Hawaiian Electric to start Public Safety Power Shutoff program July 1
Beginning July 1, Hawaiian Electric will have a new tool to deal with high-risk areas during dangerous conditions: a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program.
Perhaps better known in areas like California that regularly deal with major wildfires, Hawaiian Electric’s version of the program will allow it to preemptively shut off power in areas deemed high risks from fires, often due to high winds and dry conditions. It’s meant as an option of last resort, and the company warned customers in such situations to prepare for the possibility of extended outages.
July will conclude months of work to update the company’s internal systems, protocols, and communication plans to prepare for extreme weather conditions that would warrant a shutoff.
“This is our last line of defense to keep communities safe from the threat of wildfires,” Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president and COO, said. “We understand shutting off the power can create hardships, so this is not something we take lightly. We urge customers to prepare for a PSPS the same way they would prepare for a hurricane or other hazard that can result in extended power outages.”
Again, this will only apply to certain areas. Hawaiian Electric noted that PSPS could be used for approximately 2,700 customers on Oahu and just 11 in central parts of Molokai, another 19,300 on specific regions of Hawaii Island north and west, and approximately 25,300 customers in the western, upcountry, and parts of central and south Maui.
Strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation could lead to debris on power lines or damaging electrical infrastructure, raising the risk of wildfires. In those instances, if it looks bad enough to activate a PSPS, Hawaiian Electric will try to first notify the public and coordinate with government officials, first responders, and emergency response agencies – but weather conditions can shift quickly, and in extreme cases, the company warned shutoffs may occur with little or no notice. Power would then remain off as long as hazardous weather conditions continue.
