STORY:
Mid America Power Y2K Ready

Interconnected power suppliers from Wisconsin to Missouri say they're ready

Contingency plans have been developed and most major components of the region's interconnected electric system are ready for the rollover to the Year 2000, according to the Mid-America Interconnected Network (MAIN).

"All MAIN members have developed individual contingency plans and virtually all mission-critical components are Y2k-ready," says Dave Hilt, director of operations for MAIN. "The vast majority of mission-critical facilities have been tested and remediated. The few exceptions are due primarily to vendor equipment delays, or because installation is planned for power plant maintenance outages this fall."

MAIN also has developed a regional contingency plan, including emergency operations and regional restoration procedures, to prepare for the unlikely event of widespread or extended power outages. Regional and member plans will continue to be updated and refined throughout the year.

"The Y2k contingency plans are built on the utilities' years of experience planning for unusual events," Hilt explains. "Our Y2k effort analyzed more than 25 risks within electric utility systems as well as external to MAIN and its member companies' operations. In all cases, the likelihood of the risk or contingency has been determined to be either quite low or addressed by existing procedures. Mitigation strategies to reduce the likelihood or impacts of these risks also have been developed and are being implemented."

MAIN is one of 10 regional reliability councils under the North American Electric Reliability Council, dedicated to the safe, reliable and economic operation of the region's electric transmission system. Member companies include 14 electric utilities that serve parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri, along with 40 other organizations involved in regional energy issues.

Source: Business Wire

DATE: 7/07/99

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