What You Need to Know

It's important to be informed about Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and why they might occur in your community. PSPS are preventative measures used by the transmission industry to mitigate the risk of wildfires during extreme weather conditions. By temporarily shutting off power in high-risk areas, utilities aim to prevent sparks from electrical equipment that could ignite wildfires.

As a Public Power Customer, How Does This Affect You?

Although you receive your electricity from your local public power utility, it first travels through the PacifiCorp transmission system. Here's how it works:

Power Generation: Electricity is generated at power plants
High Voltage Transmission: PacifiCorp operates high-voltage transmission lines that carry electricity from these power plants to substations
Substations: At the substation, the high-voltage electricity is reduced to a lower voltage suitable for use in homes and businesses
.
Local Distribution: Your Local public power utility then takes over, distributing the electricity from the substation to your home.

Service Interruptions

The transmission network covers vast areas, interconnecting multiple power plants and regional grids, enabling the transfer of electricity within or across states. During a PSPS, PacifiCorp may voluntarily shut down high-voltage transmission lines in areas at high risk of wildfires. This interruption in the transmission system can stop the flow of electricity from power generation facilities to substations, leaving your local utility without electricity to distribute.

Customers in the affected areas will experience temporary power outages. The duration of the outages depends on the severity of the conditions and the time required for inspections and repairs post-shutoff. Power is restored once it is deemed safe for the power grid and surrounding communities.

Communication and Notifications

UAMPS and your local public power utility are committed to providing you with information regarding service interruptions in the timeliest manner possible and are working with PacifiCorp to establish communication protocols. To receive the most up-to-date notifications, ensure your local utility provider has your current contact information and follow your utility's communication channels.

Your local public power utility is dedicated to delivering exceptional service, and the team works hard to guarantee you have reliable power whenever you need it. However, it's important to understand that while your local utility strives for uninterrupted service, factors like Public Safety Power Shutoffs are beyond their control.

How to Prepare for a Power Outage

By preparing for power outages, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your family, maintain essential functions, and minimize the disruptions caused by power loss. Taking a proactive approach not only benefits you but also helps our entire community.

Create an Emergency Kit

Food & Water: Prepare non-perishable food and bottled water (one gallon per person per day for three days).
Essentials: Include a manual can opener, a first-aid kit, flashlights with extra batteries (avoid candles), a battery-powered radio, and a portable charger for your cell phone.

Plan for Medical Needs

Ensure backup power sources for electricity-dependent medical devices.
Develop an emergency plan with your healthcare provider.

Prepare for Food and Water Safety

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain cold temperatures (refrigerators stay cold for 4 hours, a full freezer for 48 hours).
Have bottled water on hand.

Protect Your Home

Use surge protectors for electronic devices when power is restored.
Operate generators outdoors per manufacturer's instructions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Stay Cool or Warm

Hot Weather: Close blinds and curtains to keep your home cool.
Cold Weather: Use alternative heating sources like a wood stove or propane heater safely, and avoid using outdoor heaters indoors.

Stay Informed

Monitor local weather forecasts and utility communication channels for potential power outages.
Ensure your contact information is correct with your utility provider to receive alerts.