Utility Providers Summary

UTILITY PROVIDERS SUMMARY

A. The electric power industry within Pierce County is organized into a network of public and private generation and distribution facilities which is a part of the Northwest Power Pool. When affected by a disaster, it can be anticipated that the respective power companies work to re-establish service.

B. Water supply systems within Pierce County are both publicly and privately owned and are organized at municipal or district levels. These systems are not normally interconnected, and subsequently, may be more vulnerable to disruption. Individual preparedness can mitigate problems from disruptions to the water supply. The Rural Water Association (RWA) may act as a liaison between the Pierce County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and member water purveyors.

C. Natural gas within Pierce County is distributed by major natural gas companies through common pipelines originating in other states.

D. The state Energy Office can make contact with local petroleum suppliers and major oil companies to facilitate the delivery of adequate amounts of emergency petroleum fuel supplies.

E. There are numerous sewer utility providers in the county. The major ones being for the larger cities and Pierce County. Traditionally these agencies have cooperated well in mutual support during emergencies.

F. Several telephone companies serve the Pierce County area. These companies have emergency plans and priorities for restoration of service. The first priority is usually restoration of company capability then national security related lines of the Federal government. Local priorities are usually 9-1-1 systems and life safety related agencies. Most Pierce County agencies can anticipate a delay in restoration of telephone service in a major outage due to a disaster.