EDPD - Increasing DSO's Resilience by Exercising Business Continuity Plan

Abstract

Building and improving the resilience of a Distribution Grid, it´s a very relevant part of all the electric Distribution System Operators (DSO’s) activities. Considering that planning, and execute the best technical solutions for the grids, including innovation it’s fully embedded, the capability of DSO’s to respond and recover from disruptive events, it’s the last step for the grid resiliency. Testing and exercising are some of the most effective tools for improving organizational resilience. A well-tested Business Continuity (BC) strategy, provides confidence to handle a disruption, and regular training and education of operational teams and key stakeholders are relevant requirements to incorporate awareness and develop the necessary skills to manage the plans in face of a disruption. The top management support and a dedicated BC team with exercise experts, are key points to maintain the certified EDP Distribuição (EDPD) Business Continuity Management System (BCMS), growing in maturity, compliance and continuous improvement.This paper aims to provide the EDPD practical experience on testing and exercising, and how we have integrated these activities within an agile BC Exercise Program, to improve organizational resilience.