The newly published Water Sector Guide to Telecommunications During Power Outages from EPA provides information to help utilities diversify their telecommunications plans and equipment and ensure they can continue to communicate with employees, response partners, and customers during a prolonged power outage.

Telecommunications is the transmission of information by various types of technologies over wire, radio, optical, or other electromagnetic systems. During power outages, common means of communicating (e.g., internet, cell phones) may begin to fail as batteries and fuel for generators are depleted. To help utilities prepare for and respond to these situations, the guide includes information on telecommunications principles, capabilities, emergency response plans, and training and exercises. Access the guide at EPA.