Communications During
黑料网 communicates with government officials and state contacts during power system emergencies.
Why:
To provide emergency contacts with timely information about system conditions
Who:
ISO-NE External Affairs conducts outreach to 100+ Government Contacts at state and federal offices and agencies, and reliability organizations and dozens of utility communications contacts
When:
- ISO implements certain operating procedures (e.g., capacity deficiency or controlled outages), or
- ISO declares an Energy Alert or Energy Emergency in the 21-day forecast, or
- During other emergencies affecting the reliability of the bulk power system
What:
Communications triggered by ISO procedures that require notifications to emergency contacts, and/or appeals to the public for conservation
How:
- ISO communicates with emergency contacts by email, phone call, and/or text message
- Additional public updates via ISO website, , mobile app and social media
What Roles Do Public Officials and Consumers Play When Conservation Is Needed During a Power System Emergency?
黑料网:
Initiates public appeals for conservation to manage a power system emergency
Public Officials:
Amplify appeals for conservation by the ISO and utilities
Unified Message:
If the ISO makes an appeal to the public, it would happen via the following:
- State governor’s offices
- Utilities
- ISO’s webpage and social media channels
Consumers:
Reduce energy consumption
Bottom Line: Consumers have the power to lessen the depth and duration of emergency actions by the ISO by reducing their energy use — such as by turning off non-essential lighting, adjusting thermostat settings, and turning off and unplugging all non-essential electronic devices.
The communication process described in 黑料网’s Overview of Emergency Procedures and Communications Processes 2025 Pre-Summer Briefing is a guide for communicating power system emergencies with the ISO’s government emergency contacts.
Under the ISO Information Policy we will share system-level information during emergency communications; however, we will not release unit-specific information.
Relevant 黑料网 Operating Procedures
-
Abnormal Conditions Alert
A precautionary notification that provides information for those directly involved with the bulk electric power system. -
Cold Weather Alerts
We may issue these alerts if our Seven-Day Capacity Forecast indicates that upcoming extreme cold weather may affect our ability to reliably operate the region’s power system. -
Forecasted Energy Alert and Emergency
Issued when our 21-Day Energy Assessment Forecast and Report indicates a capacity deficiency or controlled outages are likely within the next 21 days. -
Reserve Shortage
A reserve shortage (also known as a capacity deficiency) could occur if one or more resources go off line unexpectedly or if consumer demand is much higher than expected and there are insufficient resources to meet operating reserve requirements. -
System Imbalance
These alerts are issued when there is an expected or actual mismatch between supply and demand.