise Recap
- DOE/OE Year-in-Review: 2010 Report
- Winter Fuels Outlook
- NARUC Annual Meeting
- Guidance from PTI…and more
Download this issue [PDF]
More EAP Bulletin issues available for download
July 1, 2010 October 1, 2010 January 3, 2011 July 1, 2011
Send a link 10-03-2011 #90
PTI presented this webinar on September 14, 2011.
Local governments play an important communications role during any emergency, and energy emergencies are no exception.
When energy delivery or availability is compromised, it is essential that the public be informed of the details and impact of the disruption.
Fostering a relationship with the media before, during, and after an energy emergency will help ensure that local governments can provide timely and accurate information about the emergency.
This document provides strategies that local governments can use for communicating effectively with the media, and for cultivating relationships with both the media and the public during energy-related emergencies.
Download this document Play or Download Webinar Download Webinar Slides
Send a link 09-14-2011 #112
This video provides various perspectives from federal, state and local officials on energy emergency planning, preparedness and response. It also examines the interdependencies of the nation’s critical energy infrastructures.
The video was produced by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and Public Technology Institute (PTI) during the Southeast Regional Energy Assurance Exercise held in Raleigh, North Carolina in March 2011.
It was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability.
Parts 1 and 2
Send a link 09-09-2011 #114
Amateur radio operators (“hams”) comprise a resilient, reliable option for mitigating communication losses during emergencies, including energy emergencies, particularly when telephone networks are damaged or jammed with calls.
This PTI white paper introduces the Amateur Radio Service, its purpose, organization and regulation. It summarizes recent FCC policy on utilizing radio amateurs in disaster drills, and recommends that public agencies form relationships with local radio groups for volunteer communications support.
Download this document
Emergency Radio: Getting the Message Through is a PDF slide presentation we have found useful.
Send a link 09-07-2011 #113
Energy 101: Key Energy Concepts for Local Governments is now available at no charge. It provides an overview of energy resources and describes how various forms of energy are obtained, distributed and used within and outside jurisdictions.
This publication will help answer questions you may have in creating your energy assurance plan.
The PDF was produced by PTI’s Local Government Energy Assurance Planning (LEAP) program with the support of the Dept. of Energy.
Download this document
Play or Download the Energy 101 Webinar from August 2011
Download the webinar presentation slides [PDF]
Send a link 09-02-2011 #107
PTI and the Department of Energy presented this webinar July 28, 2011.
PTI’s Smart Grid 101 for Local Governments webinar builds on our recently released Smart Grid guidance document. At this PTI and Department of Energy webinar, you’ll learn about the role of the smart grid in energy assurance.
Read more 08-03-2011 #106
Smart Grid 101 for Local Governments introduces the electrical distribution system, and explains how the smart grid will:
- Communicate price variations directly to intelligent devices inside homes and businesses;
- Help educate consumers on the environmental impacts of their energy consumption;
- Pave the way for plug-in electric vehicles; and
- help utilities respond to electric outages and even implement self-healing systems that reroute power around trouble spots.
The 19-page illustrated PDF was produced by PTI and its Local Government Energy Assurance Planning (LEAP) program with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy.
Download this document
Send a link 07-06-2011 #102
Table-Top-In-A-Box now available on the NASEO Website
On March 28, 2011 the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and National Association of Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC) conducted a webinar. It addressed a step-by-step process for developing and conducting an in-State Energy Assurance Exercise that will meet the exercise requirements of the Energy Assurance Grant.
Presentations were also made by Michigan and Texas on the lessons they learned from the table tops they developed and conducted.
To access the recording of the webinar which has both the audio and the presentation use this link and scroll down to the heading Energy Assurance Exercise Resources under which you will find the links to the webinar.
Send a link 03-31-2011 #95
NARUC’s Domestic Grants and Research department is using tabletop exercises as a new means of educating its members on the issues of energy assurance and emergency preparedness.
NARUC staff began using this educational format at the 2008 NARUC Annual Convention in New Orleans, LA and continues to utilize it at annual NARUC meetings, regional meetings, and with individual state commissions. Follow the links provided to access more information on these workshops and other important, relevant resources.
Resources from 2008 Annual Meeting
Resources from WSPSC 2009 Exercise
Conducting an Energy Emergency Tabletop Exercise in Your State: A Step By Step Guide
LEAP City Energy Assurance Planners:
These Powerpoint presentations include a mention of after-action reports that are required from the states after they conduct a tabletop exercise. Please note that LEAP cities may or may not have an after-action requirement in their scope of work. If you have any questions about this requirement for your particular city, please contact your NETL contracting officer.
The list of stakeholders listed in these presentations are referenced to support the referenced state exercises. A city’s list of stakeholders will differ when conducting similar exercises.
If you have questions about tabletop exercises, list of possible stakeholders to include or planning an exercise, we encourage you to review the PTI guidelines or contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Out Cold in Erie: Ohio and Pennsylvania Energy Preparedness Exercise
Scenario PowerPoint
Scripts and Props
Video Resources
A Texas Energy Reliability Exercise
Scenario PowerPoint - Power Track
Scenario PowerPoint - Gas Track
Scripts and Props
Video Resources
Video Resources
Maine: All Wet in the Kennebec Watershed
Scenario PowerPoint
Scripts and Props
Video Resources
Michigan: Arc Light Exercise
0. Table of Contents
1. Exercise Design Guide
2. Awareness Training
3. Exercise Agenda
4. Exercise Participants
5. Exercise Coordinator Background
6. Exercise Inserts
7. Exercise Actions Taken
8. General Observation Notes
9. Lessons Learned
Video Resources
Send a link 03-11-2011 #93
The National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides a coordinated approach to critical infrastructure and key resources (CI/KR) protection roles and responsibilities for governmental agencies and private sector security partners.
The Energy Sector-Specific Plan (SSP), an annex to the NIPP, provides a comprehensive risk management framework that defines critical infrastructure protection roles and responsibilities for government, private industry and other energy sector partners.
Download the 2010 Update to the Energy SSP [PDF]
Send a link 01-06-2011 #91
Smart Grid applications can help local governments increase their resiliency, minimize consequences of an energy disruption, and increase their ability to ensure that critical infrastructure is able to return to normal functioning quickly after an energy disruption.
In a November 4, 2010, Smart Grid Overview for Local Governments webinar, speakers Mark Lesiw and Charles Bicknell, part of PTI’s team of experts, assisted DOE in answering questions on how Smart Grid applications and technology can be used when developing energy assurance plans.
This webinar was presented by the Department of Energy, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability and Public Technology Institute.
Download the presentation from the November 4, 2010 Smart Grid webinar [PDF]
DOE’s Smart Grid website contains additional information that may help local governments with energy assurance plans. Local governments may also want to review DOE’s paper The Smart Grid: An Introduction [PDF] for basic information.
Send a link 12-08-2010 #88
Energy Assurance for state and local governments is a major element of improving the Nation’s energy sector resiliency. It involves preparation and planning, mitigation and response, education and outreach.
As smart grid investments and initiatives increase, cyber security, which has always been a key component of energy assurance, will only become more crucial. Because smart grid relies on information communication, cyber vulnerabilities can equate to smart grid vulnerabilities, which in turn lead to vulnerabilities in the entire energy supply system.
NASEO’s new report Smart Grid and Cyber Security for Energy Assurance provides guidance that states can consider and adapt to meet their needs and level of Smart Grid deployment.
It also suggest a process that can be used to build in-house capacity to address cyber security threats and risks in the energy sector. The report was written with the assistance of DOE/OE, the Electric Power Research Institute and National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, Critical Infrastructure Committee.
Download this document
Smart Grid and Cyber Security Webcast
December 16, 2010
Slides and Audio 1 hour WMV 85 MB Slides Only PDF 5 MB
Send a link 12-03-2010 #86
New Hampshire Town and City, October 2010
Energy assurance - as opposed to energy emergency response - is increasingly recognized not only as an important component of the nation’s energy emergency planning, but also as a more comprehensive approach intended to:
- Reduce the likelihood of energy emergencies;
- Reduce the potential severity and duration of energy emergencies; and
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Increase the reliability of access to the energy that underlies every aspect of our lives and economy.
Read more
Send a link 11-01-2010 #82
Several LEAP City representatives are searching for sample RFP and RFQ documents that they can use as a template as they seek contractors to help them develop their energy assurance plan.
The following individuals are willing to share copies of their LEAP RFQ or RFP documents.
Read more 10-15-2010 #32
At the October 13, 2010 Winter Fuels Outlook Conference, Richard Newell, head of the Energy Information Administration, presented the winter fuels outlook report.
Other speakers include members of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and National Association of State Energy Officials. This event took place at the National Press Club in Washington.
Watch the video
Send a link 10-15-2010 #79
Our communities depend on a secure, reliable energy infrastructure that is also resilient. At the same time, our Nation’s energy infrastructure — a complex network of interconnected producers, pipelines, transmission and distribution lines, electricity substations, operational and business processes and supply chains — may be vulnerable to a variety of hazards.
Stretching across jurisdictions and States to national borders, this “system of systems” is subject to a range of disruptions, from destructive weather to possible deliberate attacks. Although it is the job of the Nation’s energy service providers to keep energy flowing, it is also the responsibility of state and local officials to work toward energy assurance and resiliency.
Download DOE Energy Assurance Introductory Brochure (2 page PDF)
Send a link 09-24-2010 #75
Although the Smart Grid should be of interest to anyone who has ever flipped on a light switch, the U.S. Department of Energy has identified six stakeholder groups whose active involvement is required to realize a smarter grid.
These are Utilities, Environmental Groups, Technology Providers, Regulators, Policymakers and Consumer Advocates.
In addition to The Smart Grid: An Introduction, DOE has recently supported the publication of six Smart Grid stakeholder books, one dedicated to each of these groups.
Read more 09-08-2010 #70
These updates reflect State Energy Assurance efforts completed or underway. By reviewing these updates LEAP cities may gain insight into state efforts and strengthen their own energy assurance planning efforts.
State Energy Assurance Updates
Send a link 09-07-2010 #69
The Workforce Development Plan encourages the training of staff new to energy assurance efforts. DOE/OE and PTI are currently developing training opportunities, including webinars.
It is also important for each city to determine whether city-level emergency management training is available. In the interim, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and DOE have several online training courses available at this link and this link.
Appropriate choices include:
- Introduction to Incident Command System (Course Code: ICS 100.a)
- National Response Framework, An Introduction (Course Code: IS-800.b)
- National Infrastructure Protection Plan, An Introduction (Course Code: IS-860.a)
- Emergency Support Function (ESF) # 12 - Energy (Course Code: IS-812)
Send a link 09-03-2010 #66
The DOE Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability has completed a study on the efforts industry have taken, since the 2005 and 2008 hurricane seasons, to harden their assets and/or implement changes to make their energy systems more resilient.
Download this document
Send a link 09-03-2010 #64
The goal of this exercise was to design a replicable tabletop exercise for use by individual states and cities. To do this, NARUC hosted a workshop to explore the merits and drawbacks of various scenarios and formats for a tabletop having to do with emergency preparedness and energy assurance.
Participants evaluated various pieces of information, partnerships, and resources policymakers need to act effectively prior to, during, and after an emergency such as a earthquake or ice storm.
Find the workshop resources at this link.
Send a link 09-03-2010 #63
DOE’s Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE) has developed the Ten-Step Energy Assurance Planning Framework as a supplement to PTI’s Local Government Energy Assurance Guidelines.
The Framework is not intended to take the place of the PTI Guidelines; however, it should be used as a resource during your energy assurance planning process and help you begin to ask questions and form the partnerships necessary in developing an effective plan.
Read more 08-18-2010 #52
The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) has developed a new Energy Assurance Program webpage.
Through the Energy Assurance Program work, NASEO provides direct technical assistance, education and outreach to support states’ energy assurance planning, response, and smart grid resiliency efforts.
Read more 08-17-2010 #59
The Department of Energy’s Energy Assurance Daily provides a summary of public information concerning current energy issues.
Published Monday through Friday to inform stakeholders of developments affecting energy systems, flows, and markets, it provides highlights of energy issues rather than a comprehensive coverage.
Send a link 07-15-2010 #55
On January 14 and 15, 2009 the Southeast Petroleum Disruption and After-Action Workshop was held to review the impacts to petroleum supply in the Southeast following Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
The workshop was sponsored by the DOE Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability and the National Association of State Energy Officials.
An After-Action Final Report is now available that outlines the events of the Southeast Petroleum Supply disruption, identifies lessons learned, and provides specific recommendations to better prepare for and respond to future energy emergencies.
Download this document
Send a link 06-22-2010 #43
Q: When does our project officially start? (aka award date)
A: The date your agreement was issued to you can be found in block 7 of page 1 of your Assistance Agreement. |
Q: How do we identify the city's agreement number?
A: The award number can be found in block 1 on page 1 of your Assistance Agreement. |
Read more 06-05-2010 #38
Presentations are located on NASEO’s website at this link and the Energy Assurance Planning framework presented in Denver also is available at NASEO’s site at this link.
Read more 05-24-2010 #22
PTI presented this webinar on May 13, 2010.
This webinar explored the elements that local governments need to focus on as they begin the energy assurance planning process.
Read more 05-12-2010 #30
The 101-page District of Columbia Energy Emergency Plan [PDF] includes an Energy Profile of the district, provides emergency action checklists for electricity, natural gas and petroleum; and prescribes the roles of local, regional and federal agencies, authorities and utilities in the five phases of an energy emergency.
Send a link 05-05-2010 #29
FederalReporting.gov is the central, government-wide data collection system for federal agencies and recipients of federal awards under Section 1512 of the Recovery Act. It contains a very good FAQ section regarding ARRA reporting requirements.
Send a link 04-22-2010 #26
The purpose of this framework is to assist states (and provide guidance to locals) in the design, development, and writing of the State Energy Assurance Plans that have been funded by DOE/OE.
Read more
Send a link 04-22-2010 #27
Energy Assurance Daily is published Monday through Friday to inform stakeholders of developments affecting energy systems, flows, and markets.
Send a link 04-22-2010 #24
The Energy Information Administration provides weekly energy market updates and provides state profiles regarding energy providers and energy usage (coal, oil, electricity and natural gas).
Send a link 04-22-2010 #25
This presentation covers funding, objectives, strategies and available resources for LEAP participants.
Presented at the 2010 PTI Technology Solutions & Innovations Conference in Washington, D.C., by Alice Lippert, Senior Technical Advisor, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, U.S. Department of Energy.
Download this document
Send a link 04-20-2010 #21
A Report for the National Governors Association as part of the Securing a Clean Energy Future Initiative
This publication outlines state roles in energy research, and is intended to guide states in the crucial decisions they must make about clean energy in the years ahead. Download it at this link.
Send a link 04-16-2010 #20
Roles and Responsibilities for Ensuring a Robust, Secure and Reliable Energy Infrastructure
The NGA Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) Governor’s Guide to Energy Assurance aims to help governors ensure the security of the energy infrastructure in their states and respond effectively to energy emergencies.
Read more 04-16-2010 #19
The Environmental Protection Agency National Homeland Security Research Center, the Department of Energy Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, and Public Technology Institute held a workshop in 2005 to identify best practices and lessons learned from previous crisis incidents that impacted both the energy and water infrastructures.
It produced a report that provides recommendations for minimizing the effects of energy emergencies on drinking water distribution. The report (EPA 600/R-07/042, April 2007) was prepared by PTI and the Cadmus Group under EPA contract 68-C-02-069.
Download this document
Send a link 02-01-2010 #10
