What Is A PSPS And Why Would DEC Perform One?
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a strategy being used by electric utilities to keep the public safe during hot, dry, and windy conditions. Power lines are preemptively de-energized during these conditions to reduce the risk of igniting a wildfire from downed equipment or trees. The PSPS may be initiated by DEC at the distribution level or by one of our transmission suppliers. Regardless of the cause or reasons for a PSPS, our number one priority is always going be to keeping our members as safe as possible and to do our part to protect their cooperative, homes, and businesses from a potential wildfire. Issuing a PSPS is not our first choice and not something that we do lightly. DEC will always work to restore members impacted as quickly and safely as possible.
When Will DEC Initiate A PSPS?
There are a number of factors that DEC will evaluate when to initiate a PSPS. The following are not all inclusive but are meant to provide an example of factors evaluated.
- Red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service that affects DEC member’s and equipment.
- Sustained winds and low humidity.
- Public safety concerns.
- Availability of local resources to combat potential wildfires.
- Existing wildfires encroaching on DEC territory and equipment.
How Will DEC Communicate To Members Before, During, and After A PSPS Event?
DEC will attempt to notify members approximately 72 to 48 hours in advance of a potential PSPS event and again approximately 24 hours before deenergizing the lines. DEC also intends to provide additional notifications throughout the outage, when power has been shut off and when it has been restored. However, situations may prevent DEC from providing notice as the actual onset of extreme weather conditions and other circumstances beyond DEC’s control may disrupt coordination and notification efforts.
DEC will notify members using automated calls, the DEC webpage, and social media. Members may also utilize SmartHub and opt-in for email and/or text alerts. To learn more, go here.
How Long Will The PSPS Last?
Power will remain out for as long as extreme and dangerous weather conditions pose a potential fire risk. Depending on the severity of the weather and other factors, power outages could last several hours to multiple days – so it’s important to have an emergency plan in place.
How Long Until Power Is Restored?
Once the PSPS ends, DEC crews will need to visually patrol the power lines in the affected areas to ensure that they are free from damage and can safely be reenergized. This process can take hours to days depending on the size of the affected area and will be performed in stages, working from the substation out to the end of the lines, reenergizing as each section is deemed safe to do so.
What Should I Do to Prepare For A PSPS?
- Update your contact information with DEC. We can’t inform you if we can’t contact you.
- Have a personal safety plan in place for every member of your household (including pets).
- Plan for any medical needs like medications that need to be refrigerated or devices that require power.
- Create or restock your emergency supply kit, including food, water, flashlights, a radio, fresh batteries, first aid supplies, and cash. For more information on how to build a kit, visit Ready.gov for more information.
- Identify backup charging methods for phones and medical equipment.
- Know how to open your garage door manually.
- Ensure any backup generators are ready to operate safely. For more information on generator safety, please take a look at our Generator Safety Page.
- Identify the unique needs of your family and loved ones in the area for your emergency plan. Especially focus on the elderly and young or those who are risk for overheating.
- Designate an emergency meeting location.
Food Safety/Spoilage
- Try not to open your refrigerator during an outage; the food might be safe after four hours
- Should you have a freezer, a freezer full of food should remain viable for up to 48 hours and 24 hours for a half-full freezer
- For in depth information on freezing and food safety, please see the USDA’s page that detail the do’s and don’ts here.
- DEC is not responsible for spoiled food