Greater Than the Sum of its Parts: Utilities Team Up to Improve Outage Management

Published By Twenty First Century Communications Inc

• By Bently Collier, Barb Powers, Robert Cheripko, Wesley A. Higgins
• Published April 2009
• 6 Page(s)

Hurricanes, ice storms, tornadoes and other disasters consistently result in extended outages and lengthy restoration periods for utilities all over the United States. Changing weather patterns and earlier, longer storm seasons have exacerbated the problem. Winter storms from New England through the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest required long and extensive restoration efforts. And hurricane Ike caused damage and lengthy outages from Texas to New York. In addition to the task of restoring power, these extended outages impact utility companies’ ability to maintain business operations and provide the high level of customer service that is expected in their industry.