Public Safety Power Shutoff

Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

Wildfire safe operations

PSE uses forecasting and modeling tools to evaluate conditions, and we may operate our electric system more conservatively during hazardous weather conditions to prevent wildfires. This includes turning on Enhanced Power Line Settings (EPS) or using a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) to keep our customers and communities safe. These measures can result in power outages, and we want you to be prepared.

What is a PSPS?

During critical fire weather conditions (hot, dry, and very windy), we may proactively turn off power, called a Public Safety Power Shutoff, to prevent wildfires.

What you should know:

Our goal is to notify customers 48 hours in advance of a shutoff (this is dependent on the weather forecast) and provide updates at least twice daily.
We’ll also share information on our outage map, website and social media channels, as well as through local news media outlets and emergency response partners.
Customers with Life Support status noted in their PSE account will receive a phone call from Customer Care, in addition to regular customer notifications.
PSPS could be used anywhere in our service area when conditions present a public safety risk.

Public safety power shutoff notifications

Timeline: Wildfire risk identified, PSPS watch, PSPS warning, PSPS imminent, PSPS initiated, Power restored

After the critical weather has passed, our crews will inspect every line in the shutoff area for damage and make sure it’s safe before restoring power. This can take time, and as a result, these shutoffs could last several hours or several days. That's why it's important to prepare.

Community Resource Centers

In the event of a PSPS, PSE may open Community Resource Centers in or near affected areas during daytime hours and offer community members basic resources, which may include:

A safe location to charge electronic devices and medical equipment
PSE staff to answer questions about the shutoff
Water, coffee, snacks, and other basic support items
Wi-Fi and air conditioning
Additional information or resources from partner organizations, depending on availability

Where can I find out where Community Resource Centers would be located during a PSPS?

We will post the locations, hours and other details about Community Resource Centers on our Alerts and advisories page and the Outage map. We will also share this information through our community partners and the media when possible.

Learn more about how PSE Community Resource Centers support customers during a PSPS by watching this short video:

Preparing for power outages

Make sure your PSE account contact information is up to date so we can send you notifications.
Prepare for any medical needs and if you have medical equipment that relies on electricity, sign up for Life Support status.
Create and practice a household emergency plan and build an emergency kit.
Visit the Outage Map to see current outages and estimated times for restoration, potential shutoffs, or to report an outage.
Check our Alerts page for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and learn about specific steps you can take to prepare if there is a PSPS Warning.
Find local resources and support.

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 pse.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.