It might not seem like it now, near the end of an unusually cool, wet spring, but fire season is coming. Idaho Power is preparing with measures designed to protect the grid and reduce the risk of wildfires. Examples of this work include:
- Wrapping wood poles with fire-resistant mesh
- Upgrading poles, conductors and switches
- Adding spark-prevention equipment to power lines in highest-risk areas
- Monitoring and clearing vegetation around power lines
As part of its constant efforts to deliver safe, reliable, affordable energy, Idaho Power has developed a wildfire mitigation plan. This document helps the company prepare for, prevent and respond to wildfires. This is the first year the document includes a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Plan. PSPS events are last-resort proactive outages in case extreme weather heightens fire risk in certain areas. For more information, visit idahopower.com/PSPS.
Customers can help, too. Here are a few simple steps they can take to stay informed:
- Update contact information so Idaho Power can reach them in emergencies at idahopower.com/contactupdate.
- Sign up for outage alerts at idahopower.com/alerts.
- Put together an outage kit, and prepare for unique circumstances like medical needs and watering livestock.
Learn more about preventing wildfires and preparing for summer outages at idahopower.com/wildfire.
Sven Berg
Communications Specialist
208-388-2905
sberg@idahopower.com