ISO New England communicates with government officials and state contacts during power system emergencies.

Why:

To provide emergency contacts with timely information about system conditions

Who:

ISO-NE External Affairs conducts outreach to 100+ Government Contacts at state and federal offices and agencies, and reliability organizations and dozens of utility communications contacts

When:

What:

Communications triggered by ISO procedures that require notifications to emergency contacts, and/or appeals to the public for conservation

How:

What Roles Do Public Officials and Consumers Play When Conservation Is Needed During a Power System Emergency?

ISO New England:

Initiates public appeals for conservation to manage a power system emergency

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Public Officials:

Amplify appeals for conservation by the ISO and utilities

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Unified Message:

If the ISO makes an appeal to the public, it would happen via the following:

  • State governor’s offices
  • Utilities
  • ISO’s webpage and social media channels
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Consumers:

Reduce energy consumption

Bottom Line: Consumers have the power to lessen the depth and duration of emergency actions by the ISO by reducing their energy use — such as by turning off non-essential lighting, adjusting thermostat settings, and turning off and unplugging all non-essential electronic devices.

The communication process described in ISO New England’s Overview of Emergency Procedures and Communications Processes annually before each summer and winter season is a guide for communicating power system emergencies with the ISO’s government emergency contacts.

Under the ISO Information Policy we will share system-level information during emergency communications; however, we will not release unit-specific information.

Relevant ISO New England Operating Procedures