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This is a copy of our Tar Heel Mission Ready newsletter, a monthly publication that provides information and updates related to mission continuity, preparedness and planning. All members of the University are invited to subscribe.

Following a Major Event

Power loss can significantly disrupt university operations, affecting various aspects such as teaching, research, administration, and student services. By implementing effective Mission Continuity plans, we can minimize the impact of power outages, maintain essential functions, and ensure a seamless academic experience.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

To proactively address power loss incidents, we must conduct a comprehensive risk assessment. This involves identifying critical systems, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and potential single points of failure. By understanding these risks, we can develop mitigation strategies such as redundant power sources, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, and emergency generators.

Essential Services and Prioritization

Identifying and prioritizing essential services is a vital aspect of Mission Continuity planning. It is crucial to determine which functions must remain operational during a power outage and allocate resources accordingly. These may include emergency lighting, critical IT infrastructure, medical facilities, security systems, and residence halls. Regular testing and maintenance of these services are necessary to ensure their effectiveness.

Lessons Learned and Continuous Improvement

Every power loss incident provides an opportunity for learning and improvement. After each event, conducting post-incident evaluations is essential to identify areas for enhancement. By analyzing the response, identifying gaps, and implementing corrective actions, we can continually refine our Mission Continuity plans and ensure their effectiveness in the future.

Resources for Plan Managers

These resources provide guidance and tools to help prepare for power loss and ensure continuity of operations. They cover various aspects, including emergency planning, communication, protection against power loss, data retention, and more. Remember to refer to these resources for detailed information.

Energy Services oversees the Electric Distribution Systems receives power from both the University’s cogeneration facility and the local utility provider, Duke Energy. The energy from both sources is delivered to three campus substations which have a total transformation capacity of 250 megawatts, or approximately enough to power 26,000 homes.
In the event of a widespread (building wide or campuswide) power outage, Energy Services utility systems will automatically detect the interruption of service. Updates and announcements about widespread power outages will be posted via the Finance and Operations Twitter account.
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