Wildfire Season & Recurring Power Outages
Dear Member,
During the last wildfire season, Douglas Electric Cooperative (DEC) implemented enhanced safety settings that led to some members experiencing unplanned power outages.
To reduce the risk of fire, we may adjust system settings during fire season so even minor incidents, such as a bird or branch contacting the wires, trigger an immediate shutdown. These precautions aim to prevent potential wildfires. Most outages last summer were fixed in about 2 hours.
Safety—particularly in wildfire prevention—remains our priority. DEC is recognized as an industry leader for its wildfire mitigation plan, earning a $9 million grant to preserve rights of way within our service territory. We continue to proactively trim and remove trees while working with local fire agencies and first responders.
Many of our new service installations use underground systems, but we are balancing the costs of converting 1,300 miles of overhead transmission and distribution lines with our commitment to keeping rates affordable for our members.
When DEC’s protective devices are at their highest settings, there may be more frequent outages and potentially longer restoration times. While this can be inconvenient, it’s a necessary adjustment during fire season to prioritize safety. These measures are needed to protect DEC members and promote public safety by reducing wildfire risks.
Sincerely,
General Manager Keith Brooks