Our US storm management process: From preparation to restoration
Storms and extreme weather can have a major impact on energy supply in the Northeast US, from wind and snow affecting infrastructure to trees falling on power lines.
To ensure minimal disruption to our customers’ power supplies, we take action before, during and following a storm - often in extremely challenging conditions - to reduce potential outages and restore power quickly and safely if outages occur.
Before a storm
To make sure our service remains reliable, we have robust plans in place for a variety of situations, which are regularly reviewed and shared with regulators. We patrol and evaluate our equipment on a regular basis and invest millions annually in upgrading our infrastructure, including poles, wires, tree trimming and substations.
Throughout the year, we conduct tests to prepare for potential weather events and work with a weather forecasting vendor who provide forecasts and are available to brief us at any time.
As storms approach, we ramp up our response efforts based on the evolving situation, such as extending shifts and pre-staging crews in locations where the worst impacts are expected. Our emergency response plans are continuously updated with lessons learned from previous storms, allowing us to improve our strategies.
During a storm
We’re always ready to respond quickly and safely if a storm has affected power supplies, and our top priority is the safety of our customers, first responders and employees.
During major storm events, we deploy thousands of field workers as part of our emergency response plan, including lineworkers for overhead and underground systems, forestry damage appraisers and safety workers who stand guard near downed lines until crews can respond. For larger storms, we combine our internal crews with external contractors and can bring in extra support from other utilities across the U.S. and Canada.
We also provide our customers with safety information and automated restoration time estimates; our teams work diligently in the field and at our offices to provide timely updates and support to municipalities and the public.
Some of the challenges our operatives face in restoring power during a storm can include:
1. Managing tree-related damage
Fallen trees can block roads, bring down wires and break poles, which could pose a danger to members of the public and may require special equipment to clear.
2. Damaged poles
Pole repairs are both time-consuming and labor-intensive. Replacing a single pole can take several hours, even with a dedicated crew and specialized equipment.
3. Difficult terrain
Restoration efforts can be further complicated by the terrain, as some downed poles and power lines may be located in remote, off-road areas that require the use of all-terrain or off-road vehicles for access. In some cases, crews must first clear fallen trees or other debris just to reach the damaged infrastructure, adding even more time to the restoration process.
After a storm
After a storm passes, we assess the damage across our service area as quickly and safely as possible.
It's crucial for customers to report any outages, as this helps us to understand the extent of the damage and identify the affected areas, allowing us to allocate resources effectively for faster restoration. We advise all of our customers to never assume that National Grid is aware of every outage.
Following the assessment, we provide customers with an estimated time of restoration (ETR). This begins on a wider level and is then narrowed down to regional ETRs by county (or groups of counties). Following this we may also provide times for isolated outages such as specific streets and homes, prioritizing critical care facilities like hospitals and schools.
We continuously strive to improve our processes following every storm, discussing what worked well and how we could enhance our actions in the future.
How you can stay prepared for a storm outage
Want more information about what to do in the event of an outage? See our advice on how to stay safe and informed during storms