Avista warns of potential planned safety power shutoff

SANDPOINT — Due to forecasted high-fire-risk conditions throughout the Inland Northwest, some Avista customers could experience a public safety power shutoff Saturday, Aug. 1. 

While no power shutoff has been implemented at this time, Avista officials said customers should prepare for the possibility of an outage if weather conditions worsen as expected.

If power is shut off to reduce the risk of wildfire, Avista officials said utility crews will not turn it back on until the risk has passed and conditions are safe to do so. Before power can be restored, crews must inspect affected power lines and equipment to ensure it is safe to re-energize them.

Avista officials said daily updates will be issued until the high fire risk has passed or power has been restored. 

"Weather forecasts can change quickly, and decisions about a potential PSPS will become clearer with more accurate forecasts on Saturday," officials said.

A targeted, temporary outage in areas facing severe wildfire risk, a PSPS is a last-resort measure, used only when weather conditions such as high winds and low humidity create a heightened wildfire threat.

What residents should know: 

• Depending on how long high-fire-risk weather conditions last, or if repairs are needed to damaged power lines, power could stay off longer than 24 hours.  

• Residents should plan ahead for the care of their pets and livestock, including access to water, feed, shelter and any equipment that requires electricity.

• Area residents should review emergency plans and make sure everyone in the household knows what to do if the power goes out.

• Avista will continue to monitor high-fire risk conditions and will contact you with further updates. 

• Customers who could be affected by this potential proactive step will receive direct communication.

• To help complete inspections as efficiently and safely as possible, crews may use drones to assess power lines and equipment, including in hard-to-reach areas. Customers may see drones operating near utility infrastructure as part of the restoration process.  

• If residents have a backup generator, officials recommend doing a safety check as well as ensure they have enough fuel to last several days.

• Residents who rely on uninterrupted power for their or a family member's health and safety or need assistance, additional support may be available, officials said.

 Information: myavista.com/PSPS