In April 2024, Ally supported the FortisBC Emergency Management team by conducting a tabletop exercise (TTX) at their Kootenay Operations Centre in Castlegar, BC. While FortisBC is commonly recognized as a natural gas provider, the company also owns over 7000 km of electric transmission and distribution power lines that power homes and businesses across British Columbia.

The TTX was designed to sharpen FortisBC’s emergency response strategies for their electrical infrastructure, focusing on safeguarding public safety amid a crisis scenario. The exercise revolved around a summer heat dome event, reminiscent of the intense conditions experienced in 2021. To begin the exercise, participants were briefed on the scenario: a localized fire on a transformer caused by extremely high demand on the system.

As the exercise unfolded, participants were guided through a series of discussions to navigate the complexities of the scenario. They strategized on coordinating with external agencies, communicating with affected customers, and devising plans for restoring any damaged critical infrastructure.

Ally’s role during the TTX was to facilitate conversation among participants, keep the exercise focused, and document valuable insights. The critical final step is to identify and address any response gaps, ensuring that future emergencies are met with enhanced preparedness through ongoing training, additional exercises, and updates to the Emergency Response Plan.