The risks associated with a pandemic influenza outbreak have many utility companies across North America developing business continuity plans (BCP) focused on the nuances of an influenza pandemic. The goal of most of these plans is preservation of employee well being and maintenance of reliable utility services. A successful plan will begin by developing a cohesive set of policies concerning:
- Regulatory & reporting requirements
- Prioritization of vaccine for critical electric company functions
- Business continuity
- Shareholder liability
- Human resources management
- Management chain of command
- Internal and external communications
- Supply chain management
- Utility operations continuity
The participants on this program have experience in public health, policy making and developing and testing pandemic flu response exercises. Collaboration with peers and competitors allow benchmarks to be made which may serve as the best model for pandemic influenza preparedness.
