Canadian Utilities Sign Multilateral Support Agreement for Emergency Outages

The agreement provides a ready mechanism for Canadian electricity industry companies to assist each other during emergencies. It covers assistance in all types of emergencies including, but not limited to, those caused by storms, natural disasters, equipment failures, or willful damage. This assistance could include personnel support, equipment and consumable supplies, or other services.

The signing was announced during a plenary session at the Conference Board of Canada’s ‘Resiliency Canada 2015’ event in Calgary, AB.

“The practice of utilities providing reciprocal support in the event of major power outages stretches back decades,” said the Hon. Sergio Marchi, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Electricity Association. “However, recent major events such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and the Alberta floods and Toronto ice storm of 2013 have underscored the need for multilateral support systems. CEA recognized that national coordination was needed and is honoured to serve as Custodian to this important Agreement.”

The agreement is intended to improve the timeliness and effectiveness of response to emergency events by clarifying the terms, conditions, and availability of mutual assistance in advance of potential emergencies. Under the agreement, parties will provide assistance on a not-for-profit basis with requesting companies reimbursing responding companies for all expenses incurred in providing the assistance.