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Commissioners press utilities on emergency plans, demand‑response and firm gas for generators
Summary
Bench members asked whether utility internal energy‑management plans align with state emergency law, probed coordination with large industrial customers and backup generators, and asked electric utilities whether baseload gas generation has 100% firm transport.
Commissioners used the Q&A to press utilities for details about escalation processes and the role of demand‑response. Dr. Glenn Blackman asked whether Puget Sound Energy’s energy management procedures are tied to state energy‑supply emergency law or are internal best practices; Ryan Murphy (PSE) said PSE has both NERC‑required procedures and internal energy management processes and that he would follow up to confirm alignment with state requirements.
Bench members also asked whether utilities are contracting with large industrial customers and backup‑generator owners to ensure availability during emergencies. Avista said it has a commercial demand‑response contract but that most hospitals and critical facilities are not available for voluntary curtailment except in true emergencies. Commissioners probed firm gas transport for baseload units; Avista, Pacificorp and Puget Sound Energy said baseload gas generators typically have 100% firm transport, while some peakers rely on secondary firm or diesel backup.
