Public Safety Power Shutoff

November Wind Storm

Overnight, crews made steady progress restoring power to customers impacted by Tuesday’s windstorm, restoring more than half the total customers who’ve been affected since the start of the storm. However, we understand that for those still affected it remains incredibly challenging, especially with the cold conditions. For customers needing support, please check with your local government or call 211 to find warming shelters and other resources. King 5 also has this list of resources. We are working around the clock and will continue to do so until every customer is restored.

Crews have been able to restore power to 57 schools with known power outages over the last two days, with continued efforts to restore remaining schools, medical facilities and hospitals. The high winds and resulting tree damage not only downed the smaller, local power lines, but also damaged the larger transmission lines – the larger lines that bring power into communities. Crews are beginning to bring transmission lines back online; these lines need to be brought back into service before crews can focus on the local distribution system. Please note that as transmission comes online, there will be temporary spikes in data as those systems are energized, you may see numbers go up and down on the outage map as the process occurs.

What is a PSPS?

During high-risk wildfire weather conditions, PSE will take proactive steps to ensure safety while balancing the reliable delivery of energy to our communities. One tool we may use is temporarily shutting off power lines to help prevent wildfires from starting. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), and it’s a measure of last resort to keep you and your community safe.

What you should know:

PSE will communicate with impacted customers in advance of and during a PSPS.
PSPS could be used anywhere in PSE’s service area if a combination of dangerous conditions are forecast, however, customers in areas at higher risk for wildfire are more likely to experience PSPS.
PSE will consider PSPS when weather and fire experts forecast dangerous conditions, including strong winds, very dry vegetation, and low humidity.
We will only restore power when it is safe to do so – after the weather has passed and crews can inspect the impacted power lines and make any needed repairs. This could take several days if damaging winds occur, and we want you to be prepared.

What to expect – from a PSPS ‘watch’ to power restoration
PSE will consider PSPS during high-risk wildfire conditions, including strong winds, very dry vegetation, and low humidity. Weather conditions can change quickly. Our goal is to notify customers two days before a PSPS outage starts, but this is dependent on the weather forecast.

Once it starts, a PSPS outage will include the duration of the weather event, line inspections and time for crews to make any needed repairs before restoration. This could last several days if damaging winds occur, and we want you to be prepared.

IMPORTANT: If you have medical equipment that relies on electricity, please follow these guidelines to add Life Support status to your account. Life Support status is not a guarantee of service and PSE strongly suggests that customers have an appropriate emergency plan in place for Life Support.

Once the high-risk weather conditions have subsided, crews will visually inspect the power lines to check for any damage or safety concerns before restoring power.

As our field teams gain boots-on-the-ground visibility, we will add and update estimated times for restoration (ETRs) on PSE’s Outage Map.

Regional ETR: The date/time we expect most customers in a larger region to have their power restored. Some customers will be restored sooner than the regional ETR, while other customers may have their power restored after.

Field ETR: These ETRs are provided by our field personnel once line patrols are complete and updated as crews make any needed repairs.

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. Restoration work could take several days depending on the damage from heavy winds and we want you to be prepared.
How to get PSPS updates
PSE will communicate with impacted customers in advance of and during a PSPS. When possible, the alerts will start two days before the PSPS is initiated.

For the latest information about a PSPS in your area, visit the PSE Alerts and updates webpage.

PSPS outages and ETRs will appear on the Outage Map and MyPSE app.

PSE will also share information with emergency response partners, local governments, community organizations, and the media.

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

Customers with Medical Life Support status noted in their PSE account will receive earlier notification, when possible, via phone call. Learn more about Medical Life Support status.

Once the PSPS is initiated, PSE will send updates every 12 hours, and once power is restored.

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

Non-account holders can opt-in to receive updates via PSE’s Outage Map.

Visit the Outage Map, select the specific outage, and click “Notify me about this outage.”

You will receive status and restoration updates for the duration of the outage event via text or email.
How to prepare for PSPS

Learn what steps you to take before, during, and after a PSPS outage by visiting pse.com/pspsprep.

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.