Wildfire Season and Public Safety Power Shutoff

Wildfire season is already underway and is intensified by persistent drought conditions across the state. Starting this year, some utility companies are adopting a strategy called Public Safety Power Shutoff. This is a practice to intentionally de-energize electrical power lines when elevated fire risk conditions exist to reduce potential fire ignitions. When extreme heat and wind are forecasted, we can expect a higher likelihood of planned power outages from approximately May-September, especially in high-risk fire areas. This practice will become more frequent as climate change continues to increase the threat of fire hazards in Washington state.

Utility companies such as Avista, Pacific Power and Puget Sound Energy plan to adopt PSPS and are raising awareness about the practice with customers through mailer communications and town hall-style meetings. Not all utility companies will utilize PSPS. Contact your local utility company if you have any questions. Power outages during extreme heat are an inconvenience for many and can be life-threatening for vulnerable communities, pets and people with complex health care needs.

This is new for Washington, let’s be prepared. Please review these resources to be informed and to support your preparedness efforts at home.

Avista

• Public Safety Power Shutoffs
• If you or someone in your household has medical equipment that requires electricity.
• Media: Avista prepares for wildfire season | Ap | nrtoday.com

Puget Sound Energy

• Public Safety Power Shutoffs
• Customers with Medical Needs
• Media: PSE could shut off power for areas with high wildfire risk (fox13seattle.com)

Pacific Power

• Public Safety Power Shutoff
• What if I’m dependent on electricity for a medical device?
• Media: Washington electrical customers may face grid shutdown during wildfire season

Department of Health

• Power outage preparedness recommendations
• Extreme Heat – hot weather safety