COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Defense Supply Center Columbus emergency operation plans were put to the test during a Full-Scale Energy Resilience Readiness Exercise Oct. 23.
The Black Start exercise simulated a real-world scenario of damage to the power distribution network that provides power to DSCC. During the drill, all buildings and facilities experienced a total interruption of electrical service for eight hours. The exercise evaluated the installation’s emergency backup generators and provided all tenants and organizations the opportunity to implement personnel accountability and Continuity of Operation Plans.
Facilities with working generators were able to continue full operations. Other areas allowed for maximized teleworking for employees. Installation security and emergency services were onsite, and the area remained fully secure.
Black Start exercises are part of a Congressional mandate requiring Department of Defense services to test their ability to operate without power in an emergency, according to the Department of Defense Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Environment and Energy Resilience.
Black Start exercises are “real-world installation energy exercises in which the delivery of energy provided from off an installation is terminated before backup generation assets on the installation are turned on,” the website states. “These exercises determine the ability of the backup systems to start independently, transfer the load, and carry the load until energy from off the installation is restored."
Designated evaluators and base leadership were on site throughout the exercise to monitor infrastructure needs for crucial installation missions in the event of a power loss and identify opportunities for further training.