Final Draft
1
April 2009
HMGP Electric Utility Retrofit Projects
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FEMA Region VII
April 2009
Engineering
1. My proposed electric utility retrofit project involves mitigation. How do I demonstrate
the project includes mitigation and does not involve only maintenance or capital
improvements?
In order for a project to be considered a mitigation project, the sub-applicant must:
In general, be replacing or retrofitting existing lines or structures and not
constructing a new service line where none exists. Occasionally, constructing
new lines can be considered mitigation. For example, constructing new lines to
allow radial systems to be loop fed (tie-lines) and benefit from redundant sources
may be considered mitigation. A detailed one-line diagram showing the existing
and proposed construction, the customers served, and documentation describing
the pre- and post-mitigation risks must be provided to FEMA for evaluation.
Show the proposed system will be constructed to reduce future damage from
natural hazards. The proposed mitigation project must improve the system’s
ability to withstand the impacts of natural hazards. Projects that only increase
service capacity without reducing vulnerability are not mitigation. However, it is
acceptable for increased capacity to be a secondary benefit of the mitigation
project.
Provide project design and/or materials specifications that show the existing
system will be strengthened (e.g., stronger class poles for supporting overhead
lines or adding storm guys to prevent wind damage) or improved to reduce
damage (e.g., Use T2 conductors to replace non-twisted conductor to reduce
potential galloping. T2 conductors are less prone to developing dynamic
responses to wind loads and are less prone to damages from conductor galloping.
T2 conductors, however, do not reduce static loads on structures).
Demonstrate how the proposed project will be effective, stand-alone mitigation
and that it is