Here's what it means to you:

RUS borrowers must certify by Board approval that they have completed an initial Emergency Restoration Plan (ERP) addressing critical facilities and assets by the deadline.  There has been confusion by some about exactly what is to be covered by the Plan.  Is it Information Systems, the Electric System, or the whole Business Enterprise?  The scope actually goes beyond all three of these and extends to the community infrastructure that is served by your system!

By January 12, 2006, RUS borrowers must complete an Emergency Restoration Plan (ERP) that details the processes you will use to restore your critical business functions and services in the event of a disaster (which now includes man-made events as well as events of nature).  The plan must address the issues identified in your Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) that is due to be certified to RUS by July 12, 2005.  By January 12, 2007, and annually thereafter, you must conduct an ERP training drill which tests key aspects of the plan.

Are you slammed with other “stuff” to get done?  Are you having trouble bridging all of the areas of responsibility to bring your plan together?  We can help!  We are finding that the planning process helps bring the staff closer together, which is a big plus when times get tough, but it also is very good for day-to-day business operations.  

By the way, if you’ve already completed or certified your VRA, but are having second thoughts about it now that your entering the ERP phase, we can help you tune it up.

Charles Nash   charles.nash@enervision-inc.com
Robert Duval    robert.duval@enervision-inc.com