Grid Assurance officially launches
Grid Assurance, a new independent company that will function as an industry-wide resource for critical infrastructure and equipment to execute transmission risk management and emergency response, officially launched on Friday.
Grid Assurance is a collaborative project between six utilities to improve emergency response and preparedness for emergencies regarding the nation’s electric grid. The initiative is led by American Electric Power, Duke Energy, Edison International, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Great Plains Energy and Eversource Energy.
“Grid Assurance is an industry-led, proactive response to the numerous potential risks facing our nation’s transmission system including severe weather and catastrophic events like earthquakes or physical and cyberattacks,” Michael Deggendorf, Grid Assurance CEO and Kansas City Power & Light VP, said. “By maintaining a readily available supply of critical equipment necessary to restore power delivery if the transmission system is severely damaged, Grid Assurance™ will help protect consumers and communities from the devastating impacts that delays in restoring electricity can have on quality of life and the nation’s economy.”
Grid Assurance will provide replacement equipment, including circuit breakers, transformers, and other specialty equipment, to all transmission facilities throughout the United States in the event of an attack, natural disaster or other emergency. All U.S.-based transmission owners can subscribe to the service.
Grid Assurance leaders will continue to work with local and federal agencies to ensure that all operations are compliant with applicable regulations.
