The New York State Public Service Commission says it has started an enforcement action against several utilities in the state because of the way they dealt with major storms last year.
The PSC says its staff looked into the preparation and response of the state’s major utilities to five major storms in 2018, where each one of those storms left more than 100-thousand customers without power.
As a result of the investigation, the PSC says that the utilities’ shareholders could face possible storm related financial penalties.
Among the storms the PSC was looking at was a windstorm that did some damage in the Western New York and Rochester areas in early April 2018.
The PSC staff investigation identified 43 potential violations where it said that the utilities’ Emergency Response Plans were not followed. New York State Electric and Gas, Orange and Rockland Utilities and Con Edison were allegedly the poorest performers.
“When storms knock out power, it is the job of utilities to restore electricity to customers in a timely and safe manner,” Commission Chair John Rhodes said. “Utilities are responsible for pre-storm preparation, and the implementation of restoration efforts after a storm to assure safe and adequate electric service to the public. In recent years, the State has faced an increased frequency of severe weather events that have impacted utility infrastructure. It is mission-critical that our utilities are adequately prepared to meet and address these new realities and respond appropriately, including concretely improving plans and practices with each cycle. When a utility fails to meet its responsibilities and commitments, they must and will be held accountable.”
The commission issued an order to RG&E, NYSEG, National Grid, O&R, and Central Hudson Gas & Electric directing them to respond to the PSC investigation of their response to the storms last year.
Rochester Gas & Electric and NYSEG are both part of AVANGRID, and a spokesperson says they don’t comment on active litigation.
The PSC notes that its finding of poor performance by NYSEG and RG&E follows a previous investigation of the company’s response to the 2017 March windstorm that found similar failures, and the commission is looking for a court order that would mandate improvements to emergency preparedness.
In a separate decision, the PSC notes that the commission has adopted the terms of a settlement related to that March 2017 windstorm. Under that settlement, the utilities will pay $3.9 million from shareholder funds. The money will be used for things like greater resilience in the electric system and enhanced storm response capabilities.
New York State Electric & Gas and Rochester Gas & Electric President and CEO Carl Taylor issued a statement in connection with the settlement over the 2017 windstorm, which said in part:
“In the aftermath of the March 2017 windstorm, NYSEG and RG&E thoroughly reviewed our processes, listened to customers and municipal leaders, and developed ways to enhance service to better serve our communities. We also worked collaboratively with the Department of Public Service staff and other parties to reach a settlement that is in the best interest of our customers and communities, as they focus on new investments to increase system resiliency, strengthening our grid, and improving communications with customers in the areas that were impacted by the windstorm. We are pleased that the Public Service Commission has approved the joint proposals and look forward to continuing to build a more resilient energy infrastructure that serves New York State.”
National Grid issued this response in connection with the criticism of the handling of the 2018 storms:
"National Grid has a comprehensive emergency response plan and our employees are well trained in their respective roles – all with the goal of restoring service to customers as quickly and as safely as possible when severe weather impacts our system.
That plan includes consistent customer outreach, and coordinating and partnering with public safety officials, emergency responders, and state, county and local government officials. It also includes a comprehensive post-storm review so that we can further incorporate best practices and lessons learned.
More than 90 percent of the 725,000 customers impacted by the five 2018 storms reviewed by the PSC had their service restored in less than 48 hours. Our performance has been positively recognized by our customers, municipalities, elected officials, and other key stakeholders. We look forward to reviewing today’s order and will respond to the Commission within the required timeframe. As always, we are open to further improving our storm responsiveness."
