Enhanced power settings (EPS)

Fire Weather Forecasted 

Red Flag Warnings have been issued for the western and eastern Cascade slopes for gusty winds and lightning storms. As part of PSE’s wildfire safe operations, we have turned on system settings that are more sensitive to potential hazards on targeted lines in these areas.

Enhanced Powerline Settings are designed to help keep you safe, but they may result in unplanned power outages.

This is NOT a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), where we proactively turn off power in advance of severe weather.

We understand the impact unexpected outages can have on our customers, so we've added additional staffing for our first responders and our operations center.

For more information or to report a power outage, visit PSE’s Outage map.

Due to numerous wildfires in our region, air quality in many areas is within the unhealthy range. Wildfire smoke can seriously affect health, especially for high-risk individuals. To learn more about how to protect yourself and others, please visit the Washington State Department of Health page on staying safe from smoke.

Enhanced Powerline Settings (EPS)

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 Powerline 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 EPS?

During severe fire conditions, PSE uses Enhanced Powerline Settings (EPS) on targeted lines to turn power off faster when there is a potential hazard, such as a tree branch touching a line. This helps prevent sparks, but you may experience power outages when these settings are in place. This is an unplanned outage and is not a PSPS. Check our Outage Map for more information or to report an outage.

What to expect
PSE will consider turning on Enhanced Power Line Settings (EPS) on targeted power lines during high-risk wildfire conditions, including strong winds, very dry vegetation, and low humidity. These conditions tend to be more prevalent in the summer and early fall in areas of high wildfire risk.

Turning on EPS helps keep you safe, but this also means that customers in these areas may experience more frequent unplanned power outages while EPS is in effect. We know that power outages can be inconvenient, and we want you to be prepared.

PSE will work to safely restore power as quickly as possible, but there can be challenges if there is limited access or visibility, extensive damage to the system, or active fires nearby. Patrolling the line and restoration could take several hours or longer depending on the damage. Check the outage map for updated information about power outages and estimated restoration times.
How to get updates
Like any unplanned outage, PSE will also communicate with customers impacted by EPS outages.

You can visit our outage map for estimated restoration times (ETRs).

PSE account holders will receive automated call, text, or email alerts, based on your preferences, until power is restored.

To receive updates, make sure your PSE account contact information is up to date by visiting pse.com or calling Customer Care at 1-888- 225-5773.
How to prepare for EPS
Learn what steps to take before, during, and after an outage by visiting pse.com/outageresources Create and practice an emergency plan and build an emergency kit.

Make sure your PSE account contact information is up to date at pse.com or by calling 1-888-225-5773.

Download the MyPSE app to track and report power outages in your neighborhood and check on estimated restoration times.

Remember, if you come across a downed utility wire of any kind, always assume it’s energized and stay as far away as you can. Call 911 or call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 to report the downed line.

Frequently asked questions

Enhanced power line settings (EPS)

What are the thresholds for EPS to be turned on?

PSE will consider turning on Enhanced Power Line Settings (EPS) on targeted power lines during high-risk wildfire weather conditions, including strong winds, very dry vegetation, and low humidity.

Where is EPS being used as a tool?

These safety settings will be implemented on targeted powerlines in areas with higher risk of wildfire, and during times when wildfire weather conditions are present. If weather conditions don’t meet the need for EPS, settings will be returned to normal operations to reduce the frequency of unplanned outages.

How does EPS help with wildfire risk management?

EPS makes the electric system more sensitive to potential hazards and automatically turns power off to reduce the risk of of a fire starting. In normal conditions, PSE uses automatic protective devices called “automatic reclosers”. These devices will attempt to reconnect the power when confronted with a hazard, like a tree branch brushing against a line, in case the hazard is no longer an issue. When EPS are turned on, the automatic devices’ settings are changed to no longer attempt to reconnect power to protect against potential sparks. Turning on EPS helps keep you safe, but this also means that customers in these areas may experience more frequent unplanned power outages.

How is this different from a PSPS or a reactive de-energization?

During wildfire season, PSE takes proactive steps to ensure safety while balancing reliability. These prevention measures and response activities can result in power outages. EPS makes the electric system more sensitive to potential hazards, like a tree touching a line, and then automatically turns power off to prevent fires. The resulting outage is unplanned and is different than a PSPS or re-active de-energization in response to a fire.

How are outages caused on EPS-enabled power lines?

Many things can cause an unplanned outage, including hazards like a branch or animal hitting a power line. Hazards could cause an unplanned outage on any power line, including those without EPS. Lines with EPS help prevent wildfires by turning power off faster.