U.S. Department of Energy Announces $363,635 for State Energy Emergency Preparedness
As part of its efforts to improve the nation’s energy security and electricity reliability, the on August 12, 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded the Nebraska Energy Office $363,635 to hire or retrain staff and expand state-level capacities to address challenges to the country’s energy systems, including emergency situations such as blackouts, ice storms, and disruptions to heating supplies.
The awards will provide crucial support to state partners in modernizing the electrical grid and enhancing energy security. Enhancing the state’s ability to quickly and effectively respond to energy disruptions is a critical element in meeting our nation’s energy goals.
Nebraska will use the funds to plan for energy supply disruption risks and vulnerabilities to lessen the devastating impact that such incidents can have on the economy and the health and safety of the public. The state will be required to track energy emergencies to assess the restoration and recovery times of any supply disruptions; to train appropriate personnel on energy infrastructure and supply systems; and conduct and participate in state and regional energy emergency exercises to evaluate the effectiveness of their energy assurance plans.
The awards for energy assurance capabilities will also help states address cyber security concerns and prepare for the challenges of integrating smart grid technologies and renewable energy sources into the transmission network. Nebraskans are encouraged to coordinate and communicate best practices with one another, in order to build both state-level and regional resiliency.