ART - Keeping the Lights On 2012

The document discusses the importance of energy security planning for local governments. It highlights the potential consequences of power outages on essential community services and the economy. The document mentions that many local governments have not yet completed the first step of energy outage preparedness and investment. It also mentions a group of 43 cities that have been designing energy assurance plans since 2006. The document emphasizes the need for partnerships with utilities and other stakeholders to ensure energy self-reliance. It also mentions a separate project assisting the California Energy Commission in reaching its goal of having 50 local government energy security plans complete by early 2013. The document suggests that energy security planning can be seen as an investment similar to an insurance policy. It provides low- and no-cost options for local governments to improve their energy security, such as documenting generator locations, mapping fuel storage facilities, and reviewing fuel contracts. The document concludes by stating that local governments must be prepared to "go it alone" for at least 72 hours in an energy emergency and that having an energy assurance plan can help with preparedness.