Top questions about Public Safety Power Shutoffs

A proactive power outage is a temporary power shutoff to reduce the risk of possible ignition causing a wildfire.

A PSPS event is called proactive because:

• power is turned off before extreme weather conditions occur
• the goal is to reduce the risk of branches or other debris coming into contact with energized power lines, creating the potential for sparks that could start a fire
• outages are planned, limited to certain areas and are temporary

If you live in a high‑risk area, a PSPS event may temporarily interrupt your power during extreme weather conditions. This means:

• your power may be turned off for a period of time
• only certain power lines in affected areas are shut off
• the length of the outage depends on weather and safety inspections

PSPS events are used only during extreme conditions.

Customers are responsible for any food loss during power outages.

Power outages can happen for many different reasons including storms, motor vehicle accidents, fallen trees and wildfires. We recommend being prepared for the possibility of prolonged power interruptions.

To help protect food during an outage:

• keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
• avoid opening them unless necessary

You will be notified as early as possible if conditions suggest a PSPS event may be needed.

Notifications typically follow these phases, though some phases may be shortened or skipped if conditions change quickly:

After a PSPS event ends, power is restored once crews can inspect the affected power lines and equipment to confirm it’s safe to do so. After power is restored:

• customers are notified
• weather conditions continue to be monitored
• additional PSPS events could occur later in the season if extreme conditions return

We will share PSPS information through several channels to help you stay informed.

Notifications may be sent through:

• email
• fortisbc.com
• facebook and our other social media channels
• Alertable

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

Telecommunications companies have been notified about the possibility of PSPS events and are prepared for longer power outages. They have shared that:

• backup power systems are in place
• they are prepared for outages at any time

You qualify as a vulnerable customer if you or someone in your household depend on electricity for medical needs. Examples may include:

• medical devices that require electricity
• health conditions where an extended power outage could pose risk

Once registered:

• we’ll take additional steps to contact you during a PSPS event
• you can provide an additional contact person to receive communications on your behalf

You can register as a vulnerable customer by contacting our customer service team.

Call: 1‑866‑436‑7847

During a PSPS event, we’ll make additional efforts to contact registered vulnerable customers directly. This includes:

• targeted communications before the outage
• outreach to both the customer and their alternate contact, if provided

Customers are encouraged to plan ahead for PSPS events, as well as power outages from any other cause.

If you’re already prepared for power outages, you may not need to make major changes.

We still recommend:

• reviewing your emergency supply kit to make sure it includes items needed for power
• confirming your contact details on file are up to date with us
• making sure someone in your household receives outage notifications

For more information on preparing for outages, visit PreparedBC.ca.

Learn more about the PSPS policy and how decisions are made on our Public Safety Power Shutoffs page.