PUBLIC STATEMENT FOR MARCH 18, 2020

CONTACT: Lisa Meiman, mediarelations@wapa.gov​, 720-962-7411

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – As we see increased cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, in the U.S., we wanted to provide an update on WAPA’s plans and current actions.

We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation throughout our territory and taking actions so we are able to continue marketing and delivering reliable electricity to our customers across the West. ​Our first priority is to continue our mission-essential electric services that customers and communities rely on. We accomplish this priority by taking care of our employees and supporting their needs during these unprecedented times.

WAPA has activated our emergency operations center to support WAPA’s people and operations. The EOC now operates around the clock, includes representatives from each region and meets daily to brief all of WAPA’s senior leaders on recommended actions to take to support employees and ensure continued mission success.

WAPA is doing its part to limit the spread of the virus by directing employees to telework to the maximum extent possible for the next few weeks. In addition to supporting our society, telework provides the social distancing necessary to reduce the risk of exposure for as many employees as possible, especially those who work in the mission-critical positions that keep the lights on for our customers and the nation.

We continue to support our employees by permitting alternate work arrangements for employees with children home from school.

WAPA is no longer permitting visitors into its facilities, has canceled or postponed all non-mission-critical travel and is limiting employee travel between sites. All Electric Power Training Center courses have been canceled until further notice.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding. We greatly appreciate your continued support and flexibility as we safeguard our employees, our customers and our critical mission.

We will continue to provide updates on WAPA’s operations as the situation evolves. With our power and transmission customers, we will continue to provide the critical electricity our nation needs to recover and thrive in this challenging time.

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About WAPA: Western Area Power Administration annually markets and transmits more than 28,000 gigawatt-hours of clean, renewable power from 57 federal hydroelectric powerplants owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and International Boundary and Water Commission in 15 western and central states. It is part of the Department of Energy. Follow us on Twitter @WesternAreaPowr or visit the website at www.wapa.gov​​.​

Last modified on September 12th, 2023