6. ELECTRIC UTILITY SYSTEM
a. Damage Assessment. After attack the damage assessment team will be required to
determine extent, type, location, and priority of repair. The following list serves as a general
guideline to the assessment leader. Please note that these are only a general guide and are not
intended to be conclusive of all factors that need to be considered, as every situation varies
(1) Determine if the damaged line is vital to mission support.
(2) Establish a repair priority if more than one line is damaged.
(3) Determine if power can be rerouted using existing switch gear.
(4) Determine if the distribution line be secured, isolated, or abandoned.
(5) Determine if ordnance disposal, fire suppression, or debris
removal is required.
(6) Determine if the damaged component should be replaced with a
portable, temporary Stand-Alone System.
(7) Determine what safety issues need to be addressed.
(8) Determine what personnel, tools, and equipment are required for repairs.
b. Source. The main power plant is the source of power, or the main power substation,
if power is supplied from commercial sources. This is the starting point and acts as the
operating base station during all electrical utility repairs. The main power plant, if not shut
down or damaged, already receiving calls as to power outages, has information as to loss of
power loads, what feeders are shut down, and normally has a complete drawing and design of
the station power system.
(1) All work is coordinated through the main power plant.
(2) Radios or a means of two-way communication is imperative between all
crews and the power plant.
(1) Distribution Lines. After the power plant has provided a starting point, it is
necessary to drive the route of the distribution lines, looking for visible damage. Power lines
probably are the only things that are repairable within the system. Other damaged items
normally have to be replaced, but on-site judgment is the final determining factor of what can
and can't be repaired.