FORT KNOX, Ky. — Fort Knox’s annual energy independence test, known as Black Start Exercise, is set to run for several hours April 13, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
According to Fort Knox Energy Management Program officials, the exercise was designed a few years ago to test Fort Knox’s ability to operate off the grid with its electricity and water utility capabilities during an emergency.
The exercise will test the installation’s energy security infrastructure consisting of electric power generation at existing substations and combined heat and power equipment at three locations. This includes standby emergency power generation for use during a complete external power loss.
Directorate of Public Works has conducted partial tests of emergency power backup systems nine times since the Energy Security and Independence System was completed in May 2015. Controlled full tests have been completed successfully five times since the first test was conducted Oct. 24, 2018.
Fort Knox officials are asking major commands and residents at the installation to prepare for the potential of power interruptions up to 12 minutes long after the start of the test. They also warn that there is a potential for a blink in power loss when the installation transitions from internal power back to commercial power at the conclusion of the test.
For more information, call 502-624-2604.
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