Enhanced power settings (EPS)

What is EPS?

PSE uses real-time information and data from our risk model to evaluate the condition of the electric system and the environment around it and implement risk reduction measures. During critical fire weather conditions, one tool we can use is Enhanced Power Line Settings (EPS).

These settings are used on targeted power lines, and make the electric system more sensitive to potential hazards in the line, such as a tree branch, and automatically turns power off to reduce the risk of a fire starting.

Lines with EPS help prevent fires and keep you safer by turning power off faster, but you may experience unplanned power outages when these settings are in place.

Outages caused by EPS are unplanned, and different than a PSPS, so customers will not receive notification in advance of an EPS outage. However, we will update the outage map and share estimated times of restoration.
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.
We will only restore power when it is safe to do so – crews must inspect the impacted power lines and make any needed repairs. This could take several hours, if not longer, depending on any potential damage to the system.

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.