Policymaking in the dark: The impact of power outage information asymmetry on local government resilience efforts in Florida

Abstract

Access to real-time and historical power outage data is often scarce, which can have a particular impact on local governments responsible for strengthening community resilience. When utilities withhold this information from local governments, it may be a form of information asymmetry. To evaluate the degree of information asymmetry present between local governments and utilities in Florida, we consider the heterogeneity of grid outages, current access to outage information, and the value of that information to local governments. We identify that there is spatial heterogeneity in electric grid reliability across Florida, with lower reliability in more rural regions. Based on 18 interviews with local government employees in emergency management, public works, and sustainability and resilience in major metropolitan areas, we discuss what power outage data local governments typically have and need to assist with community resilience. Typically, there is a desire for access to higher spatial resolution and historical power outage data. Emergency management and sustainability and resilience fields place a higher value on that information to assist with disaster response and planning and experience greater information asymmetry. As climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of natural hazards that disrupt power systems, more effort is needed to provide policymakers with necessary information for improved resilience planning.