Public Safety Power Shutoffs

Having a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) policy is about being prepared. We’ve all seen the devastating impact that wildfires can have on communities. As part of our wildfire safety practices, a PSPS policy ensures that well-defined plans and established protocols guide our actions when a community is faced with extreme wildfire conditions. It’s another tool we can use to help keep our customers and the communities we serve safe.

What is a PSPS event?

A PSPS event is a preventative measure where power is temporarily shut off. This is to reduce potential ignition sources during periods of extreme wildfire risk.

PSPS is a tool of last resort and we anticipate it would be used rarely. 

We looked at historical data for extreme weather events in areas within those areas at greatest risk of wildfire in our electric service territory. In the last ten years, we found one instance that would have met our PSPS criteria.

If a PSPS event is likely, we will provide as much advance notice as possible. Before restoring power, our crews will patrol the lines to ensure it’s safe to turn the electricity back on.

Conditions for a PSPS go well beyond a dry, hot summer day. We would only consider activating a PSPS event during periods of extreme wildfire risk combined with high sustained wind speeds. That includes:

  • a Fire Weather Index of 47 or more (a rating of more than 30 is considered extreme1); and
  • sustained wind speeds greater than 75 kilometres per hour

We will also consider additional factors, such as alternative mitigation strategies, when appropriate.

1Natural Resources Canada, Fire Weather Index, Interactive Map.

We plan to introduce our PSPS policy in areas identified as having the greatest wildfire risk. This includes:

  • Regional District of Kootenay Boundary: Midway, Greenwood, Beaverdell, Christian Valley, Westbridge, Rock Creek, Bridesville and Mount Baldy.
  • Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen: Princeton (rural), Hedley (rural), Tulameen, Coalmont and Apex.

Additional rural communities and properties in these regions could experience a PSPS event, including west Keremeos. As wildfire safety practices continue to evolve, we may add or remove areas based on risk assessments.

If you or your family depend on power for medical needs, you can register as a vulnerable customer. Please reach out to our customer service team at 1-866-436-7847.

During a PSPS, we’ll take additional steps to reach out to registered vulnerable customers directly. You can also add another person you want us to contact, in addition to yourself, in the event we need to shut off your power.

To keep you informed during a PSPS event, we’ve outlined each phase of the process—from early notifications to power restoration—so you know what to expect every step of the way. Watch for icons in our communications that serve as quick visual cues, helping you identify where we are in the process and how to stay prepared.

We’re committed to keeping you informed with timely and accurate updates throughout a PSPS event. Because conditions can change rapidly, there may be times when we need to adjust notification timelines or skip earlier phases and move directly to a later one.

IconTimingWhat it means

PSPS Watch

PSPS Watch

Two to three days before power is turned off

  • Weather conditions that meet the criteria for considering a PSPS event are forecast.
  • There is the potential for a PSPS event to occur.
  • Customers should be prepared for a power outage.
  • PSPS updates will begin across our communication channels (email, fortisbc.com, X, Facebook and Alertable).

PSPS Warning

PSPS Warning

Within 24 hours of a PSPS event

  • Weather conditions that meet the criteria for considering a PSPS event are forecast to occur within 24 hours.
  • A PSPS event is likely to occur.
  • Customers should prepare to be without power.
  • Communication updates continue across our channels.

PSPS Imminent

PSPS Imminent

Within four hours of forecasted weather

  • Weather conditions that meet the criteria for considering a PSPS event are forecast to occur within the next four hours.
  • A final decision will be made whether to proceed with the PSPS.
  • Customers will be notified that a PSPS is about to begin in their area.

PSPS Initiated (power outage begins)

PSPS Initiated (power outage begins)

Within two hours of forecasted weather

  • Power will be shut off in identified areas two hours prior (if possible) to the start of forecasted weather conditions that meet the criteria for a PSPS event.

Power outage updates

Power outage updates

Ongoing

  • We’ll continue to provide updates across our channels about the status of the outage.

Power Restoration

Power Restoration

PSPS event ends and power
is restored

  • Once weather conditions improve, our crews will inspect the lines and equipment manually to ensure it’s safe to restore power.
  • When power is restored, we’ll provide a final update notifying customers that power has been restored in their area.

Monitoring

Monitoring

Ongoing

  • We’ll continue to monitor weather conditions closely throughout the wildfire season.

How will I be notified about a PSPS event?

We know that our customers and the communities we serve depend on electricity. To help prepare for a PSPS event, we will provide as much advance notice as possible through:

You can stay up to date on future and current power outages on our outage map.

*Please note: Weather conditions can change quickly. While we aim to provide advance notice, a PSPS may happen with little warning.

Do you have a question about wildfire safety practices?

Learn more about wildfire safety practices and Public Safety Power Shutoffs with our top questions and answers.