Utilities monitor weather conditions weeks ahead to try to plan for potential PSPS. Below is a map of the Tier 2 and Tier 3 high-fire threat zones in California. The higher the wildfire risk, the greater the chance of utilities shutting down the grid to prevent starting a fire. Even so, a single PSPS event can leave tens of thousands of customers and hundreds of critical facilities without power for days. To minimize disturbance to their customers, utilities target the highest-risk areas of the grid to shut down. Between 20, the state averaged 8,000 wildfires per year and the three largest utilities performed 33 PSPS de-energization events (5.5 per year, on average). PSPS events are most common in California. Where Do Planned Safety Power Shutoff Events Occur? PSPS events can be short, but typically last for 24-48 hours until weather conditions improve and the electric infrastructure has been inspected and deemed safe to re-energize. But with wildfire season extending nearly year-round, they may occur throughout the year.įor example, California investor-owned utility PG&E performed five PSPS events in 2021, including one in January. However, fires attributed to power lines consist of roughly half of California history’s most destructive fires.”Īlso known as rolling blackouts or de-energization, PSPS events occur most frequently during peak wildfire season (September and October in California). “Electric utility infrastructure has historically been responsible for less than 10% of reported wildfires. From 2011-2015, electrical power was the third most common cause of wildfire in California, including some of the largest and most devastating events.Īccording to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC): It’s a planned power outage that utilities use to keep customers safe by reducing the risk of power lines sparking wildfires.Īlthough it’s not a preferred option for anyone, PSPS is one of several tools utilities use to prevent electricity infrastructure from sparking wildfires. Public Safety Power Shutoff is, well, exactly what it sounds like. What is Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)? By pairing solar with battery storage, homeowners supply their own power during Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Being without power is disruptive and uncomfortable, but it’s far less destructive than a major wildfire.īut there is a third option. PSPS is basically the lesser of two evils. What’s worse than facing a heat wave and imminent wildfire threat? How about facing a heat wave and imminent wildfire threat without power.Īs extreme heat and wildfire events increase in frequency and intensity, power utilities are using Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to reduce the risk of power lines sparking potentially devastating wildfires.
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