5.1 Utility Roles & Responsibilities
The Board of Commissioners makes policy decisions for OKPUD and will be responsible for approving the Wildfire Mitigation Plan. Staff responsibility for plan implementation and general communications is described below.
- The General Manager (GM) directs management staff responsible for operations, engineering, and information technology.
- The Operations Manager (OM) and Chief Engineer (CE) are responsible for the implementation of the WMP in general. Staff will be directed as to their roles and responsibilities.
- The OM and CE are responsible for monitoring and auditing the metrics specified in the WMP to confirm that the objectives of the WMP are met.
- All communications are reviewed by the OM and CE before distribution and by any other staff members contributing information to the communication.
- The OM and CE communicates with key accounts.
- The OM and CE determines when and how to notify outside agencies in cases of wildfire emergency events.
- The Public Information Officer (PIO) responds to the news media and the general public.
- The OM and PIO communicates with first responders, health agencies, and communication providers.
- The Right-of-Way Superintendent (ROWS) is responsible for oversight of the inhouse and contracted VM operations and inspections.
- The CE is responsible for oversight of the electric system’s design.
5.2 Coordination With Local Utility & Infrastructure Providers
OKPUD will alert local utility staff to ensure advanced warning prior to planned outages that would impact their operations. Regular updates will be provided via phone or email during the restoration process.
5.3 Coordination With Local Tribal Entities
OKPUD may coordinate with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CCT) Public Safety Department in the event of a PUD-related wildfire impacting the reservation or adjacent lands. The CCT has limited wildland fire response personnel and equipment. Wildland fire fighting within the reservation is the primary responsibility of the BIA Fire program at Mt. Tolman.
5.4 Emergency Management/ Incident Response Organization
During active emergencies, OKPUD coordinates and collaborates with our local emergency response agencies as well as other relevant local and state agencies, as a peer partner. A small-scale emergency requires less resources and coordination than a large-scale event. Therefore, a two-tiered approach to emergency management interaction is sensible.
During small-scale events OKPUD’s dispatch personnel will coordinate with Incident Command as needed to protect OKPUD assets. This coordination will be maintained until Emergency Managers declare the emergency over.
When large-scale emergencies require County emergency managers to stand up their emergency operations center (EOC), it means that many diverse resources are needed. During such events, OKPUD’s System Operator will contact the local EOC and establish themself as the duty officer for coordination. The SC will work with emergency management staff to ensure OKPUD is contributing the necessary resources to the areas needed. Depending on the circumstances this coordination may be via phone, email, or in person. OKPUD’s primary coordination point is Okanogan County DEM.
5.5 Customer Communication
For scheduled planned outages, OKPUD provides as much notice as possible. OKPUD currently notifies customers impacted by Planned Outages through NISC’s Multi-Channel Messenger during large unplanned outages, information is distributed by the PIO. Depending on how many customers will be affected by the outage, customers may also receive advance notification via the Okanogan County Office of Emergency Management.