Emergency events and integrated response requirements are increasingly dependent on energy company operations to provide core support in emergency management situations. The National Incident Management System is a structure for management of large-scale or multi-jurisdictional incidents. It is being phased in at the federal, state and local levels. Eventually, any jurisdiction seeking federal Homeland Security grant money will have to demonstrate that it is NIMS compliant. Within a utility organization, the Incident Command System strengthens the company's response to avoid emergencies developing into crises. WEI's ICS Leadership program supports our Members as they build utility-based ICS training programs for their companies, using examples and sharing training materials to efficiently and effectively implement and maintain ICS in their organizations.
General Details
- Program Chair(s)
- Rod Price, Chief Engineering & Operations Officer, Eugene Water & Electric Board
- Program Location
- Virtual Event
- No travel required. All agenda times are in Pacific time. Instructions to access the virtual event will be provided before the program.
- Who Should Attend
This program is developed by and provided for electricity and natural gas employees with responsibilities in business continuity and emergency management, business resilience, incident command system training, first responders, those wanting to share US and Canada ICS best practices, and others considering ICS for their organizations.
- Registration Options
Member: $149 USD
Regular: $249 USDRegistration includes provides access to forum sessions and meeting materials.
- General Cancellation Policy
- To best serve WEI members and program participants during the COVID-19 pandemic, WEI will be waiving its standard cancellation policy for this program and all programs through December 2020. Registrants can now receive a full refund should they need to cancel their registration up to the day before the program begins. This applies to both new and existing registrations for virtual programs.
- Participation Policy
- Western Energy Institute programs and events are open to energy companies (including gas production and electric generation, gas and electric transmission and gas and electric distribution utilities). Select programs and events are open to energy industry product and service suppliers. Programs and events are closed to all media representatives and to the general public. Recording is not permitted for any portion of the event.
- For more information contact Beverly Woolf, Program Manager at (503) 688-2790.
Agenda
All session times are listed in Pacific time.
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Virtual Registration + Helpdesk Open
WEI will host a virtual registration and help desk before the conference begins. Stop in for a visit if you have questions about the agenda or need assistance with the GoToMeeting technology.
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Welcome and Introductions
You’re invited to share not only some information about yourself, but also a success story, challenge, or something the group might benefit from knowing or be able to help you solve.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
COVID-19 and What We Are Learning at ConEd
Speaker(s): Anthony Natale, Emergency Preparedness, Consolidated Edison
Throughout the pandemic all eyes have turned to New York as they’ve dealt with the highest levels and earliest impacts of the crisis. Hear what Consolidated Edison has faced, how they’ve used the ICS structure, and what they are continuing to learn and implement for the future.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
NW Natural’s Evolving ICS Structure
Speaker(s): Todd Felix, Emergency Manager, NW Natural, Kerry Shampine, Distribution/Transmission Senior Manager, NW Natural
NW Natural used the ICS structure for a major planned event, moving to a new headquarters. Then the pandemic hit. And in the midst of Return to Work/Return to Workplace planning their new HQ was surrounded by protests and civil unrest. Learn about the work they’ve done over the past several years to make their use of ICS successful and hear how they’ve applied the ICS structure and base practices to accommodate overlapping and shifting situations.
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Stretch Break
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
The Virtual EOC
Speaker(s): August Ghio, Director, Emergency Management, San Diego Gas & Electric Company
What does a virtual Emergency Operation Center look like? We’ll cover not only considerations and practicalities when standing up a virtual EOC, but also documentation for future use, lessons learned, and much more along with ample time for Q&A.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Virtual Happy Hour
Social distancing doesn’t need to dry up socializing. Grab a beverage and turn on your webcams for a virtual Happy Hour! WEI will open a virtual room for people to chat, network, and connect with colleagues and friends.
Thursday, July 16, 2020
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Welcome to Day 2
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Avista Utilities’ COVID-19 Labor Challenges and Response
Speaker(s): David Howell, Director of Electrical Operations, Avista Corp., Eric Rosentrater, Director of Labor Relations, Avista Corp.
Walk through a timeline reviewing both internal and external pressures and actions from the onset of the pandemic. Explore lessons learned and strategies for the future.
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Stretch Break
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
A Conversation on Leadership During a Pandemic
Facilitator(s): Rod Price, Chief Engineering and Operations Officer, Eugene Water & Electric Board
Panelist(s): David Howell, Director of Electrical Operations, Avista Corp., Carmen Jandacek, Director of Ethics, Total Rewards and HR Technology, Arizona Public Service Company
After years of training to respond to a sudden event like an earthquake or storm, did you try to respond the same way to a slow moving event? As a leader, different preparation and skills may be needed for a “creeping crisis” like a pandemic. Join the discussion around the variability of leadership.