ESCC prepares for lengthy damage assessments, power restoration efforts in wake of Hurricane Maria

In the wake of Hurricane Maria, which left tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans without electricity, the CEO-led Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) recently began working in tandem with the electric power sector and a number of federal partners to prepare for a complex and lengthy power restoration and damage assessment effort.

“Responding to major events like Hurricane Maria requires significant coordination among the public and private sectors,” ESCC Co-Chair Tom Fanning said.

While organizations like the American Public Power Association (APPA) said it will be working with government partners to secure the fuel, transportation, housing, water, and food needs of the island’s inhabitants, officials cannot know what resources will be needed for restoration efforts until damage assessments are completed.

“We thank President Trump for authorizing 100-percent cost sharing by the federal government for 180 days of emergency work to help begin the process of repairing damaged energy infrastructure,” APPA President and CEO Sue Kelly said.

She continued, stating that while authorities on the ground were working to restore and stabilize transportation, telecommunications and public safety, APPA is coordinating with its members and the federal government to provide mutual aid to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority.