PTI Local Government Energy Assurance Guidelines - Metropolitan ...

3.6.2 Local Energy Infrastructure/Energy Usage Characteristics
Typically, energy uses are grouped into the following sectors: residential, commercial, institutional/governmental,
industrial, agricultural, and transportation. Following the energy supply carefully through these different sectors
will provide a comprehensive knowledge of a locality’s energy picture, one that is necessary to include in the EAP.
It is helpful to be aware of and document the locality’s existing energy supply/use conditions so that the EAP takes
into account the unique aspects of the local supply/use mix. For example, if the jurisdiction receives 50 percent of
its electricity from the combustion of coal, and the other 50 percent is produced directly from nuclear, the chance of
a complete blackout is likely more remote than for a jurisdiction that receives 100 percent of its electricity from a
single source.
When electricity fails, certain fuels are a primary backup supply to generator-supported electricity. Getting fuel
to key assets such as emergency operations centers, hospitals, food supply dealers, water supply plants, and
telecommunication networks can be essential during an energy emergency. Another challenge pertinent to fuels is
assuring that gasoline and diesel fuel are available in ample quantities for emergency response and other vehicles.
This likely will require bulk fuel storage of gasoline and diesel in multiple locations around the jurisdiction. It also
will require that these fuels be kept fresh by continual use and turnover of inventory. Establishing relationships
with the public and private sector bodies responsible for the distribution, tracking and regulation of these fuels is a
worthwhile endeavor to pursue as part of the EAP. (See Section 3.8.2 for related information.)
Identifying energy supply systems and infrastructure—electricity, natural gas, petroleum, and renewable resources—
is a crucial task. By learning the specific roles and responsibilities of organizations within each of these systems,
planners will gain more detailed and valuable knowledge of the overall energy situation in their region and/or
local government. This knowledge can help them deal more effectively with an energy supply disruption. Once
a supply disruption occurs, each of the energy infrastructure systems will have a pre-determined response, which
jurisdictions need to expect and build in to their energy assurance response efforts. For example, planners need to
know what happens to their emergency diesel fuel supply when normal fuel supply to their State is curtailed due to
an international or domestic supply disruption. It is necessary to know what happens to the electricity supply when
the local electric utility loses access to coal or natural gas due to a rail or pipeline disaster event. When emergency
generators need to be refueled by truck, and trucks cannot navigate local streets due to extensive flooding, another
fuel transportation method must be readily available. An EAP can help address issues such as these.
50 | 3 – How to Develop or Enhance a Local Energy Assurance Plan