Thousands in Utah could be subject to 'public safety power shutoffs' to avoid wildfires
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Households in Utah may be subject someday to the same preventive power outages endured this week by hundreds of thousands of Californians.
"This isn't something that we think is going to be very common or maybe ever, but as wildfires become more of a problem it seems each and every year we want to be ready," said Rocky Mountain Power spokesman Spencer Hall.
Rocky Mountain Power is one of many utilities now in the Western United States with plans in place for what's called "public safety power shutoffs."
The utility has a set of weather conditions including temperature, wind speed and humidity, that will trigger planned outages in areas where transmission lines traverse areas with wildfire danger.
"We have to have one more tool in our tool belt to keep people safe," Hall said.
Power lines were to blame in Northern California for multiple wildfires in 2018, including the Camp Fire in Paradise, which killed 86 people. Those lines were owned by the Pacific Gas & Electric Company, which has since filed for bankruptcy.
Rocky Mountain Power has identified several high-risk areas in its service map, including 7,000 homes spread across Millcreek, Holladay, Park City, Heber and Cedar City.
Joe Dougherty, a spokesperson for the state's Division of Emergency Management, says homeowners should act now to be ready for outages.
"Do you have a family member you can go to who might have power that will be available? Do you have a backup generator at your home?" he said.
Rocky Mountain Power says they've begun public outreach in the specific neighborhoods that could be affected if the right conditions arise.
They advise anyone with power-dependent medical devices to contact the utility now. They can add that information to your file, so they and other first responders are aware of your need should an emergency occur.
Customers will have advance notice of any planned outage and the company doubts it will happen often.