U S WEST provided the following report at the end of the first quarter 1999. Electric supply and delivery systems are highly dependent on microwave, telephone, and VHF radio communications. For these critical facilities leased from telephone companies and commercial communications network service providers the electric utilities are developing their own redundant communications system. A successful test of these systems was conducted on April 9, 1999. The natural gas industry is less dependant on digital equipment than the electric or telecommunications industry.
Gas is pumped from supply wells into a network of pipelines that transport the gas to the customers.
The pumps that move the gas are generally powered by gas which makes them pretty much self sufficient. Distribution is also a mechanical process for the most part and thus not vulnerable to Y2K problems. In January the regulated water utilities were again asked to report on their Y2K status and a few have now responded. They report that they have few automated systems and therefore have a limited exposure to Y2K sensitive components and do not expect any Y2K problems. This is consistent with findings of other states.