What is a PSPS?
During high-risk wildfire weather conditions, PSE will take proactive steps to ensure safety while balancing the reliable delivery of energy to our communities. One tool we may use is temporarily shutting off power lines to help prevent wildfires from starting. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), and it’s a measure of last resort to keep you and your community safe.
What you should know:
- PSE will communicate with impacted customers in advance of and during a PSPS.
- PSPS could be used anywhere in PSE’s service area if a combination of dangerous conditions are forecast, however, customers in areas at higher risk for wildfire are more likely to experience PSPS.
- PSE will consider PSPS when weather and fire experts forecast dangerous conditions, including strong winds, very dry vegetation, and low humidity.
- We will only restore power when it is safe to do so – after the weather has passed and crews can inspect the impacted power lines and make any needed repairs. This could take several days if damaging winds occur, and we want you to be prepared.
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What to expect – from a PSPS ‘watch’ to power restoration
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How to get PSPS updates
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How to prepare for PSPS
Frequently asked questions
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
What will happen to my water or natural gas service during a PSPS?
Shutting down power lines for a PSPS would only turns off an area’s electric service. However, just like during a storm outage, water pumps and natural gas appliances might also be impacted if they use electricity to operate.
Will solar panels work during a PSPS?
If your solar panels are connected to the grid, they will likely turn off during a PSPS, just as they would during any other type of outage, for safety.
Can I run a generator or battery for back-up power during a PSPS?
Yes. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s operating and safety instructions. Find more generator safety tips here.
If the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning, does that mean there will be a PSPS?
Red Flag Warnings are just one factor in PSE’s decision-making process and do not automatically mean a PSPS will occur. PSE will consider PSPS when weather and fire experts forecast dangerous conditions, including strong winds, very dry vegetation, and low humidity.
How do I prepare a tenant or vacation renters for a potential PSPS?
Please make sure tenants and vacation renters are aware of any wildfire risks in your area and how PSPS could potentially impact your property’s power supply. Additionally, please encourage safety measures during wildfire season to reduce the risk of starting a fire. For PSPS information and wildfire safety measures, visit 517b2b.com/wildfire.
Does PSE use other measures before using PSPS?
Yes, PSPS is a tool of last resort used during high-risk wildfire weather conditions. Before implementing a shutoff, PSE will work to reduce risk using other operational procedures, such as pausing maintenance work or turning on Enhanced Power Line Settings (EPS) on targeted power lines.
Find updates and alerts about potential PSPS impacting your area.
Need to update your PSE account contact information? Sign in to your PSE account or call Customer Care at 1-888-225-5773.