MUTUAL AID

Just as firefighters, police officers, and other emergency responders combine forces to support community recovery in the wake of regional disasters, lineworkers and other electric utility personnel come together to restore power and keep people safe.

NEPPA Mutual Aid Network supports our six regional states along with any utility that needs our help.

Members of the Northeast Public Power Association have built a strong and respected reputation for providing prompt and reliable emergency response to their neighbors and colleagues for decades.

As a volunteer-led effort, NEPPA’s Mutual Aid Program is a pillar of the organization and is often cited as a key member benefit.

How Mutual Aid Works

All members who want to participate in NEPPA’s Mutual Aid Program must be a signatory of the Mutual Aid Agreement. NEPPA’s service territory is split into five-regions, each with two volunteer Regional Coordinators, responsible for connecting Requesting and Assisting Utilities to fulfill requests.

Not sure if your utility has signed the Agreement? Please contact mutualaid@neppa.org or call the office at (978) 540-2200.

When you need Mutual Aid (i.e. additional restoration crews and/or resources), “Requesting Utilities” complete and submit a simple form online. Requesting Utilities will receive confirmation that their request has been submitted and the Regional Coordinator will contact them directly.

Requesting Mutual Assistance

To request assistance, please follow the “Request Mutual Aid” link under the Mutual Aid tab at neppa.org or click the button below.

Once your request has been submitted, your Regional Coordinator will contact you to verify the details of your request, then issue the call for aid to your Region.

Mutual Aid Regions & Regional Coordinators

NEPPA’s successful Mutual Aid Program is achieved through the crucial, volunteer Regional Coordinators.

New England is separated into five-regions, managed by two Regional Coordinators each:

Please zoom into the map below to find your utility’s Region and Regional Coordinator:

What Does the Regional Coordinator Do?

After receiving a request, the Regional Coordinator verifies the request and initiates the Request for Aid to all public power utilities in their region. Once responses have been submitted, the Regional Coordinator then matches Assisting Utilities to the Requesting (or Host) Utility, and initiates the first communication between Requesting and Assisting Utilities.

During the event, the Regional Coordinator will maintain daily communications with the Host Utility until all crews have been released, and the request has been closed.

What Does the Assisting Utility Do?

Primary and Secondary contacts at each member utility within a Region are notified by call, text and email with a Mutual Aid Request Alert.

If able to provide assistance, you will be prompted to follow a link (sent by email) to complete a simple “Mutual Aid Availability” form.
NOTE: Be sure to provide accurate contact information on this form. These details are crucial for both the Regional Coordinator and Requesting Utility.

Once matched with a Requesting Utility, you will receive an auto-generated email that notifies:

1. Your utility has been selected.
2. Summary of what you are expected to provide.
3. Contact information of the Host Utility.
4. Instructions on the next steps including contacting Host Utility for the following:
   • Location
   • Details
   • Required Safety Equipment & PPE
   • Contact information of Crews
   • Estimated duration of stay

See also: Mutual Aid Agreement – Section 4: Obligations of Assisting Utility (beginning on page 6) for additional information.

What Does the Requesting Utility Do?

In addition to maintaining daily communications with the Regional Coordinator, the Requesting Utility is expected to:

1. Provide estimate of type and amount of equipment needed.
2. Provide Assisting Utility accurate directions.
3. Designate a qualified person to work with each crew of the Assisting Utility
4. Provide description of the electrical system operational plan.
5. Release all employees of Assisting Utility once assistance is no longer needed.
6. Promptly reimburse expenses incurred by Assisting Utility.
   1. See Mutual Aid Agreement – Section 1.3: Expenses (beginning on page 1) for details on expenses.
7. Provide Meals and Lodging for employees of Assisting Utility.

See also: Mutual Aid Agreement – Section 3: Obligations of Requesting Utility (beginning on page 3) for additional information.

Resources