Black Hills Energy Customers West Of Cheyenne Could Face Emergency Shutoff

Black Hills Energy Customers West Of Cheyenne Could Face Emergency Shutoff

Unsplash

Because of a high risk of wildfires in the area, Black Hills Energy has announced that due to a high fire risk, the utility has declared an Emergency Public Safety Power Shutoff [PSPS] Watch for the Harriman and Curt Gowdy areas, west of Cheyenne.

The watch took effect on Jan. 15 at 9 a.m.

What Does The PSPS Watch Mean?

The watch means that Black Hills Energy may shut off power to customers in the Harriman and Curt Gowdy areas towards mid-day on Friday if conditions for a possible fire are severe. The reason for the cut-off would be to make sure the electrical infrastructure doesn't cause a fire.

According to a new release from Black Hills Energy :“The safety of our customers, employees and communities is our highest priority,” said Wes Ashton, vice president of South Dakota and Wyoming Utilities. “Our Emergency Public Safety Power Shutoff program, or PSPS, is a critical tool for wildfire prevention and used as a last-resort measure to protect lives and property and will only be activated in areas with elevated wildfire risk.”

“We recognize that shutting off power, even to reduce wildfire risks, has broad impacts,” said Ashton. “We will do our best to provide as much advance notice as possible if an emergency power shutoff is likely to occur, by issuing a PSPS Warning. If conditions suddenly become hazardous, power may need to be shut off with little or no notice.”

If a shutoff is needed, Black Hills Energy will notify impacted customers through text messages, emails and announcements in local media.

How you can prepare 

  • Keep your contact information up to date with Black Hills Energy so we can provide safety notifications and direct you to our website for helpful tips and resources. Visit blackhillsenergy.com/my-account.     
  • Have a backup plan for medicine that needs to be refrigerated or medical equipment that is powered by electricity. This could mean finding a place to go during an outage or having a backup generator.  
  • Build an emergency kit and plan and share with friends and neighbors.    
  • If you see downed powerlines, stay away and call 911.

Bevy of Semis Fall Victim to Wyoming Wind

Between December 9 and 12 the Wyoming Highway Patrol posted pictures showing the power of Wyoming wind. During the winter months (November through March), winds commonly reach sustained speeds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts often soaring to 50 or 60 mph or more. High wind warnings often cover portions of central Wyoming, with peak gusts sometimes reaching 100 mph or higher.
Filed Under: Black Hills Energy, fire danger, social post
Categories: Articles