While communities and organizations continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing you can be confident of is the stability of public power. At ElectriCities, we’ve been planning for situations like this for years. We’re continuing to coordinate with the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) and the American Public Power Association (APPA) to ensure that organizations, industry, and the general public have the resources they need to keep the lights on.
A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers article states, “Power and utility companies have a strong track record when it comes to preparing for emergencies. As a provider of critical infrastructure, the industry should plan for — and be prepared to respond to — many foreseeable hazards, including health emergencies.”
At ElectriCities, we’re working directly with our member cities to navigate the impacts of COVID-19. We recognize the importance of a reliable electric grid and are taking precautions accordingly. Our aim is to remain committed to you — our customers — while keeping the health and safety of our communities and employees as our top priority.
Through our partnership with the ESCC, we’re getting regular updates from the departments of Energy, Homeland Security, and Health & Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation.
Just as we have through countless storms, hurricanes, and natural disasters, we are with you, providing the leadership necessary to guide us through this crisis. Below is a list of valuable resources to assist in navigating this unprecedented event:
For Customers of Public Power Communities
- NC DHHS COVID-19: Vaccines
- NC DHHS COVID-19: Find your spot to take your shot.
- Top 10 Energy Tips for COVID-19: Keep your bill as low as possible (ElectriCities of N.C.)
- Resources to Help Seniors get Groceries and Prescriptions (WRAL.com)
- List of Businesses in eastern N.C. Open for Food Delivery / Carry Out
- Spend Local during the Pandemic (Wilson, N.C.)
- ‘Learn at Home’ Resources (N.C. Department Cultural and Natural Resources)
Resources for NC Local Governments
- NC Chamber: People are Priority: Preparing Your Business for the Road Forward
- ESCC Resources Guide (look for the guide at the top of the page)
- All Hazards Guidebook for Public Power Providers
- UNC SOG Coates’ Canons: Meetings and Public Hearings Under the Coronavirus State of Emergency
- Bloomberg Philanthropies City-Level Response Initiative
- UNC SOG Telework Policies Best Practices
- ESCC Key Messages Resource Guide
Information from the Governor’s Office
- September 30, 2020 | Current Listing of Executive Orders pertaining to COVID-19 from Governor Cooper
- March 10, 2020 | Governor Cooper Declares State Of Emergency To Respond To Coronavirus COVID-19
- COVID-19: Businesses and Employers
- North Carolina’s Response to Coronavirus (NCDHHS)
- North Carolina Coronavirus Case Map from (NCDHHS)
- FAQs: Unemployment Insurance for Individuals (NC DES DOC – Division of Employment Security)
- FAQs: Unemployment Insurance for Employers (NC DES DOC – Division of Employment Security)
- FAQs: For State Employees (Office of State Human Resources (OSHR)
Resources from Federal Government, CDC and WHO
- COVID-19 Pandemic Operational Guidance for the 2020 Hurricane Season
- Up-to-date Coronavirus info from the CDC
- Preparing Communities for Potential Spread of COVID-19
- Resources for First Responders and Law Enforcement
- Coronavirus FAQs
- Communications Resources Regarding Coronavirus
- What You Need to Know About COVID-19 (CDC onesheet) | (Spanish version)
- Travelers – High Risk Regions / After-travel Precautions
- FEMA Responses to COVID-19
Resources for Economic Development and Business
- Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (OSHA)
- Golden Shovel’s COVID-19 Media Toolkit: How to Prepare to Reopen Your Community
- Federal Funding for Farmers Markets
- North Carolina Business Relief Resources
- Smith Anderson’s Coronavirus Business Resource Center (multiple topics)
- U.S. Department of the Treasury – Coronavirus Emergency Loans
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance
- SBA Disaster Assistance Handout
- SBA Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
- Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) – SBA Emergency Loans for Business
- Best Practices: Establish a team for Preparation and Response
- Visit ManufacturedNC for information on Supply Chain Resources
- What Businesses are Doing to Help
- COVID-19 Response from U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
- Triangle East Chamber of Commerce Business and Consumer Resources
- USDA Rural Development COVID-19 Resources for Relief
- OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- OSHA Guidelines to Maintain Your Business Operations