Which scenario would likely lead to the implementation of the Operating Plan for backup functionality?

The implementation of the Operating Plan for backup functionality is often a response to significant infrastructure threats that could compromise reliable power delivery. A hurricane represents a scenario where extensive preparation and operational adjustments are necessary due to its potential to cause widespread damage to electrical infrastructure, disrupt normal operations, and lead to power outages across a large region.

Hurricanes can result in severe wind damage, flooding, and storm surges, all of which can have a lasting impact on power availability and system reliability. Consequently, operators must activate backup systems and recovery protocols outlined in their Operating Plans to ensure the stability of the grid and manage the restoration process effectively.

In contrast, while tornadoes, earthquakes, and power outages can also lead to operational challenges, they do not generally trigger the same comprehensive operational plans specifically designed for hurricane preparation and response. Tornadoes, for example, tend to affect smaller geographic areas, while earthquakes can vary widely in their impact and may not always lead to immediate needs for backup functions or could be addressed through different emergency measures. Power outages, meanwhile, would fall under regular operations and recovery processes that may not require the same kind of preemptive or extensive planning as a hurricane scenario would.