Interesting query (re appocolyptic event) to a utility company

[sledgemeister]

In Tasmania where I reside we only have one power company which is called Aurora.
Side Note: It is also one of the companies that the IT company I work looks after.
Long story short one of my daughters has a friend called Dirk sent Aurora a interesting question via their online forms which he forwarded on to her and she shared it with me, I found it a little amusing hence I am sharing it also.

The email:

From: Dirk
Sent: Wednesday, 1 December 2010 3:29 PM
To: Complaints Administrator
Cc: Ecommerce
Subject: Online message: Your electricity supply 2/12/2010 Dirk XXXXXXXXXX
Request/feedback submitted via the Aurora Website
The following message has been sent:
________________________________________
Date submitted   01-December-2010 3:28 PM
Subject   Your electricity supply
Contact name   
Address   
Email address   
Telephone number   
Do you wish to be contacted about your message   Yes
Your preferred contact method   Email
Your message to us   Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Dirk and I would like to ask you a question about the availability of energy supplies in emergency situations. I was watching a program called the Walking Dead last night, which is about a group of people surviving after the rest of the population is taken by zombies. In the event of a virus, an alien invasion, or nuclear attack that wipes out 99% of the population, what plans would Aurora have in place to ensure that the remaining citizens are able to generate a siginificant power supply? The people in the show had lighting but whether or not they had their own power supply was never explained. Do Aurora Energy have contingency plans in place for ensuring power can still be generated by a small group of people with average day-to-day life skills?

Any assistance would be kindly appreciated so that I can ensure that I am well-prepared for these bastards.

Kind regards,

Dirk

The Response:

On Mon, Dec 6, 2010 at 12:52 PM, Dirk Armstrong <XXXXXXXXX@gmail.com> wrote:
apparently this has been forwarded to half of aurora, and a lot of them think i was serious...
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Escalation (Aurora Customer Service) <escalation@auroraenergy.com.au>
Date: 2 December 2010 10:41
Subject: FW: Online message: Your electricity supply 2/12/2010 Dirk XXXXXXXX
To:


Dear Dirk
Thank you for your enquiry via the Aurora Web Site regarding our disaster recovery
I would just like to say that Aurora has a disaster recovery process in place and would assure you that we would put this in action if an when it was needed
I am sure you are aware that the SES (State emergency services) would notify the public of any disaster recovery plans
Regards
Gaylene
CSC Senior Representative
Aurora Energy Pty Ltd
21 Kirksway Place Hobart
Post: GPO BOX 191, Hobart TAS 7001
Web: http://www.auroraenergy.com.au

[fightingquaker13]

Someone missed a trick. My response:
Dear Dirk:
Thank you for your inquiry. Let me assure you that we are fully prepared for zombie attacks. In the event of legions of the walking dead, all central power will be maintained, due to our security services armed with BFGs. However, should lines go down, you are, sadly, on your own as we cannot in good conciense send crews out. Still, internet services should work. Best of luck, and remember, shoot for the head.
Sincerly
Aurora
FQ13

[Pathfinder]

Someone missed a trick. My response:
Dear Dirk:
Thank you for your inquiry. Let me assure you that we are fully prepared for zombie attacks. In the event of legions of the walking dead, all central power will be maintained, due to our security services armed with BFGs. However, should lines go down, you are, sadly, on your own as we cannot in good conciense send crews out. Still, internet services should work. Best of luck, and remember, shoot for the head.
Sincerly
Aurora
FQ13

Of course, it is likely that Aurora would, ya know, actually know how to spell! Or at least use (and know how to use) a spell checker!!!      

BTTTAIP - It was a typically corporate non-responsive response. The next email would ask - when was the last time the DR Plan was tested in something other than a simulation, or actually used in a real-world disaster? That answer might be interesting.

[fightingquaker13]

Of course, it is likely that Aurora would, ya know, actually know how to spell! Or at least use (and know how to use) a spell checker!!!      

BTTTAIP - It was a typically corporate non-responsive response. The next email would ask - when was the last time the DR Plan was tested in something other than a simulation, or actually used in a real-world disaster? That answer might be interesting.

Dude! The zombies are knocking at the door! You want me to do a spell check? Call customer service with your complaints. Its 1-(800) bite-me, wait for the tone (press 2 for Spanish).
FQ13

[sledgemeister]

Of course, it is likely that Aurora would, ya know, actually know how to spell! Or at least use (and know how to use) a spell checker!!!      

BTTTAIP - It was a typically corporate non-responsive response. The next email would ask - when was the last time the DR Plan was tested in something other than a simulation, or actually used in a real-world disaster? That answer might be interesting.

I will be sure to pass along your suggestion. LOL

[Sponsor]

[cookie62]

I do some work for our local Emergency Management Agency. This past summer we were doing our bi-annual updates, I made the suggestion that we needed a section for zombie attacks. Needless to say most we not ammused . But it did strike up an interesting conversation. All I know is I'm ready .

[ratcatcher55]

In my former job we looked to harden up critical infastructure. It was dissapointing to see how easy it was to knock big chunks of the utility grids off line by attacking control rooms.  They were very lacks on security and did not have redundent capabilities for command and control.

Zombies, terrorists or natural causes, the power infrastructure is very fragile.

[tombogan03884]

In my former job we looked to harden up critical infastructure. It was dissapointing to see how easy it was to knock big chunks of the utility grids off line by attacking control rooms.  They were very lacks on security and did not have redundent capabilities for command and control.

Zombies, terrorists or natural causes, the power infrastructure is very fragile.

How much security have you ever seen around a municipal water supply ? 

[kmitch200]

The original question reminds me of the query posed to the Fire Chief about evacuating the Phx area in the event of an NBC attack.

The answer? 

We can't, so there is no plan.

[tombogan03884]

The original question reminds me of the query posed to the Fire Chief about evacuating the Phx area in the event of an NBC attack.

The answer? 

We can't, so there is no plan.

Look on the bright side Mitch, He's at least honest enough to admit it.